NUR 521 EXAM 4 BLUEPRINT PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | 2026
UPDATED | 100% CORRECT - UNIVERSITY
OF ALABAMA.
1. In a scenario where a patient suddenly exhibits a drop in blood pressure
and increased heart rate, what should the nursing team do in response?
Initiate a rapid response to assess and intervene for the patient's
deteriorating condition.
Document the changes and monitor the patient closely without
intervention.
Wait for the physician to arrive before taking any action.
Administer medication as per the last order without further
assessment.
2. Describe how lifestyle choices can impact a patient's risk for hypertension
and the role of nursing interventions in managing this condition.
Lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise can significantly
impact hypertension risk, and nurses can implement interventions
like dietary education and promoting physical activity.
Lifestyle choices have no impact on hypertension risk, and nurses
should focus solely on medication management.
Lifestyle choices are irrelevant, and nurses should only monitor vital
signs.
Lifestyle choices can only affect diabetes, not hypertension.
3. A patient has been bedridden for several days following surgery. What
,specific strategies would you implement to reduce the risk of DVT in this
patient?
Educate the patient about proper hygiene and nutrition.
Implement leg exercises and use compression devices.
Encourage the patient to remain in bed to conserve energy.
, Increase the patient's fluid intake and monitor their vital signs.
4. A nurse is teaching a group of newly licensed nurses about vital sign
measurements. Which of the following factors should the nurse include in
the teaching?
Caffeine can cause a temporary decrease in pulse rate in
adolescents.
Anxiety can cause a decrease in respiratory rate.
Blood pressure slightly decreases immediately following the use of
nicotine.
Body temperature is typically lower in older adults.
5. The nurse documents that a patient has "urinary frequency, urgency,
nocturia, and dysuria." Which urinary problem usually includes all of these
clinical signs?
Urinary incontinence
Kidney disease
Urinary tract infection
Enlarged prostate gland
6. Nursing care for urinary catheter includes:
prevent urinary tract infection
prevent backflow of urine
encourage fluids
ensure perineal hygiene
all of the above
, 7. Describe the primary purpose of an electrocardiogram in patient
assessment.
To measure blood pressure.
To monitor the electrical activity of the heart.
To assess lung function.
To evaluate kidney function.
8. What is one key intervention a nurse should implement when assisting a
patient with hygiene?
Ensuring privacy for the patient
Monitoring vital signs
Administering medication
Providing nutritional support
9. What is the primary location for assessing the apical pulse?
At the radial artery on the wrist
At the brachial artery in the arm
At the fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line
At the carotid artery in the neck
10. Discuss how vital sign measurements can differ among various age
groups.
Vital sign measurements are consistent across all age groups and
do not vary significantly.
Older adults have lower heart rates and respiratory rates than
younger adults.
Vital signs are only relevant for adults and do not apply to children
or infants.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | 2026
UPDATED | 100% CORRECT - UNIVERSITY
OF ALABAMA.
1. In a scenario where a patient suddenly exhibits a drop in blood pressure
and increased heart rate, what should the nursing team do in response?
Initiate a rapid response to assess and intervene for the patient's
deteriorating condition.
Document the changes and monitor the patient closely without
intervention.
Wait for the physician to arrive before taking any action.
Administer medication as per the last order without further
assessment.
2. Describe how lifestyle choices can impact a patient's risk for hypertension
and the role of nursing interventions in managing this condition.
Lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise can significantly
impact hypertension risk, and nurses can implement interventions
like dietary education and promoting physical activity.
Lifestyle choices have no impact on hypertension risk, and nurses
should focus solely on medication management.
Lifestyle choices are irrelevant, and nurses should only monitor vital
signs.
Lifestyle choices can only affect diabetes, not hypertension.
3. A patient has been bedridden for several days following surgery. What
,specific strategies would you implement to reduce the risk of DVT in this
patient?
Educate the patient about proper hygiene and nutrition.
Implement leg exercises and use compression devices.
Encourage the patient to remain in bed to conserve energy.
, Increase the patient's fluid intake and monitor their vital signs.
4. A nurse is teaching a group of newly licensed nurses about vital sign
measurements. Which of the following factors should the nurse include in
the teaching?
Caffeine can cause a temporary decrease in pulse rate in
adolescents.
Anxiety can cause a decrease in respiratory rate.
Blood pressure slightly decreases immediately following the use of
nicotine.
Body temperature is typically lower in older adults.
5. The nurse documents that a patient has "urinary frequency, urgency,
nocturia, and dysuria." Which urinary problem usually includes all of these
clinical signs?
Urinary incontinence
Kidney disease
Urinary tract infection
Enlarged prostate gland
6. Nursing care for urinary catheter includes:
prevent urinary tract infection
prevent backflow of urine
encourage fluids
ensure perineal hygiene
all of the above
, 7. Describe the primary purpose of an electrocardiogram in patient
assessment.
To measure blood pressure.
To monitor the electrical activity of the heart.
To assess lung function.
To evaluate kidney function.
8. What is one key intervention a nurse should implement when assisting a
patient with hygiene?
Ensuring privacy for the patient
Monitoring vital signs
Administering medication
Providing nutritional support
9. What is the primary location for assessing the apical pulse?
At the radial artery on the wrist
At the brachial artery in the arm
At the fifth intercostal space, midclavicular line
At the carotid artery in the neck
10. Discuss how vital sign measurements can differ among various age
groups.
Vital sign measurements are consistent across all age groups and
do not vary significantly.
Older adults have lower heart rates and respiratory rates than
younger adults.
Vital signs are only relevant for adults and do not apply to children
or infants.
