KAPLAN COMPREHENSIVE NURSING EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
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Core Domains
Nursing Fundamentals and Basic Care
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Pharmacology and Medication Administration
Pediatric Nursing
Obstetric and Newborn Nursing
Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
Community Health and Public Health Nursing
Ethics, Legal Issues, and Professional Standards
Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards
Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision-Making
This comprehensive nursing exam is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment essential for safe and effective nursing
practice. The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate competency across multiple domains of nursing care, including foundational theory,
applied professional knowledge, regulatory and legal compliance, ethics, and real-world clinical scenarios. The exam consists of 100 multiple-
choice questions that are scenario-based and emphasize critical thinking and decision-making abilities. Each question challenges the candidate to
apply nursing principles to practical situations, reflecting the complexities of real-world healthcare environments. Success on this exam
demonstrates readiness to deliver high-quality patient care while adhering to professional standards and regulatory requirements.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient who has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The patient asks, "How long do I have?" What is the most
appropriate initial response by the nurse?
A. "I cannot answer that question; you should ask your doctor."
B. "The doctor will be here soon to discuss your prognosis."
C. "I hear that you're worried about how much time you have left."
D. "Most patients with this diagnosis live about six months."
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Option C uses therapeutic communication by acknowledging the patient's feelings and opening the door for further discussion.
This response validates the patient's emotional state without providing medical information the nurse cannot verify. Options A and B deflect the
conversation, while D provides specific medical information that may be inaccurate and is outside the nurse's scope.
Question 2
Which action should a nurse take first when administering a medication through a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)?
A. Flush the line with 10 mL of normal saline
B. Verify the patient's identity using two identifiers
C. Check the medication against the prescription
D. Assess the PICC site for signs of infection
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Patient safety is paramount, and verifying identity using two identifiers is the first step before any medication administration to
prevent errors. While checking the medication (C), flushing the line (A), and assessing the site (D) are all important, they come after confirming you
are treating the correct patient.
,Question 3
A patient with diabetes mellitus has a blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL. The patient is conscious but confused. What is the most appropriate
intervention?
A. Administer 1 ampule of dextrose 50% intravenously
B. Give 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate orally
C. Administer 1 unit of regular insulin subcutaneously
D. Provide 4 ounces of water and monitor
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: For a conscious patient with hypoglycemia (blood glucose <70 mg/dL), the standard treatment is 15 grams of fast-acting
carbohydrate orally (e.g., glucose tablets, regular soda, or fruit juice). IV dextrose (A) is used for unconscious patients. Insulin (C) would worsen
hypoglycemia, and water (D) does not address the low glucose.
Question 4
Which vital sign finding in a postoperative patient requires immediate notification of the surgeon?
A. Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg
B. Heart rate 58 beats/min
C. Oxygen saturation 91% on room air
D. Temperature 38.2°C (100.8°F)
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Oxygen saturation of 91% indicates hypoxemia and requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory compromise. This is
particularly concerning in postoperative patients who may have atelectasis or pulmonary complications. While temperature (D) suggests possible
infection, it's less immediately dangerous than hypoxemia. BP (A) is normal, and HR 58 (B) may be acceptable in some patients.
, Question 5
A nurse is teaching a patient about warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the medication?
A. "I will take aspirin for headaches instead of ibuprofen."
B. "I will use a soft toothbrush and avoid flossing."
C. "I will eat more green leafy vegetables for better health."
D. "I will stop the medication if I notice bruising."
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Warfarin increases bleeding risk, so using a soft toothbrush and avoiding flossing helps prevent bleeding from the gums. Option A
is incorrect because aspirin also increases bleeding risk. Option C is wrong because green leafy vegetables contain vitamin K, which antagonizes
warfarin. Option D is dangerous—patients should not stop warfarin without consulting their provider.
Question 6
Which assessment finding is most concerning in a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism?
A. Dyspnea and chest pain
B. Heart rate of 128 beats/min
C. Oxygen saturation of 88%
D. Mild cough with clearing
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Oxygen saturation of 88% indicates significant hypoxemia, which is the most Immediate concern in pulmonary embolism as it can
lead to respiratory failure. While dyspnea, chest pain (A), and tachycardia (B) are common symptoms, hypoxemia requires immediate intervention
with oxygen and possible advanced treatments.
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Nursing Fundamentals and Basic Care
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Pharmacology and Medication Administration
Pediatric Nursing
Obstetric and Newborn Nursing
Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing
Community Health and Public Health Nursing
Ethics, Legal Issues, and Professional Standards
Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards
Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision-Making
This comprehensive nursing exam is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment essential for safe and effective nursing
practice. The purpose of this assessment is to evaluate competency across multiple domains of nursing care, including foundational theory,
applied professional knowledge, regulatory and legal compliance, ethics, and real-world clinical scenarios. The exam consists of 100 multiple-
choice questions that are scenario-based and emphasize critical thinking and decision-making abilities. Each question challenges the candidate to
apply nursing principles to practical situations, reflecting the complexities of real-world healthcare environments. Success on this exam
demonstrates readiness to deliver high-quality patient care while adhering to professional standards and regulatory requirements.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient who has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The patient asks, "How long do I have?" What is the most
appropriate initial response by the nurse?
A. "I cannot answer that question; you should ask your doctor."
B. "The doctor will be here soon to discuss your prognosis."
C. "I hear that you're worried about how much time you have left."
D. "Most patients with this diagnosis live about six months."
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Option C uses therapeutic communication by acknowledging the patient's feelings and opening the door for further discussion.
This response validates the patient's emotional state without providing medical information the nurse cannot verify. Options A and B deflect the
conversation, while D provides specific medical information that may be inaccurate and is outside the nurse's scope.
Question 2
Which action should a nurse take first when administering a medication through a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)?
A. Flush the line with 10 mL of normal saline
B. Verify the patient's identity using two identifiers
C. Check the medication against the prescription
D. Assess the PICC site for signs of infection
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Patient safety is paramount, and verifying identity using two identifiers is the first step before any medication administration to
prevent errors. While checking the medication (C), flushing the line (A), and assessing the site (D) are all important, they come after confirming you
are treating the correct patient.
,Question 3
A patient with diabetes mellitus has a blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL. The patient is conscious but confused. What is the most appropriate
intervention?
A. Administer 1 ampule of dextrose 50% intravenously
B. Give 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate orally
C. Administer 1 unit of regular insulin subcutaneously
D. Provide 4 ounces of water and monitor
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: For a conscious patient with hypoglycemia (blood glucose <70 mg/dL), the standard treatment is 15 grams of fast-acting
carbohydrate orally (e.g., glucose tablets, regular soda, or fruit juice). IV dextrose (A) is used for unconscious patients. Insulin (C) would worsen
hypoglycemia, and water (D) does not address the low glucose.
Question 4
Which vital sign finding in a postoperative patient requires immediate notification of the surgeon?
A. Blood pressure 110/70 mmHg
B. Heart rate 58 beats/min
C. Oxygen saturation 91% on room air
D. Temperature 38.2°C (100.8°F)
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Oxygen saturation of 91% indicates hypoxemia and requires immediate intervention to prevent respiratory compromise. This is
particularly concerning in postoperative patients who may have atelectasis or pulmonary complications. While temperature (D) suggests possible
infection, it's less immediately dangerous than hypoxemia. BP (A) is normal, and HR 58 (B) may be acceptable in some patients.
, Question 5
A nurse is teaching a patient about warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the medication?
A. "I will take aspirin for headaches instead of ibuprofen."
B. "I will use a soft toothbrush and avoid flossing."
C. "I will eat more green leafy vegetables for better health."
D. "I will stop the medication if I notice bruising."
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Warfarin increases bleeding risk, so using a soft toothbrush and avoiding flossing helps prevent bleeding from the gums. Option A
is incorrect because aspirin also increases bleeding risk. Option C is wrong because green leafy vegetables contain vitamin K, which antagonizes
warfarin. Option D is dangerous—patients should not stop warfarin without consulting their provider.
Question 6
Which assessment finding is most concerning in a patient with suspected pulmonary embolism?
A. Dyspnea and chest pain
B. Heart rate of 128 beats/min
C. Oxygen saturation of 88%
D. Mild cough with clearing
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Oxygen saturation of 88% indicates significant hypoxemia, which is the most Immediate concern in pulmonary embolism as it can
lead to respiratory failure. While dyspnea, chest pain (A), and tachycardia (B) are common symptoms, hypoxemia requires immediate intervention
with oxygen and possible advanced treatments.
