Examination | NEWEST EXAM 2026-2027 |
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS |
1. A nurse is caring for a client admitted with heart failure who reports increasing
shortness of breath when lying flat. Which finding should the nurse identify as the highest
priority?
A. Bilateral ankle edema
B. Orthopnea requiring three pillows
C. Weight gain of 1 lb (0.45 kg) overnight
D. Fatigue after walking
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Orthopnea requiring three pillows
RATIONALE:
B. Orthopnea requiring three pillows is correct because worsening orthopnea indicates
increasing pulmonary congestion and impaired oxygenation, requiring prompt nursing
assessment and intervention.
2. A nurse reviews laboratory results for a client receiving intravenous heparin. Which
result requires immediate intervention?
A. Hemoglobin 13.8 g/dL
B. Platelet count 48,000/mm³
C. Sodium 139 mEq/L
D. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Platelet count 48,000/mm³
RATIONALE:
B. Platelet count 48,000/mm³ is correct because severe thrombocytopenia in a client receiving
heparin may indicate heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a potentially life-threatening
complication requiring immediate evaluation.
,3. A nurse is assessing a client one hour after a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding
requires immediate action?
A. Hoarse voice
B. Blood pressure 138/84 mm Hg
C. Frequent swallowing
D. Pain rating of 5 on a 0–10 scale
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Frequent swallowing
RATIONALE:
C. Frequent swallowing is correct because it may indicate bleeding at the surgical site, placing
the client at risk for airway compromise.
4. A nurse is caring for a client receiving a blood transfusion. Fifteen minutes after
initiation, the client develops chills, fever, and low back pain. What is the nurse's first
action?
A. Increase the infusion rate.
B. Stop the blood transfusion immediately.
C. Administer acetaminophen.
D. Notify the laboratory before assessing the client.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Stop the blood transfusion immediately.
RATIONALE:
B. Stop the blood transfusion immediately is correct because these findings suggest an acute
transfusion reaction, and stopping the transfusion is the priority to prevent further complications.
5. A client with diabetes mellitus becomes confused and diaphoretic. The bedside blood
glucose level is 42 mg/dL. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer a rapid-acting carbohydrate.
, B. Notify the healthcare provider.
C. Obtain another blood glucose reading.
D. Administer long-acting insulin.
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Administer a rapid-acting carbohydrate.
RATIONALE:
A. Administer a rapid-acting carbohydrate is correct because symptomatic hypoglycemia
requires immediate treatment to restore blood glucose levels and prevent neurological injury.
6. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected bacterial meningitis. Which finding should
the nurse expect?
A. Bradycardia and hypothermia
B. Nuchal rigidity and photophobia
C. Polyuria and polydipsia
D. Bilateral lower extremity edema
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Nuchal rigidity and photophobia
RATIONALE:
B. Nuchal rigidity and photophobia are correct because they are classic manifestations of
meningeal irritation associated with bacterial meningitis.
7. A nurse is caring for a client immediately following abdominal surgery. Which
assessment finding requires the most urgent intervention?
A. Pain rated 7 out of 10
B. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air
C. Temperature of 99.1°F (37.3°C)
D. Heart rate of 96 beats/min
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Oxygen saturation of 88% on room air