KAPLAN READINESS ASSESSMENT B QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
|LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027.
Core Domains:
1. Foundational Nursing Theory and Concepts
2. Pharmacology and Medication Administration
3. Medical-Surgical Nursing
4. Maternal-Newborn Nursing
5. Pediatric Nursing
6. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
7. Community and Public Health Nursing
8. Leadership, Management, and Delegation
9. Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Compliance
10. Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision-Making
,Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the readiness of nursing candidates for professional practice
across multiple healthcare settings. The assessment evaluates foundational knowledge, clinical judgment, and the
application of evidence-based practice in complex patient care scenarios. Candidates will demonstrate proficiency
in pharmacological principles, disease management, patient safety protocols, and ethical decision-making. The
examination consists of multiple-choice questions that simulate real-world clinical situations, requiring critical
analysis and prioritization of care. Each question is constructed to evaluate the integration of theoretical
knowledge with practical application, ensuring candidates are prepared to deliver safe, competent, and
compassionate care in today's dynamic healthcare environment.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
Question 1
A 68-year-old male patient with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus is admitted with chest
pain. His blood pressure is 158/92 mmHg, heart rate is 94 bpm, and respiratory rate is 20 breaths/min. An
electrocardiogram shows ST-segment elevation in leads V1-V4. Which medication should the nurse anticipate
administering first?
A. Morphine sulfate
B. Nitroglycerin sublingual
,C. Aspirin 324 mg chewable
D. Oxygen 2 L/min via nasal cannula
🟢 C. Aspirin 324 mg chewable
🔴 RATIONALE: Aspirin is the priority intervention for suspected acute myocardial infarction because it reduces
mortality by inhibiting platelet aggregation and preventing further thrombus formation. While morphine,
nitroglycerin, and oxygen are also indicated, aspirin should be administered immediately upon suspicion of
STEMI unless contraindicated. Current guidelines recommend chewable aspirin for rapid absorption.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via
nasal cannula. The patient's arterial blood gas results show: pH 7.31, PaCO2 58 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L, and
PaO2 72 mmHg. Which interpretation of these results is correct?
A. Metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation
B. Respiratory acidosis with no compensation
C. Respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation
D. Mixed metabolic and respiratory acidosis
🟢 C. Respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation
🔴 RATIONALE: The ABG results show pH below normal (7.35-7.45), PaCO2 above normal (35-45 mmHg), and
HCO3 within normal range (22-26 mEq/L). This indicates respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation, as
, the kidneys have not yet had sufficient time to increase bicarbonate levels. The elevated PaCO2 reflects
inadequate ventilation, consistent with the patient's COPD diagnosis.
Question 3
A postoperative patient reports sudden onset of shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, and hemoptysis. The
nurse notes tachycardia, tachypnea, and decreased oxygen saturation to 88% on room air. Which intervention
should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer prescribed anticoagulant therapy
B. Apply oxygen via non-rebreather mask
C. Position the patient in high-Fowler's position
D. Prepare for emergency chest tube insertion
🟢 B. Apply oxygen via non-rebreather mask
🔴 RATIONALE: The patient is exhibiting signs of a pulmonary embolism with acute respiratory distress. The
immediate priority is to correct hypoxemia by administering high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask to
maintain SpO2 above 90%. While anticoagulation and positioning are important interventions, oxygenation
takes priority in the initial management of respiratory compromise.
Question 4
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A
|LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027.
Core Domains:
1. Foundational Nursing Theory and Concepts
2. Pharmacology and Medication Administration
3. Medical-Surgical Nursing
4. Maternal-Newborn Nursing
5. Pediatric Nursing
6. Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing
7. Community and Public Health Nursing
8. Leadership, Management, and Delegation
9. Legal, Ethical, and Regulatory Compliance
10. Critical Thinking and Clinical Decision-Making
,Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to assess the readiness of nursing candidates for professional practice
across multiple healthcare settings. The assessment evaluates foundational knowledge, clinical judgment, and the
application of evidence-based practice in complex patient care scenarios. Candidates will demonstrate proficiency
in pharmacological principles, disease management, patient safety protocols, and ethical decision-making. The
examination consists of multiple-choice questions that simulate real-world clinical situations, requiring critical
analysis and prioritization of care. Each question is constructed to evaluate the integration of theoretical
knowledge with practical application, ensuring candidates are prepared to deliver safe, competent, and
compassionate care in today's dynamic healthcare environment.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1-100
Question 1
A 68-year-old male patient with a history of hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus is admitted with chest
pain. His blood pressure is 158/92 mmHg, heart rate is 94 bpm, and respiratory rate is 20 breaths/min. An
electrocardiogram shows ST-segment elevation in leads V1-V4. Which medication should the nurse anticipate
administering first?
A. Morphine sulfate
B. Nitroglycerin sublingual
,C. Aspirin 324 mg chewable
D. Oxygen 2 L/min via nasal cannula
🟢 C. Aspirin 324 mg chewable
🔴 RATIONALE: Aspirin is the priority intervention for suspected acute myocardial infarction because it reduces
mortality by inhibiting platelet aggregation and preventing further thrombus formation. While morphine,
nitroglycerin, and oxygen are also indicated, aspirin should be administered immediately upon suspicion of
STEMI unless contraindicated. Current guidelines recommend chewable aspirin for rapid absorption.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via
nasal cannula. The patient's arterial blood gas results show: pH 7.31, PaCO2 58 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L, and
PaO2 72 mmHg. Which interpretation of these results is correct?
A. Metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation
B. Respiratory acidosis with no compensation
C. Respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation
D. Mixed metabolic and respiratory acidosis
🟢 C. Respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation
🔴 RATIONALE: The ABG results show pH below normal (7.35-7.45), PaCO2 above normal (35-45 mmHg), and
HCO3 within normal range (22-26 mEq/L). This indicates respiratory acidosis with metabolic compensation, as
, the kidneys have not yet had sufficient time to increase bicarbonate levels. The elevated PaCO2 reflects
inadequate ventilation, consistent with the patient's COPD diagnosis.
Question 3
A postoperative patient reports sudden onset of shortness of breath, pleuritic chest pain, and hemoptysis. The
nurse notes tachycardia, tachypnea, and decreased oxygen saturation to 88% on room air. Which intervention
should the nurse implement first?
A. Administer prescribed anticoagulant therapy
B. Apply oxygen via non-rebreather mask
C. Position the patient in high-Fowler's position
D. Prepare for emergency chest tube insertion
🟢 B. Apply oxygen via non-rebreather mask
🔴 RATIONALE: The patient is exhibiting signs of a pulmonary embolism with acute respiratory distress. The
immediate priority is to correct hypoxemia by administering high-flow oxygen via non-rebreather mask to
maintain SpO2 above 90%. While anticoagulation and positioning are important interventions, oxygenation
takes priority in the initial management of respiratory compromise.
Question 4
