NURS 684 Final Exam 2026 Version 3 | West Coast
University Comprehensive Nursing Practice Questions with
Answers and Detailed Rationales With 50+ QA and
Rationales
Question 1
A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for an individual admitted with
dehydration. Which laboratory value is most consistent with dehydration?
A. Hematocrit of 54%
B. Sodium level of 134 mEq/L
C. Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
D. Blood glucose of 92 mg/dL
Correct Answer✅:
A. Hematocrit of 54%
Rationale:
Dehydration reduces plasma volume, resulting in hemoconcentration and an
elevated hematocrit. This finding is commonly accompanied by increased blood
urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum osmolality.
,Question 2
A nurse is caring for an individual receiving intravenous furosemide. Which
electrolyte imbalance requires close monitoring?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer✅:
C. Hypokalemia
Rationale:
Loop diuretics such as furosemide increase urinary potassium excretion, placing
individuals at risk for hypokalemia. Low potassium can contribute to muscle
weakness and potentially life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
Question 3
Which assessment finding should be reported immediately following
administration of an opioid analgesic?
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
B. Mild nausea after eating
C. Pain score decreasing from 8 to 4
D. Dry mouth
Correct Answer✅:
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
, Rationale:
Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect associated with opioid
medications. Immediate assessment and intervention are required to prevent
respiratory failure.
Question 4
A nurse is reinforcing education about type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which statement
indicates correct understanding?
A. "I should inspect my feet every day."
B. "I'll stop taking my medication when my glucose is normal."
C. "Exercise has little effect on blood glucose."
D. "Only sugary foods increase blood glucose."
Correct Answer✅:
A. "I should inspect my feet every day."
Rationale:
Peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation increase the risk of foot injuries and
infections in diabetes. Daily foot inspection helps identify problems early and
prevent complications.
Question 5
Which assessment finding is most consistent with left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular venous distention
University Comprehensive Nursing Practice Questions with
Answers and Detailed Rationales With 50+ QA and
Rationales
Question 1
A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for an individual admitted with
dehydration. Which laboratory value is most consistent with dehydration?
A. Hematocrit of 54%
B. Sodium level of 134 mEq/L
C. Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
D. Blood glucose of 92 mg/dL
Correct Answer✅:
A. Hematocrit of 54%
Rationale:
Dehydration reduces plasma volume, resulting in hemoconcentration and an
elevated hematocrit. This finding is commonly accompanied by increased blood
urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum osmolality.
,Question 2
A nurse is caring for an individual receiving intravenous furosemide. Which
electrolyte imbalance requires close monitoring?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer✅:
C. Hypokalemia
Rationale:
Loop diuretics such as furosemide increase urinary potassium excretion, placing
individuals at risk for hypokalemia. Low potassium can contribute to muscle
weakness and potentially life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
Question 3
Which assessment finding should be reported immediately following
administration of an opioid analgesic?
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
B. Mild nausea after eating
C. Pain score decreasing from 8 to 4
D. Dry mouth
Correct Answer✅:
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/minute
, Rationale:
Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect associated with opioid
medications. Immediate assessment and intervention are required to prevent
respiratory failure.
Question 4
A nurse is reinforcing education about type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which statement
indicates correct understanding?
A. "I should inspect my feet every day."
B. "I'll stop taking my medication when my glucose is normal."
C. "Exercise has little effect on blood glucose."
D. "Only sugary foods increase blood glucose."
Correct Answer✅:
A. "I should inspect my feet every day."
Rationale:
Peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation increase the risk of foot injuries and
infections in diabetes. Daily foot inspection helps identify problems early and
prevent complications.
Question 5
Which assessment finding is most consistent with left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular venous distention
