HONDROS COLLEGE OF NURSING
Practical Nursing Program
NUR 160 — Fundamental Concepts of Practical Nursing II
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Final Exam — Comprehensive Question Bank
H O N D R O S C O L L E G E — E X C E L L E N C E I N N U R S I N G E D U C AT I O N
Question 1
When a patient who has COPD has labored breathing and is noted to be sitting
hunched over the bedside table resting on their forearms, they are in the
orthopneic position.
A. True — This is the orthopneic/tripod position
B. False — This is the Fowler's position
C. This is the supine position
D. This is the lateral position
CORRECT ANSWER A. True — This is the orthopneic/tripod position
RATIONALE
The orthopneic position (or tripod position) is used by patients with respiratory distress
to facilitate breathing. Leaning forward with arms resting on a table or knees allows the
accessory muscles to assist with respiration and improves diaphragmatic excursion.
, Question 2
The LPN is administering insulin to a patient who needs a mixture of regular and
intermittent NPH acting insulin. The following is the proper preparation method
for this task: (Select all that apply)
A. Draw up clear to cloudy
B. Wipe off the top of the insulin vial with alcohol
C. Roll the NPH insulin vial prior to drawing up the insulin
D. Shake the NPH vial vigorously before drawing up
CORRECT ANSWER A, B, C
RATIONALE
Correct insulin mixing: wipe vials with alcohol, roll NPH (cloudy) gently to resuspend (do
not shake), draw up regular (clear) insulin first, then NPH (cloudy). Shaking can denature
insulin and cause inaccurate dosing.
Question 3
A patient who is two days postoperative from a total hip replacement has
complaints of a productive cough, chills, and shortness of breath. Which
interrelated concept would those be a sign and symptom of?
A. Impaired gas exchange
B. Impaired mobility
C. Infection
D. Pain
CORRECT ANSWER A. Impaired gas exchange
RATIONALE
Productive cough, chills, and shortness of breath indicate a respiratory infection
(pneumonia) leading to impaired gas exchange. Postoperative patients are at risk for
atelectasis and pneumonia, especially after hip surgery due to immobility and pain with
deep breathing.
, Question 4
A patient with diabetes mellitus type 1 receives Metformin (Glucophage)
1,000mg by mouth twice a day. You have 500mg on hand. How many tablets will
be administered per day?
A. 2 tablets
B. 3 tablets
C. 4 tablets
D. 5 tablets
CORRECT ANSWER C. 4 tablets
RATIONALE
Each dose: 1000 mg ÷ 500 mg = 2 tablets per dose. Given twice daily = 2 × 2 = 4
tablets per day.
Question 5
When caring for a patient with a fractured hip, which statement by the patient
supports the idea that a pathological fracture has occurred?
A. "I just noticed my hip hurting but I don't remember falling"
B. "I fell down the stairs and now my hip hurts"
C. "I was in a car accident and my hip is painful"
D. "I twisted my hip while getting out of the car"
CORRECT ANSWER
A. "I just noticed my hip hurting but I don't remember falling"
RATIONALE
A pathological fracture occurs from weakened bone (due to cancer, osteoporosis, etc.)
without significant trauma. Sudden onset of pain without a remembered fall or injury
suggests a pathological fracture rather than a traumatic one.
, Question 6
Which assessment finding will the nurse expect to observe if the patient's notes
indicated sanguineous drainage?
A. Bright red drainage which indicates an active bleed
B. Clear watery drainage
C. Thick yellow drainage
D. Pink-tinged drainage
CORRECT ANSWER A. Bright red drainage which indicates an active bleed
RATIONALE
Sanguineous drainage is bright red and indicates active bleeding. Serous drainage is
clear, purulent is thick/yellow, and serosanguineous is pink-tinged. Assessment of
wound drainage helps identify complications.
Question 7
The following statements made by a patient with osteoporosis regarding the use
of Fosamax indicate understanding: (Select all that apply)
A. "I take this medication once a week"
B. "I take the medication with a full glass of water"
C. "I take this medication upon rising in the morning"
D. "I take this medication with my breakfast"
CORRECT ANSWER A, B, C
RATIONALE
Fosamax (alendronate) should be taken once weekly, with a full glass of water, upon
rising in the morning, at least 30 minutes before food or other medications. Taking with
food (D) reduces absorption and is incorrect.
Practical Nursing Program
NUR 160 — Fundamental Concepts of Practical Nursing II
Academic Year: 2026/2027
Final Exam — Comprehensive Question Bank
H O N D R O S C O L L E G E — E X C E L L E N C E I N N U R S I N G E D U C AT I O N
Question 1
When a patient who has COPD has labored breathing and is noted to be sitting
hunched over the bedside table resting on their forearms, they are in the
orthopneic position.
A. True — This is the orthopneic/tripod position
B. False — This is the Fowler's position
C. This is the supine position
D. This is the lateral position
CORRECT ANSWER A. True — This is the orthopneic/tripod position
RATIONALE
The orthopneic position (or tripod position) is used by patients with respiratory distress
to facilitate breathing. Leaning forward with arms resting on a table or knees allows the
accessory muscles to assist with respiration and improves diaphragmatic excursion.
, Question 2
The LPN is administering insulin to a patient who needs a mixture of regular and
intermittent NPH acting insulin. The following is the proper preparation method
for this task: (Select all that apply)
A. Draw up clear to cloudy
B. Wipe off the top of the insulin vial with alcohol
C. Roll the NPH insulin vial prior to drawing up the insulin
D. Shake the NPH vial vigorously before drawing up
CORRECT ANSWER A, B, C
RATIONALE
Correct insulin mixing: wipe vials with alcohol, roll NPH (cloudy) gently to resuspend (do
not shake), draw up regular (clear) insulin first, then NPH (cloudy). Shaking can denature
insulin and cause inaccurate dosing.
Question 3
A patient who is two days postoperative from a total hip replacement has
complaints of a productive cough, chills, and shortness of breath. Which
interrelated concept would those be a sign and symptom of?
A. Impaired gas exchange
B. Impaired mobility
C. Infection
D. Pain
CORRECT ANSWER A. Impaired gas exchange
RATIONALE
Productive cough, chills, and shortness of breath indicate a respiratory infection
(pneumonia) leading to impaired gas exchange. Postoperative patients are at risk for
atelectasis and pneumonia, especially after hip surgery due to immobility and pain with
deep breathing.
, Question 4
A patient with diabetes mellitus type 1 receives Metformin (Glucophage)
1,000mg by mouth twice a day. You have 500mg on hand. How many tablets will
be administered per day?
A. 2 tablets
B. 3 tablets
C. 4 tablets
D. 5 tablets
CORRECT ANSWER C. 4 tablets
RATIONALE
Each dose: 1000 mg ÷ 500 mg = 2 tablets per dose. Given twice daily = 2 × 2 = 4
tablets per day.
Question 5
When caring for a patient with a fractured hip, which statement by the patient
supports the idea that a pathological fracture has occurred?
A. "I just noticed my hip hurting but I don't remember falling"
B. "I fell down the stairs and now my hip hurts"
C. "I was in a car accident and my hip is painful"
D. "I twisted my hip while getting out of the car"
CORRECT ANSWER
A. "I just noticed my hip hurting but I don't remember falling"
RATIONALE
A pathological fracture occurs from weakened bone (due to cancer, osteoporosis, etc.)
without significant trauma. Sudden onset of pain without a remembered fall or injury
suggests a pathological fracture rather than a traumatic one.
, Question 6
Which assessment finding will the nurse expect to observe if the patient's notes
indicated sanguineous drainage?
A. Bright red drainage which indicates an active bleed
B. Clear watery drainage
C. Thick yellow drainage
D. Pink-tinged drainage
CORRECT ANSWER A. Bright red drainage which indicates an active bleed
RATIONALE
Sanguineous drainage is bright red and indicates active bleeding. Serous drainage is
clear, purulent is thick/yellow, and serosanguineous is pink-tinged. Assessment of
wound drainage helps identify complications.
Question 7
The following statements made by a patient with osteoporosis regarding the use
of Fosamax indicate understanding: (Select all that apply)
A. "I take this medication once a week"
B. "I take the medication with a full glass of water"
C. "I take this medication upon rising in the morning"
D. "I take this medication with my breakfast"
CORRECT ANSWER A, B, C
RATIONALE
Fosamax (alendronate) should be taken once weekly, with a full glass of water, upon
rising in the morning, at least 30 minutes before food or other medications. Taking with
food (D) reduces absorption and is incorrect.
