WGU D444 – Adult Health I Exam
Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf.
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which assessment
finding is the earliest indicator of fluid volume overload?
A. Jugular vein distention
B. Crackles throughout both lungs
C. A sudden increase in daily weight
D. Generalized edema
Rationale: Daily weight is the most sensitive and earliest indicator of
fluid retention in clients with heart failure. A gain of 2–3 lb (0.9–1.4 kg)
in 24 hours or 5 lb (2.3 kg) in one week often indicates worsening fluid
overload before edema or significant lung sounds develop.
2. A client reports crushing substernal chest pain that radiates to the
left arm and jaw. Which action should the nurse perform first?
A. Obtain a complete health history.
B. Administer prescribed morphine.
C. Assess vital signs and obtain a 12-lead ECG.
D. Encourage the client to rest.
,Rationale: Chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome requires
immediate assessment with vital signs and a 12-lead ECG to identify
myocardial ischemia or infarction. Early diagnosis allows prompt
reperfusion therapy and reduces cardiac muscle damage.
3. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has an
oxygen saturation of 87% on room air. What is the nurse's priority
intervention?
A. Encourage vigorous coughing.
B. Administer low-flow oxygen as prescribed.
C. Restrict oral fluids.
D. Place the client in Trendelenburg position.
Rationale: Clients with COPD experiencing hypoxemia require
supplemental oxygen, typically at low flow rates, to improve
oxygenation while minimizing the risk of suppressing respiratory drive.
High Fowler's positioning is also beneficial but oxygen administration is
the priority.
4. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor
in a client receiving warfarin therapy?
A. Platelet count
B. Hemoglobin level
C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D. International normalized ratio (INR)
,Rationale: INR is the standard laboratory test used to monitor warfarin
therapy. Most clients receiving warfarin for common indications require
an INR between 2.0 and 3.0, although target ranges vary by condition.
5. A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus asks why hemoglobin A1C is
measured every few months. What is the best response?
A. It measures today's blood glucose level.
B. It evaluates kidney function.
C. It reflects average blood glucose control over the previous 2 to 3
months.
D. It determines insulin production.
Rationale: Hemoglobin A1C measures the percentage of glycated
hemoglobin and reflects average blood glucose over approximately 8–
12 weeks, making it an excellent indicator of long-term glycemic control.
6. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention in a
client receiving a blood transfusion?
A. Temperature increase of 0.5°F (0.3°C)
B. Mild anxiety
C. Shortness of breath and low back pain
D. Slight elevation in blood pressure
Rationale: Dyspnea and low back pain are classic signs of an acute
hemolytic transfusion reaction. The nurse should immediately stop the
transfusion, maintain IV access with normal saline, notify the provider,
and follow institutional protocols.
, 7. Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with tall,
peaked T waves on an electrocardiogram?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Hyperkalemia causes characteristic ECG changes including
tall, peaked T waves, widening of the QRS complex, and potentially life-
threatening dysrhythmias if untreated.
8. A nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about lifestyle
modifications. Which statement by the client indicates
understanding?
A. "I should avoid all physical activity."
B. "I'll stop taking my medication when my blood pressure improves."
C. "I'll reduce my sodium intake and exercise regularly."
D. "I only need to monitor my blood pressure when I don't feel well."
Rationale: Lifestyle modifications such as reducing sodium intake,
exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and
taking medications consistently are essential components of
hypertension management.
9. Which assessment finding is expected in a client with left-sided
heart failure?
Questions and Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf.
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which assessment
finding is the earliest indicator of fluid volume overload?
A. Jugular vein distention
B. Crackles throughout both lungs
C. A sudden increase in daily weight
D. Generalized edema
Rationale: Daily weight is the most sensitive and earliest indicator of
fluid retention in clients with heart failure. A gain of 2–3 lb (0.9–1.4 kg)
in 24 hours or 5 lb (2.3 kg) in one week often indicates worsening fluid
overload before edema or significant lung sounds develop.
2. A client reports crushing substernal chest pain that radiates to the
left arm and jaw. Which action should the nurse perform first?
A. Obtain a complete health history.
B. Administer prescribed morphine.
C. Assess vital signs and obtain a 12-lead ECG.
D. Encourage the client to rest.
,Rationale: Chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome requires
immediate assessment with vital signs and a 12-lead ECG to identify
myocardial ischemia or infarction. Early diagnosis allows prompt
reperfusion therapy and reduces cardiac muscle damage.
3. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has an
oxygen saturation of 87% on room air. What is the nurse's priority
intervention?
A. Encourage vigorous coughing.
B. Administer low-flow oxygen as prescribed.
C. Restrict oral fluids.
D. Place the client in Trendelenburg position.
Rationale: Clients with COPD experiencing hypoxemia require
supplemental oxygen, typically at low flow rates, to improve
oxygenation while minimizing the risk of suppressing respiratory drive.
High Fowler's positioning is also beneficial but oxygen administration is
the priority.
4. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor
in a client receiving warfarin therapy?
A. Platelet count
B. Hemoglobin level
C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D. International normalized ratio (INR)
,Rationale: INR is the standard laboratory test used to monitor warfarin
therapy. Most clients receiving warfarin for common indications require
an INR between 2.0 and 3.0, although target ranges vary by condition.
5. A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus asks why hemoglobin A1C is
measured every few months. What is the best response?
A. It measures today's blood glucose level.
B. It evaluates kidney function.
C. It reflects average blood glucose control over the previous 2 to 3
months.
D. It determines insulin production.
Rationale: Hemoglobin A1C measures the percentage of glycated
hemoglobin and reflects average blood glucose over approximately 8–
12 weeks, making it an excellent indicator of long-term glycemic control.
6. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention in a
client receiving a blood transfusion?
A. Temperature increase of 0.5°F (0.3°C)
B. Mild anxiety
C. Shortness of breath and low back pain
D. Slight elevation in blood pressure
Rationale: Dyspnea and low back pain are classic signs of an acute
hemolytic transfusion reaction. The nurse should immediately stop the
transfusion, maintain IV access with normal saline, notify the provider,
and follow institutional protocols.
, 7. Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with tall,
peaked T waves on an electrocardiogram?
A. Hyponatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Hyperkalemia causes characteristic ECG changes including
tall, peaked T waves, widening of the QRS complex, and potentially life-
threatening dysrhythmias if untreated.
8. A nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about lifestyle
modifications. Which statement by the client indicates
understanding?
A. "I should avoid all physical activity."
B. "I'll stop taking my medication when my blood pressure improves."
C. "I'll reduce my sodium intake and exercise regularly."
D. "I only need to monitor my blood pressure when I don't feel well."
Rationale: Lifestyle modifications such as reducing sodium intake,
exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and
taking medications consistently are essential components of
hypertension management.
9. Which assessment finding is expected in a client with left-sided
heart failure?
