Page 1 of 145
WGU D446 – Adult Health I Objective Assessment
Exam QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES JUST RELEASED
WGU D446 – Adult Health I Objective Assessment Exam
.
10 Most Tested Coverage Areas
1. Cardiovascular Disorders - Hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, myocardial
infarction, dysrhythmias, peripheral vascular disease, and nursing management
2. Respiratory Disorders - COPD, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, tuberculosis, and
oxygenation interventions
3. Fluid, Electrolyte, & Acid-Base Balance - Dehydration, fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances,
ABG interpretation, and nursing interventions
4. Renal & Urinary Disorders - Acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), UTIs,
dialysis, and urinary elimination
5. Gastrointestinal Disorders - GERD, peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
diverticulitis, cirrhosis, and nutritional support
6. Endocrine Disorders - Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & 2), thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency,
and glycemic management
7. Hematologic Disorders - Anemias, sickle cell crisis, clotting disorders, and blood transfusion
therapy
8. Neurological Disorders - Stroke, seizures, Parkinson's disease, head injury, and neurological
assessment
9. Pharmacology - Common medications for each body system including cardiovascular,
respiratory, and endocrine drugs
10. Nursing Process & Clinical Judgment - Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and
evaluation across all systems
Question 1
A patient with heart failure is exhibiting dyspnea, crackles in the lung bases, and peripheral edema.
Which medication is the first-line treatment to reduce fluid volume overload in this patient?
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A) Digoxin
B) Furosemide (Lasix)
C) Lisinopril
D) Metoprolol
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that is the first-line treatment for reducing fluid volume in heart
failure. Digoxin is used for inotropic support, and ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers are used for long-term
management .
Question 2
The nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which of the following
interventions is the priority for this patient?
A) Administer oral potassium supplements
B) Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
C) Encourage potassium-rich foods
D) Restrict all oral fluids
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Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia (K⁺ >5.0 mEq/L) can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Cardiac
monitoring is the priority. Potassium supplements would worsen the condition .
Question 3
A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which is the most important
consideration when administering oxygen to this patient?
A) Ensure the oxygen is humidified
B) Monitor for carbon dioxide retention
C) Increase the flow rate to 4 L/min
D) Administer oxygen only at night
Answer: B
Rationale: Patients with COPD may have a hypoxic drive, and excessive oxygen can suppress their
respiratory drive leading to CO₂ retention and respiratory failure. The flow rate should be adjusted
carefully .
Question 4
A patient with a history of GERD reports frequent heartburn. Which of the following should the nurse
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include in patient teaching to manage this condition?
A) Lie down immediately after meals
B) Eat large meals to decrease stomach acid
C) Avoid fatty and spicy foods
D) Drink coffee with meals
Answer: C
Rationale: Avoiding fatty and spicy foods, eating small frequent meals, and remaining upright after
meals are recommended for managing GERD. Lying down after meals and consuming large meals
worsen symptoms .
Question 5
A patient is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and prescribed metformin. The nurse should monitor for
which potential adverse effect of this medication?
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Weight gain
C) Lactic acidosis
D) Hyperkalemia
WGU D446 – Adult Health I Objective Assessment
Exam QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH
RATIONALES JUST RELEASED
WGU D446 – Adult Health I Objective Assessment Exam
.
10 Most Tested Coverage Areas
1. Cardiovascular Disorders - Hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, myocardial
infarction, dysrhythmias, peripheral vascular disease, and nursing management
2. Respiratory Disorders - COPD, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, tuberculosis, and
oxygenation interventions
3. Fluid, Electrolyte, & Acid-Base Balance - Dehydration, fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances,
ABG interpretation, and nursing interventions
4. Renal & Urinary Disorders - Acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), UTIs,
dialysis, and urinary elimination
5. Gastrointestinal Disorders - GERD, peptic ulcer disease, inflammatory bowel disease,
diverticulitis, cirrhosis, and nutritional support
6. Endocrine Disorders - Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & 2), thyroid disorders, adrenal insufficiency,
and glycemic management
7. Hematologic Disorders - Anemias, sickle cell crisis, clotting disorders, and blood transfusion
therapy
8. Neurological Disorders - Stroke, seizures, Parkinson's disease, head injury, and neurological
assessment
9. Pharmacology - Common medications for each body system including cardiovascular,
respiratory, and endocrine drugs
10. Nursing Process & Clinical Judgment - Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and
evaluation across all systems
Question 1
A patient with heart failure is exhibiting dyspnea, crackles in the lung bases, and peripheral edema.
Which medication is the first-line treatment to reduce fluid volume overload in this patient?
, Page 2 of 145
A) Digoxin
B) Furosemide (Lasix)
C) Lisinopril
D) Metoprolol
Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that is the first-line treatment for reducing fluid volume in heart
failure. Digoxin is used for inotropic support, and ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers are used for long-term
management .
Question 2
The nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which of the following
interventions is the priority for this patient?
A) Administer oral potassium supplements
B) Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
C) Encourage potassium-rich foods
D) Restrict all oral fluids
, Page 3 of 145
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia (K⁺ >5.0 mEq/L) can cause life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Cardiac
monitoring is the priority. Potassium supplements would worsen the condition .
Question 3
A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which is the most important
consideration when administering oxygen to this patient?
A) Ensure the oxygen is humidified
B) Monitor for carbon dioxide retention
C) Increase the flow rate to 4 L/min
D) Administer oxygen only at night
Answer: B
Rationale: Patients with COPD may have a hypoxic drive, and excessive oxygen can suppress their
respiratory drive leading to CO₂ retention and respiratory failure. The flow rate should be adjusted
carefully .
Question 4
A patient with a history of GERD reports frequent heartburn. Which of the following should the nurse
, Page 4 of 145
include in patient teaching to manage this condition?
A) Lie down immediately after meals
B) Eat large meals to decrease stomach acid
C) Avoid fatty and spicy foods
D) Drink coffee with meals
Answer: C
Rationale: Avoiding fatty and spicy foods, eating small frequent meals, and remaining upright after
meals are recommended for managing GERD. Lying down after meals and consuming large meals
worsen symptoms .
Question 5
A patient is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and prescribed metformin. The nurse should monitor for
which potential adverse effect of this medication?
A) Hypoglycemia
B) Weight gain
C) Lactic acidosis
D) Hyperkalemia
