BSN3A Adult Health Nursing Exam Practice
Questions & [Verified Answers], Plus
Explained Rationales|2026 Latest Update|
Instant Download PDF
1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
receiving oxygen therapy. Which oxygen-delivery method is most
appropriate when a precise oxygen concentration is required?
A. Nonrebreather mask
B. Simple face mask
C. Venturi mask
D. Partial-rebreather mask
Rationale: The Venturi mask delivers a precise, controlled fraction of
inspired oxygen and is particularly useful for clients with COPD who
may be sensitive to excessive oxygen administration.
2. A client with heart failure suddenly develops severe dyspnea,
crackles throughout both lung fields, and pink, frothy sputum.
Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Acute pulmonary edema
C. Pleural effusion
D. Pneumothorax
Rationale: Acute pulmonary edema occurs when fluid rapidly
accumulates in the alveoli, producing severe respiratory distress,
crackles, and classically pink, frothy sputum.
1|Page
, 3. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a client
experiencing an acute myocardial infarction?
A. Heart rate of 88 beats/min
B. Blood pressure of 138/82 mmHg
C. Mild nausea
D. New onset of ventricular dysrhythmia
Rationale: Ventricular dysrhythmias can rapidly compromise cardiac
output and are potentially life-threatening complications of acute
myocardial infarction.
4. A client with left-sided heart failure is being assessed by the
nurse. Which finding is most consistent with this condition?
A. Peripheral edema only
B. Ascites
C. Crackles and pulmonary congestion
D. Enlarged liver
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the
pulmonary circulation, resulting in pulmonary congestion, crackles,
dyspnea, and orthopnea.
5. A client with pneumonia has a temperature of 39.2°C (102.6°F),
respiratory rate of 30/min, and oxygen saturation of 88%. Which
intervention has the highest priority?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Administer an antipyretic
C. Apply prescribed oxygen
D. Obtain a sputum specimen
2|Page
,Rationale: The client's oxygen saturation indicates impaired
oxygenation. Supporting airway and breathing takes priority before
less urgent interventions.
6. Which finding is characteristic of emphysema?
A. Productive cough with copious sputum
B. Barrel-shaped chest and prolonged expiration
C. Sudden pleuritic chest pain
D. Hemoptysis with fever
Rationale: Emphysema involves destruction of alveolar walls and air
trapping, commonly producing a barrel chest, prolonged expiration,
and increased work of breathing.
7. A client with asthma develops wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Which medication should the nurse expect to administer for rapid
relief?
A. Montelukast
B. Fluticasone
C. Albuterol
D. Salmeterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist that
rapidly produces bronchodilation during an acute asthma
exacerbation.
8. A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary embolism. Which
assessment finding is most characteristic?
A. Gradual onset of bilateral ankle edema
B. Sudden dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain
C. Productive cough for several weeks
D. Bradycardia and hypertension
3|Page
, Rationale: Pulmonary embolism commonly presents suddenly with
dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and sometimes hypoxemia.
9. Which intervention is appropriate for a client with deep-vein
thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Massage the affected leg
B. Encourage vigorous exercise
C. Administer prescribed anticoagulant therapy
D. Apply continuous vigorous compression
Rationale: Anticoagulants prevent extension of the thrombus and
reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism. The affected extremity should
not be massaged because this may dislodge the clot.
10. A client with hypertension asks which lifestyle modification
can help reduce blood pressure. Which response is most
appropriate?
A. Increase sodium intake
B. Avoid physical activity
C. Follow a heart-healthy diet and maintain regular physical activity
D. Increase saturated-fat consumption
Rationale: Dietary approaches such as the DASH diet, sodium
reduction, healthy weight management, and regular physical activity
can help control blood pressure.
11. A client with diabetes mellitus is confused, diaphoretic, and
trembling. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Diabetic ketoacidosis
4|Page
Questions & [Verified Answers], Plus
Explained Rationales|2026 Latest Update|
Instant Download PDF
1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
receiving oxygen therapy. Which oxygen-delivery method is most
appropriate when a precise oxygen concentration is required?
A. Nonrebreather mask
B. Simple face mask
C. Venturi mask
D. Partial-rebreather mask
Rationale: The Venturi mask delivers a precise, controlled fraction of
inspired oxygen and is particularly useful for clients with COPD who
may be sensitive to excessive oxygen administration.
2. A client with heart failure suddenly develops severe dyspnea,
crackles throughout both lung fields, and pink, frothy sputum.
Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Acute pulmonary edema
C. Pleural effusion
D. Pneumothorax
Rationale: Acute pulmonary edema occurs when fluid rapidly
accumulates in the alveoli, producing severe respiratory distress,
crackles, and classically pink, frothy sputum.
1|Page
, 3. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a client
experiencing an acute myocardial infarction?
A. Heart rate of 88 beats/min
B. Blood pressure of 138/82 mmHg
C. Mild nausea
D. New onset of ventricular dysrhythmia
Rationale: Ventricular dysrhythmias can rapidly compromise cardiac
output and are potentially life-threatening complications of acute
myocardial infarction.
4. A client with left-sided heart failure is being assessed by the
nurse. Which finding is most consistent with this condition?
A. Peripheral edema only
B. Ascites
C. Crackles and pulmonary congestion
D. Enlarged liver
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the
pulmonary circulation, resulting in pulmonary congestion, crackles,
dyspnea, and orthopnea.
5. A client with pneumonia has a temperature of 39.2°C (102.6°F),
respiratory rate of 30/min, and oxygen saturation of 88%. Which
intervention has the highest priority?
A. Encourage oral fluids
B. Administer an antipyretic
C. Apply prescribed oxygen
D. Obtain a sputum specimen
2|Page
,Rationale: The client's oxygen saturation indicates impaired
oxygenation. Supporting airway and breathing takes priority before
less urgent interventions.
6. Which finding is characteristic of emphysema?
A. Productive cough with copious sputum
B. Barrel-shaped chest and prolonged expiration
C. Sudden pleuritic chest pain
D. Hemoptysis with fever
Rationale: Emphysema involves destruction of alveolar walls and air
trapping, commonly producing a barrel chest, prolonged expiration,
and increased work of breathing.
7. A client with asthma develops wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Which medication should the nurse expect to administer for rapid
relief?
A. Montelukast
B. Fluticasone
C. Albuterol
D. Salmeterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist that
rapidly produces bronchodilation during an acute asthma
exacerbation.
8. A client is admitted with suspected pulmonary embolism. Which
assessment finding is most characteristic?
A. Gradual onset of bilateral ankle edema
B. Sudden dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain
C. Productive cough for several weeks
D. Bradycardia and hypertension
3|Page
, Rationale: Pulmonary embolism commonly presents suddenly with
dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, and sometimes hypoxemia.
9. Which intervention is appropriate for a client with deep-vein
thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Massage the affected leg
B. Encourage vigorous exercise
C. Administer prescribed anticoagulant therapy
D. Apply continuous vigorous compression
Rationale: Anticoagulants prevent extension of the thrombus and
reduce the risk of pulmonary embolism. The affected extremity should
not be massaged because this may dislodge the clot.
10. A client with hypertension asks which lifestyle modification
can help reduce blood pressure. Which response is most
appropriate?
A. Increase sodium intake
B. Avoid physical activity
C. Follow a heart-healthy diet and maintain regular physical activity
D. Increase saturated-fat consumption
Rationale: Dietary approaches such as the DASH diet, sodium
reduction, healthy weight management, and regular physical activity
can help control blood pressure.
11. A client with diabetes mellitus is confused, diaphoretic, and
trembling. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Diabetic ketoacidosis
4|Page
