ADN Exam Questions With Answers and detailed Rationales
Question 1.
A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who is taking digoxin. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum sodium level
B. Serum calcium level
C. Serum potassium level
D. Serum chloride level
Correct Answer: C. Serum potassium level
Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. The nurse must monitor
potassium levels because digoxin and potassium compete for the same binding sites on
the sodium-potassium ATPase pump.
Question 2.
Which assessment finding is most indicative of hypoglycemia in a client with Type 1
Diabetes?
A. Extreme thirst and polyuria
B. Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath
C. Diaphoresis and irritability
D. Abdominal pain and vomiting
Correct Answer: C. Diaphoresis and irritability
Explanation: Hypoglycemia triggers the sympathetic nervous system, leading to
diaphoresis (sweating), tremors, and irritability. Thirst and fruity breath are signs of
hyperglycemia or DKA.
Question 3.
A nurse is preparing to administer blood to a client. Which IV fluid is the only one
compatible with blood products?
A. Lactated Ringers
B. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
C. Dextrose 5% in Water
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Explanation: 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) is the only solution used with blood
products to prevent hemolysis of red blood cells.
, Question 4.
When caring for a client with Clostridium difficile (C. diff), which action by the nurse is
mandatory?
A. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer after contact
B. Wearing an N95 respirator mask
C. Washing hands with soap and water
D. Placing the client in a negative pressure room
Correct Answer: C. Washing hands with soap and water
Explanation: C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers. Handwashing with
soap and water is required to physically remove the spores from the hands.
Question 5.
A client is diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB). Which type of precautions should the nurse
implement?
A. Contact precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Airborne precautions
D. Standard precautions only
Correct Answer: C. Airborne precautions
Explanation: TB is transmitted via small droplets that remain suspended in the air,
requiring airborne precautions, including a private room with negative pressure and N95
masks.
Question 6.
A nurse is monitoring a client receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). What is the most
common metabolic complication?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: C. Hyperglycemia
Explanation: TPN contains high concentrations of glucose, making hyperglycemia a
common complication that requires frequent fingerstick monitoring.
Question 1.
A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who is taking digoxin. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum sodium level
B. Serum calcium level
C. Serum potassium level
D. Serum chloride level
Correct Answer: C. Serum potassium level
Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. The nurse must monitor
potassium levels because digoxin and potassium compete for the same binding sites on
the sodium-potassium ATPase pump.
Question 2.
Which assessment finding is most indicative of hypoglycemia in a client with Type 1
Diabetes?
A. Extreme thirst and polyuria
B. Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath
C. Diaphoresis and irritability
D. Abdominal pain and vomiting
Correct Answer: C. Diaphoresis and irritability
Explanation: Hypoglycemia triggers the sympathetic nervous system, leading to
diaphoresis (sweating), tremors, and irritability. Thirst and fruity breath are signs of
hyperglycemia or DKA.
Question 3.
A nurse is preparing to administer blood to a client. Which IV fluid is the only one
compatible with blood products?
A. Lactated Ringers
B. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
C. Dextrose 5% in Water
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Explanation: 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) is the only solution used with blood
products to prevent hemolysis of red blood cells.
, Question 4.
When caring for a client with Clostridium difficile (C. diff), which action by the nurse is
mandatory?
A. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer after contact
B. Wearing an N95 respirator mask
C. Washing hands with soap and water
D. Placing the client in a negative pressure room
Correct Answer: C. Washing hands with soap and water
Explanation: C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers. Handwashing with
soap and water is required to physically remove the spores from the hands.
Question 5.
A client is diagnosed with Tuberculosis (TB). Which type of precautions should the nurse
implement?
A. Contact precautions
B. Droplet precautions
C. Airborne precautions
D. Standard precautions only
Correct Answer: C. Airborne precautions
Explanation: TB is transmitted via small droplets that remain suspended in the air,
requiring airborne precautions, including a private room with negative pressure and N95
masks.
Question 6.
A nurse is monitoring a client receiving Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN). What is the most
common metabolic complication?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: C. Hyperglycemia
Explanation: TPN contains high concentrations of glucose, making hyperglycemia a
common complication that requires frequent fingerstick monitoring.