ADN Exam Questions With Answers and detailed Rationales
Question 1.
A nurse calculates the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) for a patient with a blood pressure of
110/70. What is the calculated MAP?
A. 73 mmHg
B. 90 mmHg
C. 83 mmHg
D. 100 mmHg
Correct Answer: C. 83 mmHg
Explanation: MAP is calculated as (Systolic BP + 2 * Diastolic BP) / 3. So, (110 + 140) / 3
= 83.33 mmHg.
Question 2.
Which clinical finding is considered an early sign of compensated shock?
A. Hypotension
B. Lethargy
C. Tachycardia
D. Anuria
Correct Answer: C. Tachycardia
Explanation: Tachycardia is an early compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac
output when stroke volume decreases.
Question 3.
A patient in septic shock remains hypotensive after a 30 mL/kg fluid bolus. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering first?
A. Atropine
B. Norepinephrine
C. Nitroprusside
D. Furosemide
Correct Answer: B. Norepinephrine
Explanation: Norepinephrine is the first-line vasopressor for septic shock that is
unresponsive to fluid resuscitation.
, Question 4.
What is the primary physiological goal of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) in a
mechanically ventilated patient?
A. To prevent alveolar collapse at the end of expiration
B. To decrease the risk of barotrauma
C. To increase the respiratory rate
D. To clear secretions from the mainstem bronchi
Correct Answer: A. To prevent alveolar collapse at the end of expiration
Explanation: PEEP maintains pressure in the lungs at the end of expiration to keep alveoli
open and improve oxygenation.
Question 5.
While monitoring a patient with an arterial line, the nurse notes the ‘dicrotic notch’ on the
waveform. What does this represent?
A. Atrial contraction
B. Opening of the mitral valve
C. Closure of the aortic valve
D. Ventricular depolarization
Correct Answer: C. Closure of the aortic valve
Explanation: The dicrotic notch on an arterial pressure waveform represents the closure
of the aortic valve, signifying the start of diastole.
Question 6.
A patient is admitted with a CVP (Central Venous Pressure) of 1 mmHg. Which intervention
does the nurse anticipate?
A. Administration of a loop diuretic
B. Administration of a beta-blocker
C. Decrease in IV infusion rate
D. Fluid bolus of Normal Saline
Correct Answer: D. Fluid bolus of Normal Saline
Explanation: Normal CVP is 2-6 mmHg. A low CVP indicates hypovolemia, requiring fluid
resuscitation.
Question 1.
A nurse calculates the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) for a patient with a blood pressure of
110/70. What is the calculated MAP?
A. 73 mmHg
B. 90 mmHg
C. 83 mmHg
D. 100 mmHg
Correct Answer: C. 83 mmHg
Explanation: MAP is calculated as (Systolic BP + 2 * Diastolic BP) / 3. So, (110 + 140) / 3
= 83.33 mmHg.
Question 2.
Which clinical finding is considered an early sign of compensated shock?
A. Hypotension
B. Lethargy
C. Tachycardia
D. Anuria
Correct Answer: C. Tachycardia
Explanation: Tachycardia is an early compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac
output when stroke volume decreases.
Question 3.
A patient in septic shock remains hypotensive after a 30 mL/kg fluid bolus. Which
medication should the nurse anticipate administering first?
A. Atropine
B. Norepinephrine
C. Nitroprusside
D. Furosemide
Correct Answer: B. Norepinephrine
Explanation: Norepinephrine is the first-line vasopressor for septic shock that is
unresponsive to fluid resuscitation.
, Question 4.
What is the primary physiological goal of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) in a
mechanically ventilated patient?
A. To prevent alveolar collapse at the end of expiration
B. To decrease the risk of barotrauma
C. To increase the respiratory rate
D. To clear secretions from the mainstem bronchi
Correct Answer: A. To prevent alveolar collapse at the end of expiration
Explanation: PEEP maintains pressure in the lungs at the end of expiration to keep alveoli
open and improve oxygenation.
Question 5.
While monitoring a patient with an arterial line, the nurse notes the ‘dicrotic notch’ on the
waveform. What does this represent?
A. Atrial contraction
B. Opening of the mitral valve
C. Closure of the aortic valve
D. Ventricular depolarization
Correct Answer: C. Closure of the aortic valve
Explanation: The dicrotic notch on an arterial pressure waveform represents the closure
of the aortic valve, signifying the start of diastole.
Question 6.
A patient is admitted with a CVP (Central Venous Pressure) of 1 mmHg. Which intervention
does the nurse anticipate?
A. Administration of a loop diuretic
B. Administration of a beta-blocker
C. Decrease in IV infusion rate
D. Fluid bolus of Normal Saline
Correct Answer: D. Fluid bolus of Normal Saline
Explanation: Normal CVP is 2-6 mmHg. A low CVP indicates hypovolemia, requiring fluid
resuscitation.
