WGU D233 – Adult Health Nursing Exam
Questions With Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales|
2026/2027 Q&A | Instant Download
Pdf.
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) who has an oxygen saturation of 86% on room air.
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Encourage the patient to increase oral fluid intake
B. Place the patient in a supine position
C. Administer prescribed supplemental oxygen
D. Encourage the patient to perform vigorous exercise
Answer: C. Administer prescribed supplemental oxygen
Rationale: Hypoxemia is an immediate priority in a patient with COPD.
Supplemental oxygen should be administered as prescribed while the
nurse continues to assess respiratory status. Positioning, hydration, and
activity may be useful interventions but do not address the immediate
oxygenation problem.
2. A patient with heart failure reports a 3-lb (1.4-kg) weight gain over
the past 2 days. Which interpretation by the nurse is most appropriate?
,A. The weight gain indicates improved nutritional status
B. The weight gain is expected with effective treatment
C. The weight gain may indicate fluid retention
D. The weight gain is primarily caused by increased muscle mass
Answer: C. The weight gain may indicate fluid retention
Rationale: Rapid weight gain in a patient with heart failure is commonly
associated with fluid retention and worsening heart failure. Daily
weights are an important method for detecting changes in fluid status.
A gain of several pounds over a short period should be reported and
evaluated.
3. A patient with myocardial infarction suddenly develops severe chest
pain, hypotension, and pulmonary crackles. Which complication should
the nurse suspect?
A. Cardiogenic shock
B. Stable angina
C. Chronic venous insufficiency
D. Peripheral arterial disease
Answer: A. Cardiogenic shock
Rationale: Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart cannot pump
enough blood to meet the body's needs. Following myocardial
infarction, extensive myocardial damage can produce severe
hypotension and pulmonary congestion. These findings require
immediate intervention.
,4. A patient with atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin. Which
laboratory test should the nurse monitor to evaluate the medication's
therapeutic effect?
A. Troponin
B. INR
C. Serum sodium
D. Hemoglobin A1c
Answer: B. INR
Rationale: Warfarin therapy is monitored using the international
normalized ratio (INR), which evaluates the anticoagulant effect of
warfarin. Monitoring helps maintain therapeutic anticoagulation while
reducing the risk of excessive bleeding.
5. A patient with pneumonia has a respiratory rate of 30/min, oxygen
saturation of 89%, and increasing confusion. Which finding requires the
nurse's immediate attention?
A. Productive cough
B. Mild fatigue
C. Oxygen saturation of 89%
D. Decreased appetite
Answer: C. Oxygen saturation of 89%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 89% combined with tachypnea and
confusion suggests impaired oxygenation and possible respiratory
deterioration. Airway and breathing problems take priority according to
, the ABC approach. The patient requires prompt respiratory assessment
and appropriate oxygen therapy as prescribed.
6. A patient with asthma develops wheezing and shortness of breath
after exposure to a known allergen. Which medication would the nurse
expect to administer for rapid relief?
A. Albuterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Montelukast
D. Theophylline extended-release
Answer: A. Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist that
produces rapid bronchodilation and is commonly used as a rescue
medication during acute asthma symptoms. Inhaled corticosteroids such
as fluticasone are primarily controller medications and do not provide
immediate relief.
7. A patient with chronic kidney disease is prescribed dietary
restrictions. Which food should the nurse identify as high in potassium?
A. White rice
B. Applesauce
C. Baked potato
D. White bread
Answer: C. Baked potato
Questions With Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales|
2026/2027 Q&A | Instant Download
Pdf.
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD) who has an oxygen saturation of 86% on room air.
Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
A. Encourage the patient to increase oral fluid intake
B. Place the patient in a supine position
C. Administer prescribed supplemental oxygen
D. Encourage the patient to perform vigorous exercise
Answer: C. Administer prescribed supplemental oxygen
Rationale: Hypoxemia is an immediate priority in a patient with COPD.
Supplemental oxygen should be administered as prescribed while the
nurse continues to assess respiratory status. Positioning, hydration, and
activity may be useful interventions but do not address the immediate
oxygenation problem.
2. A patient with heart failure reports a 3-lb (1.4-kg) weight gain over
the past 2 days. Which interpretation by the nurse is most appropriate?
,A. The weight gain indicates improved nutritional status
B. The weight gain is expected with effective treatment
C. The weight gain may indicate fluid retention
D. The weight gain is primarily caused by increased muscle mass
Answer: C. The weight gain may indicate fluid retention
Rationale: Rapid weight gain in a patient with heart failure is commonly
associated with fluid retention and worsening heart failure. Daily
weights are an important method for detecting changes in fluid status.
A gain of several pounds over a short period should be reported and
evaluated.
3. A patient with myocardial infarction suddenly develops severe chest
pain, hypotension, and pulmonary crackles. Which complication should
the nurse suspect?
A. Cardiogenic shock
B. Stable angina
C. Chronic venous insufficiency
D. Peripheral arterial disease
Answer: A. Cardiogenic shock
Rationale: Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart cannot pump
enough blood to meet the body's needs. Following myocardial
infarction, extensive myocardial damage can produce severe
hypotension and pulmonary congestion. These findings require
immediate intervention.
,4. A patient with atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin. Which
laboratory test should the nurse monitor to evaluate the medication's
therapeutic effect?
A. Troponin
B. INR
C. Serum sodium
D. Hemoglobin A1c
Answer: B. INR
Rationale: Warfarin therapy is monitored using the international
normalized ratio (INR), which evaluates the anticoagulant effect of
warfarin. Monitoring helps maintain therapeutic anticoagulation while
reducing the risk of excessive bleeding.
5. A patient with pneumonia has a respiratory rate of 30/min, oxygen
saturation of 89%, and increasing confusion. Which finding requires the
nurse's immediate attention?
A. Productive cough
B. Mild fatigue
C. Oxygen saturation of 89%
D. Decreased appetite
Answer: C. Oxygen saturation of 89%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 89% combined with tachypnea and
confusion suggests impaired oxygenation and possible respiratory
deterioration. Airway and breathing problems take priority according to
, the ABC approach. The patient requires prompt respiratory assessment
and appropriate oxygen therapy as prescribed.
6. A patient with asthma develops wheezing and shortness of breath
after exposure to a known allergen. Which medication would the nurse
expect to administer for rapid relief?
A. Albuterol
B. Fluticasone
C. Montelukast
D. Theophylline extended-release
Answer: A. Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonist that
produces rapid bronchodilation and is commonly used as a rescue
medication during acute asthma symptoms. Inhaled corticosteroids such
as fluticasone are primarily controller medications and do not provide
immediate relief.
7. A patient with chronic kidney disease is prescribed dietary
restrictions. Which food should the nurse identify as high in potassium?
A. White rice
B. Applesauce
C. Baked potato
D. White bread
Answer: C. Baked potato
