NSG 3100 Comprehensive Exam Questions
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Detailed Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant
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Practice Exam
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has developed shortness of
breath, restlessness, and an oxygen saturation of 86% on room
air. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Notify the healthcare provider
B. Obtain a complete medical history
C. Apply supplemental oxygen
D. Administer an anxiolytic medication
Correct answer: C. Apply supplemental oxygen
The priority is to address the client's impaired oxygenation. An
oxygen saturation of 86% indicates significant hypoxemia, and
supplemental oxygen should be initiated promptly according to
the client's prescribed or emergency oxygen protocol. Although
notifying the healthcare provider is important, the nurse should
first intervene to improve oxygenation. This follows the ABC
,priority framework, in which airway and breathing take
precedence over less immediate concerns.
Question 2
Which assessment finding is most concerning in a client
receiving opioid analgesia?
A. Respiratory rate of 8/min
B. Pain rating of 4/10
C. Blood pressure of 128/76 mmHg
D. Mild nausea
Correct answer: A. Respiratory rate of 8/min
Opioids can cause central nervous system and respiratory
depression. A respiratory rate of 8/min is significantly decreased
and may indicate potentially life-threatening opioid-induced
respiratory depression. The nurse should immediately assess
airway and breathing, stimulate the client as appropriate,
provide oxygen or ventilatory support if needed, and follow
protocols regarding opioid reversal agents such as naloxone.
Mild nausea is a common adverse effect but is not as
immediately dangerous.
Question 3
,A nurse is preparing to administer medication through an
enteral feeding tube. What is the most appropriate nursing
action?
A. Mix all medications together before administration
B. Crush every medication regardless of formulation
C. Verify whether each medication can safely be administered
through the tube
D. Add the medications directly to the enteral feeding formula
Correct answer: C. Verify whether each medication can safely
be administered through the tube
Not all medications are appropriate for crushing or enteral-tube
administration. Extended-release, sustained-release, enteric-
coated, and certain specialized formulations may be altered by
crushing, potentially causing toxicity, treatment failure, or tube
obstruction. Each medication should be evaluated individually.
Medications should generally be administered separately with
appropriate tube flushing according to institutional policy rather
than mixed together or added directly to the feeding formula.
Question 4
Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client reporting chronic back pain rated 6/10
B. A client with a temperature of 38.1°C (100.6°F)
, C. A client with new-onset confusion and a respiratory rate of
30/min
D. A client requesting assistance with bathing
Correct answer: C. A client with new-onset confusion and a
respiratory rate of 30/min
New-onset confusion accompanied by tachypnea can indicate
acute deterioration, including hypoxemia, sepsis, metabolic
abnormalities, or another serious condition. This client requires
immediate assessment because the findings may represent a
threat to airway, breathing, circulation, or neurologic status.
The other clients have needs that are important but are less
immediately threatening.
Question 5
A nurse is teaching a client how to prevent orthostatic
hypotension. Which instruction is most appropriate?
A. Stand up rapidly after lying down
B. Restrict fluids
C. Change positions slowly
D. Remain completely immobile before standing
Correct answer: C. Change positions slowly
Orthostatic hypotension occurs when blood pressure falls after a
change in position, particularly when moving from lying or
with Correct Answers (VerifiedAnswers) Plus
Detailed Rationales 2026 Q&A Instant
Download PDF
Practice Exam
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has developed shortness of
breath, restlessness, and an oxygen saturation of 86% on room
air. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Notify the healthcare provider
B. Obtain a complete medical history
C. Apply supplemental oxygen
D. Administer an anxiolytic medication
Correct answer: C. Apply supplemental oxygen
The priority is to address the client's impaired oxygenation. An
oxygen saturation of 86% indicates significant hypoxemia, and
supplemental oxygen should be initiated promptly according to
the client's prescribed or emergency oxygen protocol. Although
notifying the healthcare provider is important, the nurse should
first intervene to improve oxygenation. This follows the ABC
,priority framework, in which airway and breathing take
precedence over less immediate concerns.
Question 2
Which assessment finding is most concerning in a client
receiving opioid analgesia?
A. Respiratory rate of 8/min
B. Pain rating of 4/10
C. Blood pressure of 128/76 mmHg
D. Mild nausea
Correct answer: A. Respiratory rate of 8/min
Opioids can cause central nervous system and respiratory
depression. A respiratory rate of 8/min is significantly decreased
and may indicate potentially life-threatening opioid-induced
respiratory depression. The nurse should immediately assess
airway and breathing, stimulate the client as appropriate,
provide oxygen or ventilatory support if needed, and follow
protocols regarding opioid reversal agents such as naloxone.
Mild nausea is a common adverse effect but is not as
immediately dangerous.
Question 3
,A nurse is preparing to administer medication through an
enteral feeding tube. What is the most appropriate nursing
action?
A. Mix all medications together before administration
B. Crush every medication regardless of formulation
C. Verify whether each medication can safely be administered
through the tube
D. Add the medications directly to the enteral feeding formula
Correct answer: C. Verify whether each medication can safely
be administered through the tube
Not all medications are appropriate for crushing or enteral-tube
administration. Extended-release, sustained-release, enteric-
coated, and certain specialized formulations may be altered by
crushing, potentially causing toxicity, treatment failure, or tube
obstruction. Each medication should be evaluated individually.
Medications should generally be administered separately with
appropriate tube flushing according to institutional policy rather
than mixed together or added directly to the feeding formula.
Question 4
Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client reporting chronic back pain rated 6/10
B. A client with a temperature of 38.1°C (100.6°F)
, C. A client with new-onset confusion and a respiratory rate of
30/min
D. A client requesting assistance with bathing
Correct answer: C. A client with new-onset confusion and a
respiratory rate of 30/min
New-onset confusion accompanied by tachypnea can indicate
acute deterioration, including hypoxemia, sepsis, metabolic
abnormalities, or another serious condition. This client requires
immediate assessment because the findings may represent a
threat to airway, breathing, circulation, or neurologic status.
The other clients have needs that are important but are less
immediately threatening.
Question 5
A nurse is teaching a client how to prevent orthostatic
hypotension. Which instruction is most appropriate?
A. Stand up rapidly after lying down
B. Restrict fluids
C. Change positions slowly
D. Remain completely immobile before standing
Correct answer: C. Change positions slowly
Orthostatic hypotension occurs when blood pressure falls after a
change in position, particularly when moving from lying or
