KAPLAN DIAGNOSTIC COMPLETE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min
via nasal cannula. The nurse notes the patient’s oxygen saturation is 89% and the patient is
slightly short of breath. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min.
B. Contact the healthcare provider immediately.
C. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position.
D. Assess the patient’s respiratory rate and effort.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Initial nursing action for respiratory distress should be non-
invasive positioning to maximize lung expansion before further assessment or
interventions.
,2. A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of heart failure who is taking digoxin 0.25 mg
daily. The patient reports nausea and seeing yellow halos around lights. Which lab value is
the priority for the nurse to review?
A. Serum creatinine level
B. Serum potassium level
C. Serum digoxin level
D. Serum sodium level
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia significantly increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
While the digoxin level is important, the potassium level is critical to identify the
physiological cause of toxicity.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous bolus of phenytoin. Which solution is
the only one compatible for flushing the IV line?
A. 5% Dextrose in water
B. Sterile water for injection
C. Lactated Ringer’s solution
D. 0.9% Sodium chloride
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Phenytoin is highly incompatible with dextrose solutions and
will precipitate; 0.9% Sodium chloride is the standard compatible flush.
4. A nurse on a psychiatric unit is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is experiencing
acute mania. Which activity is most appropriate for this client?
A. Playing a game of chess with another client.
B. Painting a landscape in a quiet area.
C. Participating in a competitive basketball game.
D. Leading a group discussion on current events.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Clients in acute mania require low-stimulation environments
and non-competitive, solitary activities to prevent over-arousal.
5. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of Addisonian crisis. Which clinical manifestation
should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Hypertension and hypernatremia
B. Hypotension and hyperkalemia
C. Weight gain and edema
D. Bradycardia and hyperglycemia
Answer: B
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min
via nasal cannula. The nurse notes the patient’s oxygen saturation is 89% and the patient is
slightly short of breath. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min.
B. Contact the healthcare provider immediately.
C. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position.
D. Assess the patient’s respiratory rate and effort.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Initial nursing action for respiratory distress should be non-
invasive positioning to maximize lung expansion before further assessment or
interventions.
,2. A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of heart failure who is taking digoxin 0.25 mg
daily. The patient reports nausea and seeing yellow halos around lights. Which lab value is
the priority for the nurse to review?
A. Serum creatinine level
B. Serum potassium level
C. Serum digoxin level
D. Serum sodium level
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia significantly increases the risk of digoxin toxicity.
While the digoxin level is important, the potassium level is critical to identify the
physiological cause of toxicity.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous bolus of phenytoin. Which solution is
the only one compatible for flushing the IV line?
A. 5% Dextrose in water
B. Sterile water for injection
C. Lactated Ringer’s solution
D. 0.9% Sodium chloride
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: Phenytoin is highly incompatible with dextrose solutions and
will precipitate; 0.9% Sodium chloride is the standard compatible flush.
4. A nurse on a psychiatric unit is caring for a client with bipolar disorder who is experiencing
acute mania. Which activity is most appropriate for this client?
A. Playing a game of chess with another client.
B. Painting a landscape in a quiet area.
C. Participating in a competitive basketball game.
D. Leading a group discussion on current events.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Clients in acute mania require low-stimulation environments
and non-competitive, solitary activities to prevent over-arousal.
5. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of Addisonian crisis. Which clinical manifestation
should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Hypertension and hypernatremia
B. Hypotension and hyperkalemia
C. Weight gain and edema
D. Bradycardia and hyperglycemia
Answer: B
