KAPLAN DIAGNOSTIC COMPLETE
EXAM PREP 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient with chronic renal failure is receiving epoetin alfa. Which laboratory finding most
accurately indicates the effectiveness of this medication?
A. Increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin levels
B. Decrease in serum creatinine levels
C. Reduced serum potassium concentration
D. Stabilization of blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Epoetin alfa is a synthetic version of erythropoietin, which
stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Therefore, an increase in
hematocrit and hemoglobin is the intended therapeutic effect.
2. The nurse observes a client’s EKG strip showing a saw-tooth pattern with a regular
ventricular rhythm of 75 beats per minute. Which rhythm should the nurse document?
A. Atrial Fibrillation
,B. Atrial Flutter
C. Ventricular Tachycardia
D. Sinus Bradycardia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Atrial flutter is characterized by a ‘saw-tooth’ P-wave pattern (F-
waves) due to a rapid atrial rate, often with a regular or consistent conduction ratio to the
ventricles.
3. Which assessment finding is the most critical to report immediately for a patient who just
underwent a total thyroidectomy?
A. Mild hoarseness when speaking
B. Laryngeal stridor and respiratory distress
C. A serum calcium level of 9.0 mg/dL
D. Pain at the incision site rated 4 out of 10
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Laryngeal stridor indicates airway obstruction, possibly due to
edema or nerve damage, and is a medical emergency. Mild hoarseness is common, and the
calcium level provided is within normal range.
, 4. A client with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious and clammy. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Administer 15 grams of simple carbohydrates orally
B. Check the blood glucose level using a bedside monitor
C. Call the healthcare provider for an insulin order
D. Administer glucagon intramuscularly or subcutaneously
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In an unconscious patient suspected of hypoglycemia, safety and
rapid reversal are priorities. Since the patient cannot swallow, glucagon is the appropriate
emergency intervention.
5. During the administration of a blood transfusion, the patient complains of lower back pain
and chills. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Slow the infusion rate and notify the physician
B. Administer diphenhydramine as prescribed
C. Check the patient’s temperature and blood pressure
D. Stop the transfusion immediately
Answer: D
EXAM PREP 2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient with chronic renal failure is receiving epoetin alfa. Which laboratory finding most
accurately indicates the effectiveness of this medication?
A. Increase in hematocrit and hemoglobin levels
B. Decrease in serum creatinine levels
C. Reduced serum potassium concentration
D. Stabilization of blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Epoetin alfa is a synthetic version of erythropoietin, which
stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Therefore, an increase in
hematocrit and hemoglobin is the intended therapeutic effect.
2. The nurse observes a client’s EKG strip showing a saw-tooth pattern with a regular
ventricular rhythm of 75 beats per minute. Which rhythm should the nurse document?
A. Atrial Fibrillation
,B. Atrial Flutter
C. Ventricular Tachycardia
D. Sinus Bradycardia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Atrial flutter is characterized by a ‘saw-tooth’ P-wave pattern (F-
waves) due to a rapid atrial rate, often with a regular or consistent conduction ratio to the
ventricles.
3. Which assessment finding is the most critical to report immediately for a patient who just
underwent a total thyroidectomy?
A. Mild hoarseness when speaking
B. Laryngeal stridor and respiratory distress
C. A serum calcium level of 9.0 mg/dL
D. Pain at the incision site rated 4 out of 10
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Laryngeal stridor indicates airway obstruction, possibly due to
edema or nerve damage, and is a medical emergency. Mild hoarseness is common, and the
calcium level provided is within normal range.
, 4. A client with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious and clammy. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Administer 15 grams of simple carbohydrates orally
B. Check the blood glucose level using a bedside monitor
C. Call the healthcare provider for an insulin order
D. Administer glucagon intramuscularly or subcutaneously
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In an unconscious patient suspected of hypoglycemia, safety and
rapid reversal are priorities. Since the patient cannot swallow, glucagon is the appropriate
emergency intervention.
5. During the administration of a blood transfusion, the patient complains of lower back pain
and chills. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Slow the infusion rate and notify the physician
B. Administer diphenhydramine as prescribed
C. Check the patient’s temperature and blood pressure
D. Stop the transfusion immediately
Answer: D
