1|Page
NUR 120 EXAM 3 (NCLEX) NEWEST 2026 ACTUAL EXAM|
NUR120 MED SURG EXAM 3 REVIEW WITH COMPLETE REAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS/ ALREADY
GRADED A+ (MOST RECENT!!)
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who suddenly develops difficulty
breathing. Which assessment should receive priority?
A. Pain level
B. Airway and respiratory status
C. Dietary preferences
D. Sleep pattern
Answer: B
Rationale: Airway and breathing are immediate priorities because
impaired oxygenation can rapidly become life-threatening.
2. Which finding is most concerning for impaired oxygenation?
A. Respiratory rate of 16/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 98%
C. Cyanosis with increasing confusion
D. Clear breath sounds
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Answer: C
Rationale: Cyanosis and altered mental status can indicate significant
hypoxemia and require immediate attention.
3. Which position generally promotes maximum lung expansion in a
patient experiencing dyspnea?
A. Supine
B. High-Fowler's
C. Trendelenburg
D. Prone
Answer: B
Rationale: An upright position allows better diaphragmatic movement
and lung expansion.
4. Which finding is most consistent with ineffective airway clearance?
A. Strong cough with clear secretions
B. Clear breath sounds
C. Weak cough and retained secretions
D. Normal respiratory effort
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Answer: C
Rationale: A weak cough and retained secretions can obstruct the
airway and interfere with ventilation.
5. Which intervention is appropriate for a patient with thick respiratory
secretions when not contraindicated?
A. Encourage appropriate fluid intake
B. Restrict all fluids
C. Keep the patient flat
D. Discourage coughing
Answer: A
Rationale: Adequate hydration can help thin respiratory secretions
and facilitate their removal.
6. Which assessment finding may indicate fluid volume deficit?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Dry mucous membranes and decreased urine output
C. Crackles from pulmonary congestion
D. Bounding peripheral pulses
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Answer: B
Rationale: Dehydration commonly causes dry mucous membranes and
reduced urine production.
7. Which measurement is particularly useful for monitoring changes in
fluid balance?
A. Daily weight
B. Height
C. Head circumference
D. Arm span
Answer: A
Rationale: Daily weight can identify relatively rapid changes in body
fluid volume.
8. Which finding is most consistent with fluid volume excess?
A. Poor skin turgor
B. Dry tongue
C. Peripheral edema
D. Concentrated urine
NUR 120 EXAM 3 (NCLEX) NEWEST 2026 ACTUAL EXAM|
NUR120 MED SURG EXAM 3 REVIEW WITH COMPLETE REAL
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT VERIFIED ANSWERS/ ALREADY
GRADED A+ (MOST RECENT!!)
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who suddenly develops difficulty
breathing. Which assessment should receive priority?
A. Pain level
B. Airway and respiratory status
C. Dietary preferences
D. Sleep pattern
Answer: B
Rationale: Airway and breathing are immediate priorities because
impaired oxygenation can rapidly become life-threatening.
2. Which finding is most concerning for impaired oxygenation?
A. Respiratory rate of 16/min
B. Oxygen saturation of 98%
C. Cyanosis with increasing confusion
D. Clear breath sounds
,2|Page
Answer: C
Rationale: Cyanosis and altered mental status can indicate significant
hypoxemia and require immediate attention.
3. Which position generally promotes maximum lung expansion in a
patient experiencing dyspnea?
A. Supine
B. High-Fowler's
C. Trendelenburg
D. Prone
Answer: B
Rationale: An upright position allows better diaphragmatic movement
and lung expansion.
4. Which finding is most consistent with ineffective airway clearance?
A. Strong cough with clear secretions
B. Clear breath sounds
C. Weak cough and retained secretions
D. Normal respiratory effort
,3|Page
Answer: C
Rationale: A weak cough and retained secretions can obstruct the
airway and interfere with ventilation.
5. Which intervention is appropriate for a patient with thick respiratory
secretions when not contraindicated?
A. Encourage appropriate fluid intake
B. Restrict all fluids
C. Keep the patient flat
D. Discourage coughing
Answer: A
Rationale: Adequate hydration can help thin respiratory secretions
and facilitate their removal.
6. Which assessment finding may indicate fluid volume deficit?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Dry mucous membranes and decreased urine output
C. Crackles from pulmonary congestion
D. Bounding peripheral pulses
, 4|Page
Answer: B
Rationale: Dehydration commonly causes dry mucous membranes and
reduced urine production.
7. Which measurement is particularly useful for monitoring changes in
fluid balance?
A. Daily weight
B. Height
C. Head circumference
D. Arm span
Answer: A
Rationale: Daily weight can identify relatively rapid changes in body
fluid volume.
8. Which finding is most consistent with fluid volume excess?
A. Poor skin turgor
B. Dry tongue
C. Peripheral edema
D. Concentrated urine
