A, B, C 2025/2026 Newest Actual
Exam 3 Versions Examination 2026–
2027 | Comprehensive 150-Question
Practice Test with Answers &
Rationales| Free Pdf Access.
Form A
question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client who has heart
failure. Which of the following assessments should the nurse perform
prior to administration?
A) Monitor the client's blood pressure
B) Measure the client's intake and output
C) Count the apical pulse for 1 full minute
D) Check the client's serum calcium level
Answer C) Count the apical pulse for 1 full minute
Explanation: Digoxin decreases the heart rate. The nurse must count the
apical pulse for 1 full minute before giving the drug and hold the dose if
the pulse is below the established parameter, typically less than 60/min
for an adult .
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of
the following findings should the nurse expect?
,A) Jugular venous distention
B) Dependent pitting edema
C) Pulmonary crackles
D) Hepatosplenomegaly
Answer C) Pulmonary crackles
Explanation: Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary congestion due
to the back-up of blood from the left ventricle into the lungs. This causes
respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, orthopnea, and bilateral
pulmonary crackles .
Question 3
A nurse is admitting a client who has a diagnosis of deep vein
thrombosis (DVT) in the left lower extremity. Which of the following
interventions should the nurse implement?
A) Apply an ice pack to the affected calf muscle
B) Elevate the affected leg above the level of the heart
C) Massage the affected leg to promote blood flow
D) Keep the client on strict bed rest without movement
Answer B) Elevate the affected leg above the level of the heart
Explanation: Elevating the affected leg helps promote venous return and
reduces localized edema. Massage is strictly contraindicated because it
can dislodge the thrombus, leading to a pulmonary embolism .
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition
(TPN) through a central venous catheter. The current TPN bag is
empty, and the next bag is not yet available from the pharmacy. Which
of the following solutions should the nurse infuse while waiting?
A) 0.9% sodium chloride
B) Lactated Ringer's solution
C) 10% dextrose in water
D) 5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride
,Answer C) 10% dextrose in water
Explanation: TPN contains a high concentration of dextrose. If the
infusion is interrupted, the client is at risk for rebound hypoglycemia.
Infusing 10% dextrose provides a source of glucose to prevent
hypoglycemia until the next TPN bag is available .
Question 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a major burn injury covering 40%
of their total body surface area. During the first 24 hours of the
emergent phase, which of the following laboratory values should the
nurse expect?
A) Hypokalemia
B) Hypernatremia
C) Decreased hematocrit
D) Hyperkalemia
Answer D) Hyperkalemia
Explanation: Severe burn injury causes extensive cellular destruction,
releasing large amounts of intracellular potassium into the extracellular
fluid and bloodstream, resulting in hyperkalemia .
Question 6
A nurse is caring for four patients. Which patient should the nurse
assess first?
A) A patient with COPD who has an SpO2 of 89% on room air
B) A patient post-appendectomy with a pain rating of 6/10
C) A patient with diabetes requesting insulin before breakfast
D) A patient with a urinary catheter who needs perineal care
Answer A) A patient with COPD who has an SpO2 of 89% on room air
Explanation: Airway and breathing are the top priorities. An SpO2 of
89% indicates hypoxemia requiring immediate intervention. This follows
the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) prioritization framework .
, Question 7
A nurse delegates ambulation of a stable patient to a nursing assistant
(NA). The NA reports that the patient refused to ambulate. The nurse
should:
A) Assess the patient's reason for refusal and reassign the task if
appropriate
B) Document refusal and do nothing else
C) Force the patient to ambulate
D) Report the NA for failure to complete the task
Answer A) Assess the patient's reason for refusal and reassign the task
if appropriate
Explanation: The nurse retains accountability for delegated tasks. The
nurse must assess the patient to understand the reason for refusal,
address any concerns, and modify the plan of care as needed .
Question 8
A charge nurse on a pediatric unit is making assignments for a float
nurse from the medical unit. Which client is most appropriate to
assign to the float nurse?
A) A 10-year-old client who has pneumonia and is receiving
respiratory treatments
B) A 4-year-old client who has a Wilms tumor and is receiving
chemotherapy
C) An 8-month-old client scheduled for surgical repair of a ventricular
septal defect tomorrow
D) A 14-year-old client scheduled for discharge today following
placement of a Harrington rod
Answer A) A 10-year-old client who has pneumonia and is receiving
respiratory treatments
Explanation: The float nurse from the medical unit would have
experience with respiratory conditions like pneumonia. The other