NUR 265 EXAM 3 PRACTICE EXAM – QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS |
LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Advanced Health Assessment
Pathophysiology & Pharmacology
Leadership & Management in Nursing
Community & Public Health Nursing
Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice
Ethical & Legal Issues in Nursing
Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
Chronic & Acute Care Management
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination is designed to prepare nursing students
for the rigors of NUR 265 Exam 3. It assesses a wide range of knowledge and skills,
from foundational pathophysiological concepts to complex leadership and ethical
decision-making in clinical settings. The exam uses a multiple-choice format with
integrated scenario-based questions to mirror real-world nursing challenges.
Emphasis is placed on the practical application of theory, critical thinking, and the
ability to make sound clinical judgments. This resource is intended to build
confidence and ensure exam readiness by covering core competencies and
professional standards essential for success in nursing practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
,1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is exhibiting
signs of respiratory acidosis. Which of the following lab values would the nurse
expect to see?
A. pH 7.35, PaCO2 48 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L
B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L
C. pH 7.45, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30 mmHg, HCO3 22 mEq/L
🟢 Correct Answer: B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L
🔴 Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a decreased pH (< 7.35)
and an elevated PaCO2 (> 45 mmHg). The HCO3 is typically normal or slightly
elevated as a compensatory response. Option B is the only one that meets this
criteria.
2. A nurse manager is implementing a new evidence-based protocol to reduce
catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Which step of the
evidence-based practice (EBP) process is the manager demonstrating?
A. Asking a clinical question
B. Appraising the evidence
C. Applying the evidence
D. Assessing the outcome
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Applying the evidence
🔴 Explanation: Applying the evidence is the step where the synthesized evidence
is used to change clinical practice. By implementing a new protocol, the manager
is putting the evidence into action.
3. A patient who is post-operative day one following a total knee replacement
reports sudden shortness of breath and chest pain. What is the nurse's priority
action?
,A. Administer prescribed PRN pain medication
B. Apply oxygen and notify the provider immediately
C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises
D. Assess the surgical site for bleeding
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Apply oxygen and notify the provider immediately
🔴 Explanation: The patient's symptoms are classic signs of a pulmonary
embolism (PE), a life-threatening complication. Applying oxygen and notifying the
provider is the priority to ensure rapid intervention.
4. Which of the following is the most appropriate route of medication
administration for a patient with a paralytic ileus?
A. Sublingual
B. Oral
C. Intravenous
D. Transdermal
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Intravenous
🔴 Explanation: A paralytic ileus means the gastrointestinal tract is not
functioning properly, so oral and sublingual routes are not effective. IV
administration ensures the medication is absorbed directly into the bloodstream
for a rapid and predictable effect.
5. A nurse is providing end-of-life care. A family member asks, "Why is my
loved one breathing like that?" The nurse observes Cheyne-Stokes respirations.
Which of the following is the most therapeutic response?
A. "This means they are in pain, and I will increase the morphine."
B. "This is a normal sign of the body shutting down and is not painful."
C. "Their breathing is becoming irregular, and we need to call the doctor."
D. "I'm not sure, but I will get the provider to talk to you."
, 🟢 Correct Answer: B. "This is a normal sign of the body shutting down and is not
painful."
🔴 Explanation: This response is therapeutic, empathetic, and provides accurate
information about a normal part of the dying process. It addresses the family's
concern by offering reassurance and education.
6. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is responsible for delegating tasks. Which
task can be safely delegated to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)?
A. Administering an oral medication
B. Assessing a patient's lung sounds
C. Ambulating a stable patient
D. Creating a patient's care plan
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Ambulating a stable patient
🔴 Explanation: Ambulating a stable patient is a standard, routine task that can
be delegated to a UAP after ensuring they are trained and competent. It requires
no clinical judgment or assessment.
7. A patient with diabetes mellitus is prescribed insulin glargine (Lantus). The
nurse should administer this medication at what time?
A. Before meals
B. At bedtime
C. Only when blood glucose is elevated
D. Immediately after a meal
🟢 Correct Answer: B. At bedtime
🔴 Explanation: Insulin glargine is a long-acting, peakless insulin that provides a
basal level of insulin for 24 hours. It is usually administered once daily at bedtime
to maintain a consistent glucose level.
AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS | PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS |
LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Advanced Health Assessment
Pathophysiology & Pharmacology
Leadership & Management in Nursing
Community & Public Health Nursing
Nursing Research & Evidence-Based Practice
Ethical & Legal Issues in Nursing
Health Promotion & Disease Prevention
Chronic & Acute Care Management
Introduction
This comprehensive practice examination is designed to prepare nursing students
for the rigors of NUR 265 Exam 3. It assesses a wide range of knowledge and skills,
from foundational pathophysiological concepts to complex leadership and ethical
decision-making in clinical settings. The exam uses a multiple-choice format with
integrated scenario-based questions to mirror real-world nursing challenges.
Emphasis is placed on the practical application of theory, critical thinking, and the
ability to make sound clinical judgments. This resource is intended to build
confidence and ensure exam readiness by covering core competencies and
professional standards essential for success in nursing practice.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
,1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is exhibiting
signs of respiratory acidosis. Which of the following lab values would the nurse
expect to see?
A. pH 7.35, PaCO2 48 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L
B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L
C. pH 7.45, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30 mmHg, HCO3 22 mEq/L
🟢 Correct Answer: B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L
🔴 Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a decreased pH (< 7.35)
and an elevated PaCO2 (> 45 mmHg). The HCO3 is typically normal or slightly
elevated as a compensatory response. Option B is the only one that meets this
criteria.
2. A nurse manager is implementing a new evidence-based protocol to reduce
catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Which step of the
evidence-based practice (EBP) process is the manager demonstrating?
A. Asking a clinical question
B. Appraising the evidence
C. Applying the evidence
D. Assessing the outcome
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Applying the evidence
🔴 Explanation: Applying the evidence is the step where the synthesized evidence
is used to change clinical practice. By implementing a new protocol, the manager
is putting the evidence into action.
3. A patient who is post-operative day one following a total knee replacement
reports sudden shortness of breath and chest pain. What is the nurse's priority
action?
,A. Administer prescribed PRN pain medication
B. Apply oxygen and notify the provider immediately
C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing exercises
D. Assess the surgical site for bleeding
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Apply oxygen and notify the provider immediately
🔴 Explanation: The patient's symptoms are classic signs of a pulmonary
embolism (PE), a life-threatening complication. Applying oxygen and notifying the
provider is the priority to ensure rapid intervention.
4. Which of the following is the most appropriate route of medication
administration for a patient with a paralytic ileus?
A. Sublingual
B. Oral
C. Intravenous
D. Transdermal
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Intravenous
🔴 Explanation: A paralytic ileus means the gastrointestinal tract is not
functioning properly, so oral and sublingual routes are not effective. IV
administration ensures the medication is absorbed directly into the bloodstream
for a rapid and predictable effect.
5. A nurse is providing end-of-life care. A family member asks, "Why is my
loved one breathing like that?" The nurse observes Cheyne-Stokes respirations.
Which of the following is the most therapeutic response?
A. "This means they are in pain, and I will increase the morphine."
B. "This is a normal sign of the body shutting down and is not painful."
C. "Their breathing is becoming irregular, and we need to call the doctor."
D. "I'm not sure, but I will get the provider to talk to you."
, 🟢 Correct Answer: B. "This is a normal sign of the body shutting down and is not
painful."
🔴 Explanation: This response is therapeutic, empathetic, and provides accurate
information about a normal part of the dying process. It addresses the family's
concern by offering reassurance and education.
6. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is responsible for delegating tasks. Which
task can be safely delegated to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)?
A. Administering an oral medication
B. Assessing a patient's lung sounds
C. Ambulating a stable patient
D. Creating a patient's care plan
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Ambulating a stable patient
🔴 Explanation: Ambulating a stable patient is a standard, routine task that can
be delegated to a UAP after ensuring they are trained and competent. It requires
no clinical judgment or assessment.
7. A patient with diabetes mellitus is prescribed insulin glargine (Lantus). The
nurse should administer this medication at what time?
A. Before meals
B. At bedtime
C. Only when blood glucose is elevated
D. Immediately after a meal
🟢 Correct Answer: B. At bedtime
🔴 Explanation: Insulin glargine is a long-acting, peakless insulin that provides a
basal level of insulin for 24 hours. It is usually administered once daily at bedtime
to maintain a consistent glucose level.
