Adult Health Nursing Exam Practice Latest 2026/2027 Questions and
Correct Detailed Answers with Rationales Already Graded A+
1. A patient with acute chest pain is admitted to the emergency department.
Which ECG change is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare
provider?
A) Sinus tachycardia
B) ST-segment elevation
C) Occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
D) Prolonged PR interval
Answer: B) ST-segment elevation
Rationale: ST-segment elevation indicates acute myocardial injury (STEMI)
requiring emergent reperfusion therapy. "Time is myocardium," and immediate
,intervention is critical to preserve heart muscle. Sinus tachycardia, occasional
PVCs, and prolonged PR intervals are less emergent findings that may be
monitored or treated but do not indicate immediate need for reperfusion
therapy.
2. A patient develops sinus bradycardia at a rate of 32 beats/min, has a blood
pressure of 80/42 mm Hg, and is complaining of feeling faint. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A) Obtain a 12-lead ECG
B) Apply transcutaneous pacemaker (TCP) pads
C) Administer IV beta-blocker
D) Place patient in high Fowler's position
Answer: B) Apply transcutaneous pacemaker (TCP) pads
Rationale: Symptomatic bradycardia with hypotension requires immediate
support of heart rate and perfusion. TCP is a rapid temporizing intervention to
,increase heart rate and improve cardiac output. Placing pads allows for quick
pacing if needed, which is the priority before obtaining an ECG. Beta-blockers
would worsen bradycardia.
3. The nurse is caring for a patient with a new permanent pacemaker. Which
patient statement indicates teaching has been effective?
A) "I can lift my arm above my head as soon as I get home."
B) "I won't lift the arm on the pacemaker side until I see the healthcare provider."
C) "I should avoid walking for at least a month."
D) "I will avoid all electronic devices at home."
Answer: B) "I won't lift the arm on the pacemaker side until I see the healthcare
provider."
Rationale: Limiting arm movement on the pacemaker side initially prevents
dislodgement of the leads while the device heals into place. Normal ambulation is
encouraged, and patients can use most household electronic devices safely.
, 4. A patient who had a recent myocardial infarction asks about exercise. What
should the nurse teach?
A) Avoid all exercise for at least 6 months
B) Plan an exercise regimen of 30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week
C) Only exercise if chest pain occurs
D) Limit activity to once weekly
Answer: B) Plan an exercise regimen of 30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week
Rationale: Gradual, regular aerobic activity improves cardiac conditioning and
outcomes post-MI, often guided by cardiac rehabilitation programs. Patients
should be encouraged to resume activity gradually under medical supervision, not
avoid it entirely.
Correct Detailed Answers with Rationales Already Graded A+
1. A patient with acute chest pain is admitted to the emergency department.
Which ECG change is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare
provider?
A) Sinus tachycardia
B) ST-segment elevation
C) Occasional premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
D) Prolonged PR interval
Answer: B) ST-segment elevation
Rationale: ST-segment elevation indicates acute myocardial injury (STEMI)
requiring emergent reperfusion therapy. "Time is myocardium," and immediate
,intervention is critical to preserve heart muscle. Sinus tachycardia, occasional
PVCs, and prolonged PR intervals are less emergent findings that may be
monitored or treated but do not indicate immediate need for reperfusion
therapy.
2. A patient develops sinus bradycardia at a rate of 32 beats/min, has a blood
pressure of 80/42 mm Hg, and is complaining of feeling faint. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A) Obtain a 12-lead ECG
B) Apply transcutaneous pacemaker (TCP) pads
C) Administer IV beta-blocker
D) Place patient in high Fowler's position
Answer: B) Apply transcutaneous pacemaker (TCP) pads
Rationale: Symptomatic bradycardia with hypotension requires immediate
support of heart rate and perfusion. TCP is a rapid temporizing intervention to
,increase heart rate and improve cardiac output. Placing pads allows for quick
pacing if needed, which is the priority before obtaining an ECG. Beta-blockers
would worsen bradycardia.
3. The nurse is caring for a patient with a new permanent pacemaker. Which
patient statement indicates teaching has been effective?
A) "I can lift my arm above my head as soon as I get home."
B) "I won't lift the arm on the pacemaker side until I see the healthcare provider."
C) "I should avoid walking for at least a month."
D) "I will avoid all electronic devices at home."
Answer: B) "I won't lift the arm on the pacemaker side until I see the healthcare
provider."
Rationale: Limiting arm movement on the pacemaker side initially prevents
dislodgement of the leads while the device heals into place. Normal ambulation is
encouraged, and patients can use most household electronic devices safely.
, 4. A patient who had a recent myocardial infarction asks about exercise. What
should the nurse teach?
A) Avoid all exercise for at least 6 months
B) Plan an exercise regimen of 30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week
C) Only exercise if chest pain occurs
D) Limit activity to once weekly
Answer: B) Plan an exercise regimen of 30 minutes a day, 3-5 times a week
Rationale: Gradual, regular aerobic activity improves cardiac conditioning and
outcomes post-MI, often guided by cardiac rehabilitation programs. Patients
should be encouraged to resume activity gradually under medical supervision, not
avoid it entirely.
