1|Page
NURS 500 Comprehensive Nursing & Medical
Studies Review 2026–2027 | Nursing & Medical
Studies Comprehensive Exam Preparation
Guide | Practice Questions with Verified
Answers & Detailed Rationales
Description:
This comprehensive 150-question practice examination is designed to
assess the knowledge and clinical decision-making skills of nursing
and medical students preparing for high-stakes academic and
licensure examinations. The test covers all major content areas
including medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, anatomy and
physiology, pathophysiology, health assessment, research, leadership,
ethics, and professional standards. Questions range from foundational
recall to complex application-level scenarios that require critical
thinking and the application of evidence-based practice. This exam
mirrors the structure, style, and rigor of actual academic and licensing
examinations, providing a realistic and thorough preparation tool for
academic and professional success.
Comprehensive Guide to Academic Success in Nursing and Medical
Studies
Section 1 Questions 1 to 50
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart
failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a
manifestation of digoxin toxicity?
A Bruising and bleeding gums
B Yellow-green vision or halos around lights
C Persistent dry hacking cough
D Muscle tremors and tetany
Correct Answer B
,2|Page
Rationale Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos around
lights are classic signs of digoxin toxicity along with nausea vomiting
and bradycardia. Bleeding is associated with anticoagulants and a dry
cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client receiving a continuous heparin IV
infusion. The clients aPTT is 95 seconds control 35 seconds. Which
action should the nurse take?
A Increase the infusion rate
B Administer Vitamin K
C Stop the infusion and prepare Protamine Sulfate
D Document the finding as within the therapeutic range
Correct Answer C
Rationale The therapeutic range for aPTT is generally 1.5 to 2.5 times
the control approximately 52 to 87 seconds. An aPTT of 95 is too
high indicating a risk for hemorrhage. Protamine sulfate is the specific
antagonist for heparin. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin.
Question 3
A client is prescribed spironolactone for hypertension. Which dietary
choice indicates the client needs further teaching?
A Eating a fresh apple for a snack
B Using a salt substitute on all meals
C Drinking 2 liters of water daily
D Choosing white bread over whole wheat
Correct Answer B
Rationale Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic. Most salt
substitutes are made with potassium chloride. Combining the two can
lead to life threatening hyperkalemia.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a client about a new prescription for alendronate
for osteoporosis. Which instruction is a priority?
,3|Page
A Take the medication with a full glass of milk
B Sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the pill
C Take the medication immediately before bedtime
D Crush the tablet if it is too difficult to swallow
Correct Answer B
Rationale Bisphosphonates like alendronate can cause severe
esophagitis. To prevent esophageal erosion the client must remain
upright and take the medication with plain water on an empty
stomach.
Question 5
A client with a history of asthma is admitted for an acute
exacerbation. Which of the following medications should the nurse
clarify with the provider?
A Albuterol
B Propranolol
C Theophylline
D Montelukast
Correct Answer B
Rationale Propranolol is a non selective beta blocker. It can block
beta 2 receptors in the lungs causing bronchoconstriction which can
be fatal for a client with asthma.
Question 6
A nurse is monitoring a client receiving magnesium sulfate IV for
preeclampsia. Which finding is the earliest sign of magnesium
toxicity?
A Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
B Decreased urine output 20 mL per hour
C Loss of deep tendon reflexes DTRs
D Increased respiratory rate 24 per minute
Correct Answer C
, 4|Page
Rationale The loss of DTRs is the most sensitive early indicator of
magnesium toxicity. Respiratory depression and cardiac arrest follow
if the infusion is not stopped.
Question 7
A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client starting warfarin.
Which of the following should be included?
A Increase your intake of spinach and broccoli
B Use a firm bristled toothbrush for better oral hygiene
C Report any unusual bleeding or bruising
D Take an extra dose if you miss one
Correct Answer C
Rationale Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of
bleeding. The client should be instructed to report any signs of
bleeding such as bruising petechiae or hematuria. Vitamin K intake
should remain consistent and aspirin and NSAIDs should be avoided.
Question 8
A client is prescribed ciprofloxacin. The nurse should instruct the
client to report which symptom immediately?
A Nausea
B Diarrhea
C Headache
D Tendon pain
Correct Answer D
Rationale Ciprofloxacin is associated with tendonitis and tendon
rupture particularly in the Achilles tendon. The client should be
instructed to report any tendon pain swelling or inflammation
immediately and to avoid exercise until evaluated.
Question 9
A client with diabetes is prescribed metformin. The nurse should hold
the medication and notify the provider if the client has which
condition?
A Hypoglycemia
NURS 500 Comprehensive Nursing & Medical
Studies Review 2026–2027 | Nursing & Medical
Studies Comprehensive Exam Preparation
Guide | Practice Questions with Verified
Answers & Detailed Rationales
Description:
This comprehensive 150-question practice examination is designed to
assess the knowledge and clinical decision-making skills of nursing
and medical students preparing for high-stakes academic and
licensure examinations. The test covers all major content areas
including medical-surgical nursing, pharmacology, anatomy and
physiology, pathophysiology, health assessment, research, leadership,
ethics, and professional standards. Questions range from foundational
recall to complex application-level scenarios that require critical
thinking and the application of evidence-based practice. This exam
mirrors the structure, style, and rigor of actual academic and licensing
examinations, providing a realistic and thorough preparation tool for
academic and professional success.
Comprehensive Guide to Academic Success in Nursing and Medical
Studies
Section 1 Questions 1 to 50
Question 1
A nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart
failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a
manifestation of digoxin toxicity?
A Bruising and bleeding gums
B Yellow-green vision or halos around lights
C Persistent dry hacking cough
D Muscle tremors and tetany
Correct Answer B
,2|Page
Rationale Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos around
lights are classic signs of digoxin toxicity along with nausea vomiting
and bradycardia. Bleeding is associated with anticoagulants and a dry
cough is a common side effect of ACE inhibitors.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client receiving a continuous heparin IV
infusion. The clients aPTT is 95 seconds control 35 seconds. Which
action should the nurse take?
A Increase the infusion rate
B Administer Vitamin K
C Stop the infusion and prepare Protamine Sulfate
D Document the finding as within the therapeutic range
Correct Answer C
Rationale The therapeutic range for aPTT is generally 1.5 to 2.5 times
the control approximately 52 to 87 seconds. An aPTT of 95 is too
high indicating a risk for hemorrhage. Protamine sulfate is the specific
antagonist for heparin. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin.
Question 3
A client is prescribed spironolactone for hypertension. Which dietary
choice indicates the client needs further teaching?
A Eating a fresh apple for a snack
B Using a salt substitute on all meals
C Drinking 2 liters of water daily
D Choosing white bread over whole wheat
Correct Answer B
Rationale Spironolactone is a potassium sparing diuretic. Most salt
substitutes are made with potassium chloride. Combining the two can
lead to life threatening hyperkalemia.
Question 4
A nurse is teaching a client about a new prescription for alendronate
for osteoporosis. Which instruction is a priority?
,3|Page
A Take the medication with a full glass of milk
B Sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the pill
C Take the medication immediately before bedtime
D Crush the tablet if it is too difficult to swallow
Correct Answer B
Rationale Bisphosphonates like alendronate can cause severe
esophagitis. To prevent esophageal erosion the client must remain
upright and take the medication with plain water on an empty
stomach.
Question 5
A client with a history of asthma is admitted for an acute
exacerbation. Which of the following medications should the nurse
clarify with the provider?
A Albuterol
B Propranolol
C Theophylline
D Montelukast
Correct Answer B
Rationale Propranolol is a non selective beta blocker. It can block
beta 2 receptors in the lungs causing bronchoconstriction which can
be fatal for a client with asthma.
Question 6
A nurse is monitoring a client receiving magnesium sulfate IV for
preeclampsia. Which finding is the earliest sign of magnesium
toxicity?
A Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
B Decreased urine output 20 mL per hour
C Loss of deep tendon reflexes DTRs
D Increased respiratory rate 24 per minute
Correct Answer C
, 4|Page
Rationale The loss of DTRs is the most sensitive early indicator of
magnesium toxicity. Respiratory depression and cardiac arrest follow
if the infusion is not stopped.
Question 7
A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a client starting warfarin.
Which of the following should be included?
A Increase your intake of spinach and broccoli
B Use a firm bristled toothbrush for better oral hygiene
C Report any unusual bleeding or bruising
D Take an extra dose if you miss one
Correct Answer C
Rationale Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of
bleeding. The client should be instructed to report any signs of
bleeding such as bruising petechiae or hematuria. Vitamin K intake
should remain consistent and aspirin and NSAIDs should be avoided.
Question 8
A client is prescribed ciprofloxacin. The nurse should instruct the
client to report which symptom immediately?
A Nausea
B Diarrhea
C Headache
D Tendon pain
Correct Answer D
Rationale Ciprofloxacin is associated with tendonitis and tendon
rupture particularly in the Achilles tendon. The client should be
instructed to report any tendon pain swelling or inflammation
immediately and to avoid exercise until evaluated.
Question 9
A client with diabetes is prescribed metformin. The nurse should hold
the medication and notify the provider if the client has which
condition?
A Hypoglycemia
