NSG 3800 All Exams Binder | Exam 1–4
Complete Study Guide with Verified Q&A,
Rationales & Key Concepts | Adult Health II |
Galen College of Nursing | 2026/2027
,1. A patient with heart failure has a potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L. Which food should the
nurse recommend?
A. Bananas
B. White bread
C. Applesauce
D. Pasta
Answer: A. Bananas
Rationale: Bananas are high in potassium, which helps correct hypokalemia.
2. A patient taking digoxin reports nausea and visual changes. Which finding is most
concerning?
A. Heart rate 48 beats/min
B. Blood pressure 118/76 mm Hg
C. Respiratory rate 18 breaths/min
D. Temperature 98.6°F
Answer: A. Heart rate 48 beats/min
Rationale: Bradycardia is a classic sign of digoxin toxicity and requires immediate
notification.
3. A patient on warfarin asks about bleeding precautions. Which instruction is correct?
A. Use a soft toothbrush
B. Increase vitamin K intake
C. Take aspirin for headaches
D. Double the dose if a dose is missed
Answer: A. Use a soft toothbrush
Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk, so soft toothbrushes help prevent gum
bleeding.
4. Which medication is the antidote for heparin?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Calcium gluconate
D. Naloxone
Answer: A. Protamine sulfate
Rationale: Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin and is used for serious bleeding.
,5. A patient with acute coronary syndrome is prescribed aspirin. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Give chewable aspirin as ordered
B. Hold aspirin until after breakfast
C. Give aspirin with an antacid
D. Administer aspirin rectally
Answer: A. Give chewable aspirin as ordered
Rationale: Chewable aspirin acts quickly to inhibit platelet aggregation in ACS.
6. A patient receiving nitroglycerin reports a headache. What is the best response?
A. “Headache is a common side effect.”
B. “You are having a stroke.”
C. “Stop taking all heart medications.”
D. “This means the medication is not working.”
Answer: A. “Headache is a common side effect.”
Rationale: Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation, which commonly leads to headache.
7. Which diet is recommended for a patient with hypertension?
A. DASH diet
B. High-sodium diet
C. High-saturated-fat diet
D. Low-potassium diet
Answer: A. DASH diet
Rationale: The DASH diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy
to lower blood pressure.
8. A patient with peripheral arterial disease is likely to have which assessment finding?
A. Diminished pedal pulses
B. Bounding pedal pulses
C. Warm, red feet
D. Severe ankle edema
Answer: A. Diminished pedal pulses
Rationale: PAD reduces arterial blood flow, causing weak or absent pulses.
9. Which intervention helps prevent deep vein thrombosis after surgery?
A. Early ambulation
B. Strict bed rest
C. Massaging the calves
D. Crossing the legs
, Answer: A. Early ambulation
Rationale: Early ambulation promotes venous return and reduces DVT risk.
10. After abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, which assessment is priority?
A. Peripheral pulses
B. Bowel sounds
C. Skin turgor
D. Pupil response
Answer: A. Peripheral pulses
Rationale: Pulses monitor perfusion after aneurysm repair and detect complications.
11. A patient with COPD should be taught which breathing technique?
A. Pursed-lip breathing
B. Breath holding
C. Rapid shallow breathing
D. Cough suppression
Answer: A. Pursed-lip breathing
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps prevent airway collapse and improves
oxygenation.
12. Which finding indicates worsening respiratory distress?
A. Oxygen saturation 86%
B. Respiratory rate 18 breaths/min
C. Pink mucous membranes
D. Clear breath sounds
Answer: A. Oxygen saturation 86%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation below 90% indicates hypoxemia and worsening distress.
13. A patient with asthma is prescribed albuterol. What is the expected effect?
A. Bronchodilation
B. Increased mucus
C. Sedation
D. Hypertension only
Answer: A. Bronchodilation
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that opens the airways.
14. A chest tube is draining bright red blood. What should the nurse do first?
A. Notify the provider immediately
B. Clamp the chest tube
C. Milk the chest tube
Complete Study Guide with Verified Q&A,
Rationales & Key Concepts | Adult Health II |
Galen College of Nursing | 2026/2027
,1. A patient with heart failure has a potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L. Which food should the
nurse recommend?
A. Bananas
B. White bread
C. Applesauce
D. Pasta
Answer: A. Bananas
Rationale: Bananas are high in potassium, which helps correct hypokalemia.
2. A patient taking digoxin reports nausea and visual changes. Which finding is most
concerning?
A. Heart rate 48 beats/min
B. Blood pressure 118/76 mm Hg
C. Respiratory rate 18 breaths/min
D. Temperature 98.6°F
Answer: A. Heart rate 48 beats/min
Rationale: Bradycardia is a classic sign of digoxin toxicity and requires immediate
notification.
3. A patient on warfarin asks about bleeding precautions. Which instruction is correct?
A. Use a soft toothbrush
B. Increase vitamin K intake
C. Take aspirin for headaches
D. Double the dose if a dose is missed
Answer: A. Use a soft toothbrush
Rationale: Warfarin increases bleeding risk, so soft toothbrushes help prevent gum
bleeding.
4. Which medication is the antidote for heparin?
A. Protamine sulfate
B. Vitamin K
C. Calcium gluconate
D. Naloxone
Answer: A. Protamine sulfate
Rationale: Protamine sulfate neutralizes heparin and is used for serious bleeding.
,5. A patient with acute coronary syndrome is prescribed aspirin. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Give chewable aspirin as ordered
B. Hold aspirin until after breakfast
C. Give aspirin with an antacid
D. Administer aspirin rectally
Answer: A. Give chewable aspirin as ordered
Rationale: Chewable aspirin acts quickly to inhibit platelet aggregation in ACS.
6. A patient receiving nitroglycerin reports a headache. What is the best response?
A. “Headache is a common side effect.”
B. “You are having a stroke.”
C. “Stop taking all heart medications.”
D. “This means the medication is not working.”
Answer: A. “Headache is a common side effect.”
Rationale: Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation, which commonly leads to headache.
7. Which diet is recommended for a patient with hypertension?
A. DASH diet
B. High-sodium diet
C. High-saturated-fat diet
D. Low-potassium diet
Answer: A. DASH diet
Rationale: The DASH diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy
to lower blood pressure.
8. A patient with peripheral arterial disease is likely to have which assessment finding?
A. Diminished pedal pulses
B. Bounding pedal pulses
C. Warm, red feet
D. Severe ankle edema
Answer: A. Diminished pedal pulses
Rationale: PAD reduces arterial blood flow, causing weak or absent pulses.
9. Which intervention helps prevent deep vein thrombosis after surgery?
A. Early ambulation
B. Strict bed rest
C. Massaging the calves
D. Crossing the legs
, Answer: A. Early ambulation
Rationale: Early ambulation promotes venous return and reduces DVT risk.
10. After abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, which assessment is priority?
A. Peripheral pulses
B. Bowel sounds
C. Skin turgor
D. Pupil response
Answer: A. Peripheral pulses
Rationale: Pulses monitor perfusion after aneurysm repair and detect complications.
11. A patient with COPD should be taught which breathing technique?
A. Pursed-lip breathing
B. Breath holding
C. Rapid shallow breathing
D. Cough suppression
Answer: A. Pursed-lip breathing
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps prevent airway collapse and improves
oxygenation.
12. Which finding indicates worsening respiratory distress?
A. Oxygen saturation 86%
B. Respiratory rate 18 breaths/min
C. Pink mucous membranes
D. Clear breath sounds
Answer: A. Oxygen saturation 86%
Rationale: An oxygen saturation below 90% indicates hypoxemia and worsening distress.
13. A patient with asthma is prescribed albuterol. What is the expected effect?
A. Bronchodilation
B. Increased mucus
C. Sedation
D. Hypertension only
Answer: A. Bronchodilation
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist that opens the airways.
14. A chest tube is draining bright red blood. What should the nurse do first?
A. Notify the provider immediately
B. Clamp the chest tube
C. Milk the chest tube
