NUR 2811 Capstone Module 9
Practice Exam International
College of Health Sciences
2026/2027 Study Edition
Important: This is an original practice resource for studying. It is not an actual, leaked, or guaranteed
copy of a school examination.
Questions 1–25: Prioritization, Safety & Perioperative Nursing
1. A postoperative client reports sudden shortness of breath and sharp chest pain. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a complete medication history
B. Apply oxygen and assess respiratory status
C. Encourage ambulation
D. Administer an oral analgesic
Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea and chest pain may indicate pulmonary embolism. Airway and breathing are
immediate priorities. Oxygen should be applied while additional assessment and emergency
interventions are initiated.
2. A client reports that an abdominal surgical incision has opened. Which intervention is the priority?
A. Apply a dry dressing
B. Place the client in high-Fowler's position
C. Cover the wound with sterile saline-moistened dressings
D. Encourage coughing
Answer: C
Rationale: Wound dehiscence requires protection of exposed tissue with sterile saline-moistened
dressings. The provider should then be notified. The client should generally be positioned to reduce
tension on the incision.
,3. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Client with postoperative pain rated 6/10
B. Client with a temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
C. Client with new-onset stridor
D. Client requesting assistance with bathing
Answer: C
Rationale: Stridor indicates possible upper-airway obstruction and requires immediate intervention.
4. A client receiving a blood transfusion develops chills and fever. What should the nurse do first?
A. Slow the transfusion
B. Stop the transfusion
C. Administer acetaminophen
D. Recheck the temperature in 30 minutes
Answer: B
Rationale: A suspected transfusion reaction requires immediate discontinuation of the blood product.
Maintain IV access with appropriate fluid using new tubing and follow institutional procedures.
5. Which postoperative finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Incisional discomfort
B. Mild nausea
C. Oxygen saturation of 86%
D. Decreased appetite
Answer: C
Rationale: Significant hypoxemia threatens oxygenation and requires prompt assessment and
intervention.
6. A client becomes suddenly confused after surgery. Which assessment is most important initially?
A. Dietary intake
B. Oxygen saturation
C. Last bowel movement
D. Sleep history
Answer: B
, Rationale: Acute confusion can result from hypoxemia, medication effects, infection, metabolic
abnormalities, or other causes. Oxygenation is an immediate priority.
7. Which finding is most concerning after a tonsillectomy?
A. Mild sore throat
B. Refusal to eat
C. Frequent swallowing and bright-red blood
D. Mild ear discomfort
Answer: C
Rationale: Frequent swallowing and bright-red bleeding can indicate postoperative hemorrhage and
require immediate evaluation.
8. A client is at risk for postoperative atelectasis. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Restrict fluids
B. Encourage incentive spirometry
C. Maintain strict bed rest
D. Avoid coughing
Answer: B
Rationale: Incentive spirometry promotes lung expansion and helps prevent atelectasis.
9. Which assessment finding suggests hypovolemic shock?
A. Bradycardia
B. Warm flushed skin
C. Tachycardia and hypotension
D. Bounding pulse
Answer: C
Rationale: Reduced circulating volume commonly produces tachycardia, hypotension, cool skin,
decreased urine output, and altered mental status.
10. A client has a postoperative wound infection. Which finding is most expected?
A. Purulent drainage
B. Cool, pale incision
C. Decreased temperature
D. Bradycardia
Practice Exam International
College of Health Sciences
2026/2027 Study Edition
Important: This is an original practice resource for studying. It is not an actual, leaked, or guaranteed
copy of a school examination.
Questions 1–25: Prioritization, Safety & Perioperative Nursing
1. A postoperative client reports sudden shortness of breath and sharp chest pain. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a complete medication history
B. Apply oxygen and assess respiratory status
C. Encourage ambulation
D. Administer an oral analgesic
Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea and chest pain may indicate pulmonary embolism. Airway and breathing are
immediate priorities. Oxygen should be applied while additional assessment and emergency
interventions are initiated.
2. A client reports that an abdominal surgical incision has opened. Which intervention is the priority?
A. Apply a dry dressing
B. Place the client in high-Fowler's position
C. Cover the wound with sterile saline-moistened dressings
D. Encourage coughing
Answer: C
Rationale: Wound dehiscence requires protection of exposed tissue with sterile saline-moistened
dressings. The provider should then be notified. The client should generally be positioned to reduce
tension on the incision.
,3. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Client with postoperative pain rated 6/10
B. Client with a temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
C. Client with new-onset stridor
D. Client requesting assistance with bathing
Answer: C
Rationale: Stridor indicates possible upper-airway obstruction and requires immediate intervention.
4. A client receiving a blood transfusion develops chills and fever. What should the nurse do first?
A. Slow the transfusion
B. Stop the transfusion
C. Administer acetaminophen
D. Recheck the temperature in 30 minutes
Answer: B
Rationale: A suspected transfusion reaction requires immediate discontinuation of the blood product.
Maintain IV access with appropriate fluid using new tubing and follow institutional procedures.
5. Which postoperative finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Incisional discomfort
B. Mild nausea
C. Oxygen saturation of 86%
D. Decreased appetite
Answer: C
Rationale: Significant hypoxemia threatens oxygenation and requires prompt assessment and
intervention.
6. A client becomes suddenly confused after surgery. Which assessment is most important initially?
A. Dietary intake
B. Oxygen saturation
C. Last bowel movement
D. Sleep history
Answer: B
, Rationale: Acute confusion can result from hypoxemia, medication effects, infection, metabolic
abnormalities, or other causes. Oxygenation is an immediate priority.
7. Which finding is most concerning after a tonsillectomy?
A. Mild sore throat
B. Refusal to eat
C. Frequent swallowing and bright-red blood
D. Mild ear discomfort
Answer: C
Rationale: Frequent swallowing and bright-red bleeding can indicate postoperative hemorrhage and
require immediate evaluation.
8. A client is at risk for postoperative atelectasis. Which intervention is appropriate?
A. Restrict fluids
B. Encourage incentive spirometry
C. Maintain strict bed rest
D. Avoid coughing
Answer: B
Rationale: Incentive spirometry promotes lung expansion and helps prevent atelectasis.
9. Which assessment finding suggests hypovolemic shock?
A. Bradycardia
B. Warm flushed skin
C. Tachycardia and hypotension
D. Bounding pulse
Answer: C
Rationale: Reduced circulating volume commonly produces tachycardia, hypotension, cool skin,
decreased urine output, and altered mental status.
10. A client has a postoperative wound infection. Which finding is most expected?
A. Purulent drainage
B. Cool, pale incision
C. Decreased temperature
D. Bradycardia
