NURS 143 MIDTERM/FINAL
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Nursing Fundamentals
Health Assessment
Pharmacology
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Maternal and Newborn Nursing
Pediatric Nursing
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Community Health Nursing
Nursing Ethics and Legal Issues
Leadership and Management
Introduction
The NURS 143 Midterm/Final Exam assesses the clinical judgment
and nursing knowledge required for safe, effective entry-level
practice. It evaluates competency across major client-need
categories, including fundamentals, assessment, pharmacology,
,medical-surgical, maternal-child, pediatric, psychiatric, community,
ethics, and leadership. The exam employs multiple-choice and
scenario-based questions to test real-world application and decision-
making. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to analyze clinical
data, prioritize care, and apply evidence-based nursing interventions
across diverse patient populations.
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has severe dehydration. Which
finding should the nurse expect?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Urine specific gravity of 1.020
C. Hypotension and tachycardia
D. Thirst
C. Hypotension and tachycardia
RATIONALE: Severe dehydration leads to intravascular volume
depletion, causing hypotension and compensatory tachycardia. Dry
mucous membranes and thirst are earlier, milder signs.
Question 2
Which action by the nurse demonstrates proper hand hygiene?
A. Using alcohol-based rub when hands are visibly soiled
B. Washing hands for 5 seconds
C. Using soap and water for at least 20 seconds
D. Wearing gloves instead of washing hands
, C. Using soap and water for at least 20 seconds
RATIONALE: Soap and water for at least 20 seconds is required
when hands are visibly soiled or after caring for clients with C.
difficile. Alcohol rub is ineffective against spores.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet. Which food
should the client avoid?
A. Fresh apples
B. Canned soup
C. Steamed broccoli
D. Grilled chicken
B. Canned soup
RATIONALE: Canned soups are high in sodium due to added
salt and preservatives. Clients on a low-sodium diet should choose
fresh or low-sodium alternatives.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for digoxin.
Which finding should the nurse report before administering the
medication?
A. Heart rate of 88/min
B. Blood pressure of 128/76 mm Hg
C. Respiratory rate of 18/min
D. Heart rate of 52/min
D. Heart rate of 52/min
, RATIONALE: Digoxin slows the heart rate. A heart rate below
60/min in an adult is a contraindication for administration. The
nurse should hold the medication and notify the provider.
Question 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which finding
indicates worsening condition?
A. Weight loss of 1 kg
B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
C. Crackles in the lung bases
D. Heart rate of 76/min
C. Crackles in the lung bases
RATIONALE: Crackles in the lung bases indicate pulmonary
congestion, which is a sign of worsening heart failure. The nurse
should notify the provider and prepare for interventions to reduce
fluid volume.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new colostomy. Which stoma
appearance should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Pink and moist
B. Dark red and dry
C. Red and shiny
D. Slightly edematous
B. Dark red and dry
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
Nursing Fundamentals
Health Assessment
Pharmacology
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Maternal and Newborn Nursing
Pediatric Nursing
Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing
Community Health Nursing
Nursing Ethics and Legal Issues
Leadership and Management
Introduction
The NURS 143 Midterm/Final Exam assesses the clinical judgment
and nursing knowledge required for safe, effective entry-level
practice. It evaluates competency across major client-need
categories, including fundamentals, assessment, pharmacology,
,medical-surgical, maternal-child, pediatric, psychiatric, community,
ethics, and leadership. The exam employs multiple-choice and
scenario-based questions to test real-world application and decision-
making. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to analyze clinical
data, prioritize care, and apply evidence-based nursing interventions
across diverse patient populations.
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has severe dehydration. Which
finding should the nurse expect?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Urine specific gravity of 1.020
C. Hypotension and tachycardia
D. Thirst
C. Hypotension and tachycardia
RATIONALE: Severe dehydration leads to intravascular volume
depletion, causing hypotension and compensatory tachycardia. Dry
mucous membranes and thirst are earlier, milder signs.
Question 2
Which action by the nurse demonstrates proper hand hygiene?
A. Using alcohol-based rub when hands are visibly soiled
B. Washing hands for 5 seconds
C. Using soap and water for at least 20 seconds
D. Wearing gloves instead of washing hands
, C. Using soap and water for at least 20 seconds
RATIONALE: Soap and water for at least 20 seconds is required
when hands are visibly soiled or after caring for clients with C.
difficile. Alcohol rub is ineffective against spores.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet. Which food
should the client avoid?
A. Fresh apples
B. Canned soup
C. Steamed broccoli
D. Grilled chicken
B. Canned soup
RATIONALE: Canned soups are high in sodium due to added
salt and preservatives. Clients on a low-sodium diet should choose
fresh or low-sodium alternatives.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for digoxin.
Which finding should the nurse report before administering the
medication?
A. Heart rate of 88/min
B. Blood pressure of 128/76 mm Hg
C. Respiratory rate of 18/min
D. Heart rate of 52/min
D. Heart rate of 52/min
, RATIONALE: Digoxin slows the heart rate. A heart rate below
60/min in an adult is a contraindication for administration. The
nurse should hold the medication and notify the provider.
Question 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has heart failure. Which finding
indicates worsening condition?
A. Weight loss of 1 kg
B. Blood pressure of 110/70 mm Hg
C. Crackles in the lung bases
D. Heart rate of 76/min
C. Crackles in the lung bases
RATIONALE: Crackles in the lung bases indicate pulmonary
congestion, which is a sign of worsening heart failure. The nurse
should notify the provider and prepare for interventions to reduce
fluid volume.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a client who has a new colostomy. Which stoma
appearance should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Pink and moist
B. Dark red and dry
C. Red and shiny
D. Slightly edematous
B. Dark red and dry
