NUR 272 Exam 3 | Questions and Correct Answers plus
Rationale | New 2026-2027 Update | Complete Exam
1. An emergency department nurse is caring for a 30-year-old patient who has
severe laryngospasm that required 20 mg of atropine to control. Which action
by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Consult with the provider about possible nerve gas exposure.
B. Immediately place the patient in airborne and droplet isolation.
C. Institute radiation precautions and decontaminate the patient.
D. Prepare to begin taking prophylactic antibiotics on a daily basis.
Correct Answer: A. Consult with the provider about possible nerve gas exposure.
Rationale: Severe laryngospasm requiring high-dose atropine is a classic
presentation of nerve gas exposure (muscarinic and nicotinic effects).
Airborne/droplet isolation, radiation precautions, and prophylactic antibiotics are
not indicated for nerve agent exposure.
2. A nurse is part of a federal disaster team and is preparing to enter a site
where the highest levels of respiratory protection are needed, but less
protection is needed for skin and eyes. What personal protective equipment
should this nurse use?
A. Chemical resistant, steel-toed boots
B. Coveralls and scrubs
C. Half-mask air-purifying respirator
D. Self-contained breathing apparatus
Correct Answer: D. Self-contained breathing apparatus
Rationale: The highest level of respiratory protection is provided by a self-
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Lesser skin/eye protection is acceptable
when the primary hazard is airborne.
, 3. A patient is brought to the Emergency Department by a neighbor and reports
difficulty swallowing, blurred vision with drooping eyelids, and weakness of the
arms. Which action by the nurse is best?
A. Assess for skin lesions.
B. Institute airborne precautions.
C. Monitor respiratory status.
D. Prepare to give antibiotics.
Correct Answer: C. Monitor respiratory status.
Rationale: These symptoms suggest botulism or nerve agent exposure, both of
which can rapidly progress to respiratory failure. Airway and breathing are the
priority.
4. A public health nurse has been told that he/she will work on public health
disaster primary prevention activities. Which of the following would the nurse
expect to include?
A. Assessment of individuals for post-traumatic stress syndrome
B. Directing community volunteers to different area shelters
C. Distributing worksheets to create family emergency plans
D. Reviewing concepts of triage that are operationalized in a disaster
Correct Answer: C. Distributing worksheets to create family emergency plans
Rationale: Primary prevention focuses on preparedness before a disaster occurs.
Helping families create emergency plans is a primary prevention activity. Triage
and sheltering are secondary prevention (during the event); mental health
assessment is tertiary prevention (after the event).
5. A nurse is preparing a family emergency kit for herself, her husband, and her
three children. Which of the following does the nurse include in the kit? (Select
all that apply.)
A. 8 gallons of water
B. Flashlight and batteries
C. Food for at least 3 days
Rationale | New 2026-2027 Update | Complete Exam
1. An emergency department nurse is caring for a 30-year-old patient who has
severe laryngospasm that required 20 mg of atropine to control. Which action
by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Consult with the provider about possible nerve gas exposure.
B. Immediately place the patient in airborne and droplet isolation.
C. Institute radiation precautions and decontaminate the patient.
D. Prepare to begin taking prophylactic antibiotics on a daily basis.
Correct Answer: A. Consult with the provider about possible nerve gas exposure.
Rationale: Severe laryngospasm requiring high-dose atropine is a classic
presentation of nerve gas exposure (muscarinic and nicotinic effects).
Airborne/droplet isolation, radiation precautions, and prophylactic antibiotics are
not indicated for nerve agent exposure.
2. A nurse is part of a federal disaster team and is preparing to enter a site
where the highest levels of respiratory protection are needed, but less
protection is needed for skin and eyes. What personal protective equipment
should this nurse use?
A. Chemical resistant, steel-toed boots
B. Coveralls and scrubs
C. Half-mask air-purifying respirator
D. Self-contained breathing apparatus
Correct Answer: D. Self-contained breathing apparatus
Rationale: The highest level of respiratory protection is provided by a self-
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Lesser skin/eye protection is acceptable
when the primary hazard is airborne.
, 3. A patient is brought to the Emergency Department by a neighbor and reports
difficulty swallowing, blurred vision with drooping eyelids, and weakness of the
arms. Which action by the nurse is best?
A. Assess for skin lesions.
B. Institute airborne precautions.
C. Monitor respiratory status.
D. Prepare to give antibiotics.
Correct Answer: C. Monitor respiratory status.
Rationale: These symptoms suggest botulism or nerve agent exposure, both of
which can rapidly progress to respiratory failure. Airway and breathing are the
priority.
4. A public health nurse has been told that he/she will work on public health
disaster primary prevention activities. Which of the following would the nurse
expect to include?
A. Assessment of individuals for post-traumatic stress syndrome
B. Directing community volunteers to different area shelters
C. Distributing worksheets to create family emergency plans
D. Reviewing concepts of triage that are operationalized in a disaster
Correct Answer: C. Distributing worksheets to create family emergency plans
Rationale: Primary prevention focuses on preparedness before a disaster occurs.
Helping families create emergency plans is a primary prevention activity. Triage
and sheltering are secondary prevention (during the event); mental health
assessment is tertiary prevention (after the event).
5. A nurse is preparing a family emergency kit for herself, her husband, and her
three children. Which of the following does the nurse include in the kit? (Select
all that apply.)
A. 8 gallons of water
B. Flashlight and batteries
C. Food for at least 3 days
