NSG 409 — Comprehensive Nursing
Review exam Questions and Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale
2027 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A nurse is caring for a client who suddenly develops shortness of
breath, chest pain, and oxygen saturation of 86%. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Notify the healthcare provider
B. Administer prescribed analgesic medication
C. Apply supplemental oxygen
D. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
Answer: C. Apply supplemental oxygen
Rationale: The client is experiencing acute hypoxemia. The priority is
to support airway and breathing by administering supplemental
oxygen. Further assessment and diagnostic interventions should
follow stabilization of the client's oxygenation.
, 2. Which assessment finding is most indicative of hypovolemic
shock?
A. Bounding pulse
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypotension and tachycardia
D. Hypertension and flushed skin
Answer: C. Hypotension and tachycardia
Rationale: Hypovolemic shock results from inadequate circulating
blood volume. Compensatory mechanisms commonly produce
tachycardia and vasoconstriction, while progressive volume loss
causes hypotension.
3. A nurse is teaching a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus about
symptoms of hypoglycemia. Which symptom should the nurse
include?
A. Warm, dry skin
B. Bradycardia
C. Tremors and diaphoresis
D. Deep, rapid respirations
Answer: C. Tremors and diaphoresis
,Rationale: Hypoglycemia stimulates the sympathetic nervous system,
producing manifestations such as sweating, tremors, palpitations,
anxiety, and hunger. Deep, rapid respirations are associated with
metabolic acidosis such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
4. Which intervention is most appropriate for a client experiencing a
seizure?
A. Insert a tongue blade into the client's mouth
B. Restrain the client's extremities
C. Place the client in a side-lying position
D. Offer oral fluids during the seizure
Answer: C. Place the client in a side-lying position
Rationale: Side-lying positioning helps maintain airway patency and
allows secretions to drain, reducing aspiration risk. The nurse should
never place objects in the mouth or restrain the client during a seizure.
5. Which laboratory value should the nurse recognize as abnormal in
an adult client?
A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
B. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
C. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL
D. Hemoglobin 8.5 g/dL
, Answer: D. Hemoglobin 8.5 g/dL
Rationale: Normal adult hemoglobin is generally approximately 12–16
g/dL for females and 13.5–17.5 g/dL for males, although laboratory
ranges vary. A hemoglobin of 8.5 g/dL indicates anemia.
6. A client receiving a blood transfusion develops chills, fever, and
low back pain. What should the nurse do first?
A. Slow the transfusion
B. Stop the transfusion
C. Administer acetaminophen
D. Recheck the blood pressure in 30 minutes
Answer: B. Stop the transfusion
Rationale: Fever, chills, and back pain may indicate an acute
hemolytic transfusion reaction. The transfusion must be stopped
immediately. The nurse should maintain IV access with appropriate
solution and notify the healthcare provider and blood bank according
to protocol.
7. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client reporting chronic back pain
B. A client with a temperature of 38°C
Review exam Questions and Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale
2027 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. A nurse is caring for a client who suddenly develops shortness of
breath, chest pain, and oxygen saturation of 86%. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Notify the healthcare provider
B. Administer prescribed analgesic medication
C. Apply supplemental oxygen
D. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
Answer: C. Apply supplemental oxygen
Rationale: The client is experiencing acute hypoxemia. The priority is
to support airway and breathing by administering supplemental
oxygen. Further assessment and diagnostic interventions should
follow stabilization of the client's oxygenation.
, 2. Which assessment finding is most indicative of hypovolemic
shock?
A. Bounding pulse
B. Bradycardia
C. Hypotension and tachycardia
D. Hypertension and flushed skin
Answer: C. Hypotension and tachycardia
Rationale: Hypovolemic shock results from inadequate circulating
blood volume. Compensatory mechanisms commonly produce
tachycardia and vasoconstriction, while progressive volume loss
causes hypotension.
3. A nurse is teaching a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus about
symptoms of hypoglycemia. Which symptom should the nurse
include?
A. Warm, dry skin
B. Bradycardia
C. Tremors and diaphoresis
D. Deep, rapid respirations
Answer: C. Tremors and diaphoresis
,Rationale: Hypoglycemia stimulates the sympathetic nervous system,
producing manifestations such as sweating, tremors, palpitations,
anxiety, and hunger. Deep, rapid respirations are associated with
metabolic acidosis such as diabetic ketoacidosis.
4. Which intervention is most appropriate for a client experiencing a
seizure?
A. Insert a tongue blade into the client's mouth
B. Restrain the client's extremities
C. Place the client in a side-lying position
D. Offer oral fluids during the seizure
Answer: C. Place the client in a side-lying position
Rationale: Side-lying positioning helps maintain airway patency and
allows secretions to drain, reducing aspiration risk. The nurse should
never place objects in the mouth or restrain the client during a seizure.
5. Which laboratory value should the nurse recognize as abnormal in
an adult client?
A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
B. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
C. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL
D. Hemoglobin 8.5 g/dL
, Answer: D. Hemoglobin 8.5 g/dL
Rationale: Normal adult hemoglobin is generally approximately 12–16
g/dL for females and 13.5–17.5 g/dL for males, although laboratory
ranges vary. A hemoglobin of 8.5 g/dL indicates anemia.
6. A client receiving a blood transfusion develops chills, fever, and
low back pain. What should the nurse do first?
A. Slow the transfusion
B. Stop the transfusion
C. Administer acetaminophen
D. Recheck the blood pressure in 30 minutes
Answer: B. Stop the transfusion
Rationale: Fever, chills, and back pain may indicate an acute
hemolytic transfusion reaction. The transfusion must be stopped
immediately. The nurse should maintain IV access with appropriate
solution and notify the healthcare provider and blood bank according
to protocol.
7. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client reporting chronic back pain
B. A client with a temperature of 38°C
