Questions & Verified Answers with Bold Italic Explanations |
Complete Study Guide Chamberlain University
This comprehensive study guide for NRSG 3320 Nursing Care of Adults 1 provides most
tested practice questions with verified answers and detailed bold italic explanations
covering all essential domains including cardiovascular disorders, peri-operative care,
musculoskeletal conditions, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, respiratory nursing care,
endocrine and metabolic nursing care, renal and genitourinary nursing care,
gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary nursing care, and neurological nursing care. Each
question is followed immediately by its correct answer and rationale for efficient learning
and retention. Designed specifically for nursing students in Adult Health 1 courses across
U.S. colleges and universities, this updated 2026 edition is optimized for effective exam
preparation and is ideal for sale
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS (Questions 1–40)
1. A nurse is teaching a client about primary (essential) hypertension. Which
risk factor should the nurse include as contributing to this condition?
A) Kidney disease
B) Hyperthyroidism
C) Family history and high sodium intake
D) Pheochromocytoma
Answer: C) Family history and high sodium intake
Explanation: Primary (essential) hypertension is associated with family
,history, increased sodium intake, obesity, smoking, stress, and
hyperlipidemia. Secondary hypertension is caused by underlying conditions
such as kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and
pheochromocytoma.
2. A client's blood pressure readings have been elevated on three separate
visits. The readings are 142/88 mmHg, 138/92 mmHg, and 145/90 mmHg.
How should the nurse classify this client's blood pressure?
A) Normal
B) Elevated
C) Stage 1 Hypertension
D) Stage 2 Hypertension
Answer: C) Stage 1 Hypertension
Explanation: Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure is elevated on
2 or more visits. Stage 1 HTN is defined as BP over 130-140/80-90 mmHg.
These readings consistently fall within this range.
3. A client newly diagnosed with hypertension asks about dietary changes.
Which dietary approach should the nurse recommend?
A) Low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet
B) DASH diet with increased vegetables and fruits
C) High-sodium diet to maintain blood volume
D) Ketogenic diet
,Answer: B) DASH diet with increased vegetables and fruits
Explanation: The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet
emphasizes increasing intake of vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy while
reducing saturated fat and sodium.
4. A client with chronic heart failure suddenly develops severe dyspnea,
bilateral crackles, and pink frothy sputum. What is the nurse's priority
action?
A) Place the client upright.
B) Encourage oral fluids.
C) Obtain a daily weight.
D) Place the client supine.
Answer: A) Place the client upright.
Explanation: The client is experiencing pulmonary edema. The priority is to
place the client in high Fowler's position to improve ventilation and
decrease venous return to the heart. Oral fluids should be restricted, not
encouraged.
5. A client taking furosemide for heart failure has a potassium level of 2.8
mEq/L. Which finding requires the most immediate attention?
A) Muscle cramps
B) Fatigue
C) Irregular pulse
D) Increased urination
, Answer: C) Irregular pulse
Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium below 3.5 mEq/L) can cause life-
threatening cardiac arrhythmias. An irregular pulse indicates cardiac
irritability and requires immediate intervention.
6. A client with heart failure has gained 2.5 kg over 3 days. Which finding
best explains the weight gain?
A) Increased muscle mass
B) Fluid retention
C) Increased bone density
D) Reduced metabolic rate
Answer: B) Fluid retention
Explanation: Weight gain of 2–3 pounds in 24 hours or 5 pounds in a week
indicates fluid retention and worsening heart failure.
7. A client with hypertension has a blood pressure of 186/118 mm Hg and
reports new blurred vision and severe headache. Which action is the
priority?
A) Recheck the pressure tomorrow.
B) Encourage ambulation.
C) Assess for target-organ injury.
D) Offer a low-sodium meal.