PN 4003 Final Exam Variations in Health – Sprott Shaw
College (SSC) – 2026 – Complete exam material
Questions with verified answers
Introduction
This document contains 90 multiple-choice PN 4003 final-exam
questions with answers and rationales covering fluid and electrolyte
balance, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, renal and
gastrointestinal conditions, hematology, diabetes and endocrine
disorders, neurological conditions, wound care, shock, urinary and
musculoskeletal disorders, mental health, health promotion, and
nursing safety. It also includes questions on culturally safe care, social
determinants of health, chronic illness management, communication,
medication safety, and priority nursing interventions.
Exam Questions and Answers
,1. A client with heart failure gains 2.3 kg (5 lb) over three days. Which
interpretation is most appropriate?
A. The client has lost lean body mass.
B. The client is retaining excess fluid.
C. The client has developed hypoglycemia.
D. The client is experiencing dehydration.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid weight gain over a short period is commonly
associated with fluid retention, especially in heart failure. Daily
weights are useful for detecting changes in fluid status.
2. A client with SIADH has a serum sodium of 126 mmol/L. Which
mechanism best explains this finding?
A. Excessive loss of sodium through sweat
B. Water retention causing dilution of serum sodium
C. Increased renal excretion of potassium
D. Reduced intestinal absorption of sodium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excess antidiuretic hormone promotes water retention. The
retained water dilutes serum sodium and can produce significant
neurologic manifestations.
3. Which finding is most consistent with hypovolemia?
A. Bounding pulse
B. Peripheral edema
C. Orthostatic hypotension
, D. Jugular venous distention
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reduced circulating volume can cause a drop in blood
pressure when the client changes position, along with tachycardia and
decreased urine output.
, 4. A client has potassium of 6.2 mmol/L. Which finding requires
immediate attention?
A. Mild constipation
B. Muscle fatigue with an irregular cardiac rhythm
C. Increased appetite
D. Dry skin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Significant hyperkalemia can interfere with cardiac
conduction and cause dysrhythmias. Cardiac monitoring and urgent
management may be required.
5. A client with COPD uses pursed-lip breathing. What is the primary
purpose?
A. Increase swallowing efficiency
B. Prolong exhalation and reduce airway collapse
C. Increase gastric motility
D. Reduce blood glucose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing creates back pressure during
exhalation, helping keep smaller airways open and improving removal
of trapped air.
6. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of left-sided heart
failure?
A. Pulmonary crackles and dyspnea
B. Enlarged liver
College (SSC) – 2026 – Complete exam material
Questions with verified answers
Introduction
This document contains 90 multiple-choice PN 4003 final-exam
questions with answers and rationales covering fluid and electrolyte
balance, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, renal and
gastrointestinal conditions, hematology, diabetes and endocrine
disorders, neurological conditions, wound care, shock, urinary and
musculoskeletal disorders, mental health, health promotion, and
nursing safety. It also includes questions on culturally safe care, social
determinants of health, chronic illness management, communication,
medication safety, and priority nursing interventions.
Exam Questions and Answers
,1. A client with heart failure gains 2.3 kg (5 lb) over three days. Which
interpretation is most appropriate?
A. The client has lost lean body mass.
B. The client is retaining excess fluid.
C. The client has developed hypoglycemia.
D. The client is experiencing dehydration.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rapid weight gain over a short period is commonly
associated with fluid retention, especially in heart failure. Daily
weights are useful for detecting changes in fluid status.
2. A client with SIADH has a serum sodium of 126 mmol/L. Which
mechanism best explains this finding?
A. Excessive loss of sodium through sweat
B. Water retention causing dilution of serum sodium
C. Increased renal excretion of potassium
D. Reduced intestinal absorption of sodium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excess antidiuretic hormone promotes water retention. The
retained water dilutes serum sodium and can produce significant
neurologic manifestations.
3. Which finding is most consistent with hypovolemia?
A. Bounding pulse
B. Peripheral edema
C. Orthostatic hypotension
, D. Jugular venous distention
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Reduced circulating volume can cause a drop in blood
pressure when the client changes position, along with tachycardia and
decreased urine output.
, 4. A client has potassium of 6.2 mmol/L. Which finding requires
immediate attention?
A. Mild constipation
B. Muscle fatigue with an irregular cardiac rhythm
C. Increased appetite
D. Dry skin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Significant hyperkalemia can interfere with cardiac
conduction and cause dysrhythmias. Cardiac monitoring and urgent
management may be required.
5. A client with COPD uses pursed-lip breathing. What is the primary
purpose?
A. Increase swallowing efficiency
B. Prolong exhalation and reduce airway collapse
C. Increase gastric motility
D. Reduce blood glucose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing creates back pressure during
exhalation, helping keep smaller airways open and improving removal
of trapped air.
6. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of left-sided heart
failure?
A. Pulmonary crackles and dyspnea
B. Enlarged liver
