Relias ED RN Exam Preparation and Application Questions | Complete Emergency Department Nursing Study Guide, Test Bank, Clinical Case Scenarios, and Verified Answers for Registered Nurses [2025–2026 Edition]

Relias ED RN Exam Preparation and Application
Questions | Complete Emergency Department
Nursing Study Guide, Test Bank, Clinical Case
Scenarios, and Verified Answers for Registered
Nurses [2025–2026 Edition]

Question 1
Case: A nurse is assessing a patient with chest pain. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Obtain a history of present illness
B) Perform a focused cardiovascular assessment (Correct Option)
C) Administer nitroglycerin
D) Prepare for an EKG
Rationale: A focused cardiovascular assessment is essential to determine the severity
of the chest pain and identify any life-threatening conditions.


Question 2
Case: A patient presents with shortness of breath and wheezing. What should the nurse
do first?
A) Administer bronchodilator therapy
B) Assess the patient's respiratory status (Correct Option)
C) Obtain a chest X-ray
D) Place the patient in a high Fowler's position
Rationale: Assessing the patient's respiratory status is crucial to determine the extent
of the problem before any interventions are made.


Question 3
Case: A nurse is caring for a patient with anaphylaxis. What is the most critical
intervention?
A) Administer antihistamines
B) Administer epinephrine (Correct Option)
C) Start IV fluids
D) Apply a cold compress
Rationale: Administering epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis as it
quickly reverses the symptoms.


Question 4
Case: A patient in the emergency department has a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score
of 10. What does this indicate?
A) Moderate head injury (Correct Option)
B) Mild head injury

,C) Severe head injury
D) Unresponsive state
Rationale: A GCS score of 10 indicates a moderate head injury, necessitating further
evaluation and monitoring.


Question 5
Case: A nurse is preparing to discharge a patient after a myocardial infarction. What is
the most important teaching point?
A) "You can resume all activities immediately."
B) "Avoid strenuous activities for at least 4-6 weeks." (Correct Option)
C) "You should not take any medications."
D) "Dietary changes are not necessary."
Rationale: Avoiding strenuous activities is crucial for recovery after a myocardial
infarction to prevent further cardiac stress.


Question 6
Case: A patient presents with severe abdominal pain and a rigid abdomen. What should
the nurse assess for?
A) Possible infection
B) Signs of peritonitis (Correct Option)
C) Gastroesophageal reflux
D) Constipation
Rationale: A rigid abdomen is a classic sign of peritonitis, which can indicate a surgical
emergency.


Question 7
Case: A nurse is caring for a patient with a suspected stroke. What is the priority
assessment?
A) Blood pressure
B) Neurological assessment (Correct Option)
C) Cardiac monitoring
D) Respiratory rate
Rationale: A neurological assessment is crucial to determine the extent of the stroke
and guide treatment.


Question 8
Case: A patient presents with suspected diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What lab value
would be most indicative?

,A) Low blood glucose
B) Elevated blood ketones (Correct Option)
C) Normal pH
D) Low bicarbonate
Rationale: Elevated blood ketones are a hallmark of diabetic ketoacidosis, indicating
the need for urgent treatment.


Question 9
Case: A patient in the emergency department is experiencing a panic attack. What is
the best nursing intervention?
A) Provide reassurance and a calm environment (Correct Option)
B) Administer antianxiety medication
C) Encourage deep breathing exercises
D) Suggest the patient go for a walk
Rationale: Providing reassurance and maintaining a calm environment helps reduce
anxiety and allows the patient to regain control.


Question 10
Case: A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected pneumonia. What finding would be
most indicative?
A) Clear lung sounds
B) Dullness to percussion (Correct Option)
C) Increased respiratory rate
D) Hyperresonance
Rationale: Dullness to percussion suggests fluid or consolidation in the lungs, which is
common in pneumonia.


Question 11
Case: A patient with a history of COPD is admitted with respiratory distress. What is
the priority nursing intervention?
A) Administer bronchodilators (Correct Option)
B) Start oxygen therapy
C) Obtain a chest X-ray
D) Assess lung sounds
Rationale: Administering bronchodilators is essential for relieving bronchospasm and
improving airflow.

, Question 12
Case: A nurse is caring for a patient with an open fracture. What is the priority nursing
action?
A) Clean the wound
B) Stabilize the fracture (Correct Option)
C) Administer pain medication
D) Assess neurovascular status
Rationale: Stabilizing the fracture is crucial to prevent further injury and manage pain
effectively.


Question 13
Case: A patient is brought to the emergency department after a fall. What should the
nurse assess first?
A) Level of consciousness (Correct Option)
B) Vital signs
C) Pain level
D) Skin condition
Rationale: Assessing the level of consciousness provides immediate information about
the patient's neurological status and potential head injury.


Question 14
Case: A nurse is caring for a patient with a suspected myocardial infarction. What
symptom is most characteristic?
A) Chest pain radiating to the left arm (Correct Option)
B) Nausea only
C) Shortness of breath only
D) Abdominal pain
Rationale: Chest pain radiating to the left arm is a classic symptom of myocardial
infarction.


Question 15
Case: A nurse is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. What is the most critical
action before starting?
A) Obtain a consent form
B) Verify the patient's identity and blood type (Correct Option)
C) Administer pre-medications
D) Start an IV line
Rationale: Verifying the patient's identity and blood type is crucial to prevent
transfusion reactions.