EXAM 4: NUR 257 CHRONIC (100
QUESTIONS), 2025/2026 WITH
CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS
(Questions 1–9)
AT GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
CONCEPTS OF AGING AND CHRONIC ILLNESS
1. The nurse is assessing a patient with asthma.
Which finding indicates the patient has recovered?
A. Rales and wheezing are present
B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Clear breath sounds and normal respiratory rate
D. SpO₂ decreasing from 96% to 92%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Recovery is indicated by clear lungs, stable RR, and adequate oxygenation.
2. A patient has a thin, frail, irregular, rapid pulse
on assessment. What does this indicate?
A. Depressed consciousness
B. Atrial fibrillation
C. Bradycardia
D. Fluid overload
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An irregularly irregular, rapid pulse is classic for atrial fibrillation.
,3. During the handoff report, which patient should
the nurse assess FIRST?
A. A patient with no bowel movement for 3 days
B. A patient with new onset confusion
C. A patient with chronic back pain
D. A patient requesting PRN antacid
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acute changes in neurological status are high priority.
4. Patient in rehab has altered sleep patterns. What
is the BEST nursing action to promote sleep?
A. Change their bedtime every night
B. Allow daytime naps as needed
C. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
D. Encourage caffeine before bed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sleep hygiene requires consistent routines.
5. Which statement is TRUE about normal sleep
changes in older adults?
A. REM sleep increases with age
B. Stage 3 deep sleep decreases with age
C. Older adults sleep longer than younger adults
D. Older adults rarely wake during the night
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stage 3 sleep declines significantly with age.
6. Which symptom supports a diagnosis of CVA?
, A. Thinking clearly and speaking normally
B. Taking frequent naps
C. Sudden inability to speak or understand speech
D. Sleeping through the night without awakening
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Aphasia is a cardinal sign of stroke.
7. A patient with deep-vein thrombosis will begin
anticoagulation therapy. Which teaching is MOST
important?
A. Massage the affected leg
B. Elevate the affected extremity when resting
C. Apply cold packs every 15 minutes
D. Wear tight elastic wraps around the leg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevation reduces swelling; massaging or compressing the leg increases embolus risk.
8. A patient has been given midazolam for
insomnia. What is the PRIORITY nursing
concern?
A. Nausea
B. Increased fall risk
C. Dehydration
D. Headache
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines cause sedation and impaired coordination.
9. A patient has orthostatic hypotension. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
QUESTIONS), 2025/2026 WITH
CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS
(Questions 1–9)
AT GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
CONCEPTS OF AGING AND CHRONIC ILLNESS
1. The nurse is assessing a patient with asthma.
Which finding indicates the patient has recovered?
A. Rales and wheezing are present
B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Clear breath sounds and normal respiratory rate
D. SpO₂ decreasing from 96% to 92%
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Recovery is indicated by clear lungs, stable RR, and adequate oxygenation.
2. A patient has a thin, frail, irregular, rapid pulse
on assessment. What does this indicate?
A. Depressed consciousness
B. Atrial fibrillation
C. Bradycardia
D. Fluid overload
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An irregularly irregular, rapid pulse is classic for atrial fibrillation.
,3. During the handoff report, which patient should
the nurse assess FIRST?
A. A patient with no bowel movement for 3 days
B. A patient with new onset confusion
C. A patient with chronic back pain
D. A patient requesting PRN antacid
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acute changes in neurological status are high priority.
4. Patient in rehab has altered sleep patterns. What
is the BEST nursing action to promote sleep?
A. Change their bedtime every night
B. Allow daytime naps as needed
C. Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
D. Encourage caffeine before bed
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sleep hygiene requires consistent routines.
5. Which statement is TRUE about normal sleep
changes in older adults?
A. REM sleep increases with age
B. Stage 3 deep sleep decreases with age
C. Older adults sleep longer than younger adults
D. Older adults rarely wake during the night
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stage 3 sleep declines significantly with age.
6. Which symptom supports a diagnosis of CVA?
, A. Thinking clearly and speaking normally
B. Taking frequent naps
C. Sudden inability to speak or understand speech
D. Sleeping through the night without awakening
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Aphasia is a cardinal sign of stroke.
7. A patient with deep-vein thrombosis will begin
anticoagulation therapy. Which teaching is MOST
important?
A. Massage the affected leg
B. Elevate the affected extremity when resting
C. Apply cold packs every 15 minutes
D. Wear tight elastic wraps around the leg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevation reduces swelling; massaging or compressing the leg increases embolus risk.
8. A patient has been given midazolam for
insomnia. What is the PRIORITY nursing
concern?
A. Nausea
B. Increased fall risk
C. Dehydration
D. Headache
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Benzodiazepines cause sedation and impaired coordination.
9. A patient has orthostatic hypotension. Which
intervention should the nurse implement first?
