NURA 1500 COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
TEST 2026 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
▶ The nurse is assessing a client 24 hours following a cholecystectomy.
The nurse notes that the T-tube has drained 750ml of green-brown
drainage. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Notify the physician
B. Document the findings
C. Irrigate the T-tube
D. Clamp the T-tube - Answer: B
Explanation: Following cholecystectomy, drainage from the T-tube is
initially bloody and then turns to green-brown. The drainage is measured as
output. The amount of expected drainage will range from 500 to 1000 ml
per day. The nurse would document the output.
▶ The nurse would assess the client experiencing an acute episode of
cholecysitis for pain that is located in the right
A. Upper quadrant and radiates to the left scapula and shoulder
B. Upper quadrant and radiates to the right scapula and shoulder
C. Lower quadrant and radiates to the umbilicus
D. Lower quadrant and radiates to the back - Answer: B
Explanation: During an acute "gallbladder attack," the client may complain
of severe right upper quadrant pain that radiates to the right scapula and
shoulder. This is governed by the pattern on dermatomes in the body.
▶ When counseling a client in ways to prevent cholecystitis, which of the
following guidelines is most important?
A. Eat a low-protein diet
B. Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
C. Limit exercise to 10 minutes/day
D. Keep weight proportionate to height - Answer: D
Explanation: Obesity is a known cause of gallstones, and maintaining a
recommended weight will help protect against gallstones. Excessive dietary
intake of cholesterol is associated with the development of gallstones in
many people. Dietary protein isn't implicated in cholecystitis. Liquid protein
and low-calorie diets (with rapid weight loss of more than 5 lb [2.3kg] per
,week) are implicated as the cause of some cases of cholecystitis. Regular
exercise (30 minutes/three times a week) may help reduce weight and
improve fat metabolism. Reducing stress may reduce bile production,
which may also indirectly decrease the chances of developing cholecystitis.
▶ Which of the following symptoms best describes Murphy's sign?
A. Periumbilical ecchymosis exists
B. On deep palpitation and release, pain in elicited
C. On deep inspiration, pain is elicited and breathing stops
D. Abdominal muscles are tightened in anticipation of palpation - Answer: C
Explanation: Murphy's sign is elicited when the client reacts to pain and
stops breathing. It's a common finding in clients with cholecystitis.
Periumbilical ecchymosis, Cullen's sign, is present in peritonitis. Pain on
deep palpation and release is rebound tenderness. Tightening up
abdominal muscles in anticipation of palpation is guarding.
▶ Which of the following tests is most commonly used to diagnose
cholecystitis?
A. Abdominal CT scan
B. Abdominal ultrasound
C. Barium swallow
D. Endoscopy - Answer: B
Explanation: An abdominal ultrasound can show if the gallbladder is
enlarged, if gallstones are present, if the gallbladder wall is thickened, or if
distention of the gallbladder lumen is present. An abdominal CT scan can
be used to diagnose cholecystitis, but it usually isn't necessary. A barium
swallow looks at the stomach and the duodenum. Endoscopy looks at the
esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
▶ A client being treated for chronic cholecystitis should be given which of
the following instructions?
A. Increase rest
B. Avoid antacids
C. Increase protein in diet
D. Use anticholinergics as prescribed - Answer: D
Explanation: Conservative therapy for chronic cholecystitis includes weight
reduction by increasing physical activity, a low-fat diet, antacid use to treat
dyspepsia, and anticholinergic use to relax smooth muscles and reduce
ductal tone and spasm, thereby reducing pain.
,▶ The most important pathophysiologic factor contributing to the formation
of esophageal varices is:
A. Decreased prothrombin formation
B. Decreased albumin formation by the liver
C. Portal hypertension
D. Increased central venous pressure - Answer: C
Explanation: As the liver cells become fatty and degenerate, they are no
longer able to accommodate the large amount of blood necessary for
homeostasis. The pressure in the liver increases and causes increased
pressure in the venous system. As the portal pressure increases, fluid
exudes into the abdominal cavity. This is called ascites.
▶ The client being treated for esophageal varices has a Sengstaken-
Blakemore tube inserted to control the bleeding. The most important
assessment is for the nurse to:
A. Check that the hemostat is on the bedside
B. Monitor IV fluids for the shift
C. Regularly assess respiratory status
D. Check that the balloon is deflated on a regular basis - Answer: C
Explanation: The respiratory system can become occluded if the balloon
slips and moves up the esophagus, putting pressure on the trachea. This
would result in respiratory distress and should be assessed frequently.
Scissors should be kept at the bedside to cut the tube if distress occurs.
This is a safety intervention.
▶ George has a T tube in place after gallbladder surgery. Before
discharge, what information or instructions should be given regarding the T
tube drainage?
A. "If there is any drainage, notify the surgeon immediately."
B. "The drainage will decrease daily until the bile duct heals."
C. "First, the drainage is dark green; then it becomes dark yellow."
D. "If the drainage stops, milk the tube toward the puncture wound." -
Answer: B
Explanation: As healing occurs from the bile duct, bile drains from the tube;
the amount of bile should decrease. Teach the patient to expect dark green
drainage and to notify the doctor if drainage stops.
▶ The student nurse is teaching the family of a patient with liver failure.
You instruct them to limit which foods in the patient's diet?
A. Meats and beans
, B. Butter and gravies
C. Potatoes and pastas
D. Cakes and pastries - Answer: A
Explanation: Meats and beans are high-protein foods. In liver failure, the
liver is unable to metabolize protein adequately, causing protein by-
products to build up in the body rather than be excreted
▶ A patient has an acute upper GI hemorrhage. Your interventions include:
A. Treating hypovolemia
B. Treating hypervolemia
C. Controlling the bleeding source
D. Treating shock and diagnosing the bleeding source - Answer: A
Explanation: A patient with an acute upper GI hemorrhage must be treated
for hypovolemia and hemorrhagic shock. You as a nurse can't diagnose the
problem. Controlling the bleeding may require surgery or intensive medical
treatment
▶ What information is correct about stomach cancer?
A. Stomach pain is often a late symptom
B. Surgery is often a successful treatment
C. Chemotherapy and radiation are often successful treatments
D. The patient can survive for an extended time with TPN - Answer: A
Explanation: Stomach pain is often a late sign of stomach cancer;
outcomes are particularly poor when the cancer reaches that point.
Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have minimal positive effects. TPN
may enhance the growth of the cancer
▶ Hepatic encephalopathy develops when the blood level of which
substance increases?
A. Ammonia
B. Amylase
C. Calcium
D. Potassium - Answer: A
Explanation: Ammonia levels increase d/t improper shunting of blood,
causing ammonia to enter systemic circulation, which carries it to the brain.
▶ You're caring for a 28 y.o. woman with hepatitis B. She's concerned
about the duration of her recovery. Which response isn't appropriate?
A. Encourage her to not worry about the future.
B. Encourage her to express her feelings about the illness.
TEST 2026 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT
ANSWERS
▶ The nurse is assessing a client 24 hours following a cholecystectomy.
The nurse notes that the T-tube has drained 750ml of green-brown
drainage. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A. Notify the physician
B. Document the findings
C. Irrigate the T-tube
D. Clamp the T-tube - Answer: B
Explanation: Following cholecystectomy, drainage from the T-tube is
initially bloody and then turns to green-brown. The drainage is measured as
output. The amount of expected drainage will range from 500 to 1000 ml
per day. The nurse would document the output.
▶ The nurse would assess the client experiencing an acute episode of
cholecysitis for pain that is located in the right
A. Upper quadrant and radiates to the left scapula and shoulder
B. Upper quadrant and radiates to the right scapula and shoulder
C. Lower quadrant and radiates to the umbilicus
D. Lower quadrant and radiates to the back - Answer: B
Explanation: During an acute "gallbladder attack," the client may complain
of severe right upper quadrant pain that radiates to the right scapula and
shoulder. This is governed by the pattern on dermatomes in the body.
▶ When counseling a client in ways to prevent cholecystitis, which of the
following guidelines is most important?
A. Eat a low-protein diet
B. Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet
C. Limit exercise to 10 minutes/day
D. Keep weight proportionate to height - Answer: D
Explanation: Obesity is a known cause of gallstones, and maintaining a
recommended weight will help protect against gallstones. Excessive dietary
intake of cholesterol is associated with the development of gallstones in
many people. Dietary protein isn't implicated in cholecystitis. Liquid protein
and low-calorie diets (with rapid weight loss of more than 5 lb [2.3kg] per
,week) are implicated as the cause of some cases of cholecystitis. Regular
exercise (30 minutes/three times a week) may help reduce weight and
improve fat metabolism. Reducing stress may reduce bile production,
which may also indirectly decrease the chances of developing cholecystitis.
▶ Which of the following symptoms best describes Murphy's sign?
A. Periumbilical ecchymosis exists
B. On deep palpitation and release, pain in elicited
C. On deep inspiration, pain is elicited and breathing stops
D. Abdominal muscles are tightened in anticipation of palpation - Answer: C
Explanation: Murphy's sign is elicited when the client reacts to pain and
stops breathing. It's a common finding in clients with cholecystitis.
Periumbilical ecchymosis, Cullen's sign, is present in peritonitis. Pain on
deep palpation and release is rebound tenderness. Tightening up
abdominal muscles in anticipation of palpation is guarding.
▶ Which of the following tests is most commonly used to diagnose
cholecystitis?
A. Abdominal CT scan
B. Abdominal ultrasound
C. Barium swallow
D. Endoscopy - Answer: B
Explanation: An abdominal ultrasound can show if the gallbladder is
enlarged, if gallstones are present, if the gallbladder wall is thickened, or if
distention of the gallbladder lumen is present. An abdominal CT scan can
be used to diagnose cholecystitis, but it usually isn't necessary. A barium
swallow looks at the stomach and the duodenum. Endoscopy looks at the
esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.
▶ A client being treated for chronic cholecystitis should be given which of
the following instructions?
A. Increase rest
B. Avoid antacids
C. Increase protein in diet
D. Use anticholinergics as prescribed - Answer: D
Explanation: Conservative therapy for chronic cholecystitis includes weight
reduction by increasing physical activity, a low-fat diet, antacid use to treat
dyspepsia, and anticholinergic use to relax smooth muscles and reduce
ductal tone and spasm, thereby reducing pain.
,▶ The most important pathophysiologic factor contributing to the formation
of esophageal varices is:
A. Decreased prothrombin formation
B. Decreased albumin formation by the liver
C. Portal hypertension
D. Increased central venous pressure - Answer: C
Explanation: As the liver cells become fatty and degenerate, they are no
longer able to accommodate the large amount of blood necessary for
homeostasis. The pressure in the liver increases and causes increased
pressure in the venous system. As the portal pressure increases, fluid
exudes into the abdominal cavity. This is called ascites.
▶ The client being treated for esophageal varices has a Sengstaken-
Blakemore tube inserted to control the bleeding. The most important
assessment is for the nurse to:
A. Check that the hemostat is on the bedside
B. Monitor IV fluids for the shift
C. Regularly assess respiratory status
D. Check that the balloon is deflated on a regular basis - Answer: C
Explanation: The respiratory system can become occluded if the balloon
slips and moves up the esophagus, putting pressure on the trachea. This
would result in respiratory distress and should be assessed frequently.
Scissors should be kept at the bedside to cut the tube if distress occurs.
This is a safety intervention.
▶ George has a T tube in place after gallbladder surgery. Before
discharge, what information or instructions should be given regarding the T
tube drainage?
A. "If there is any drainage, notify the surgeon immediately."
B. "The drainage will decrease daily until the bile duct heals."
C. "First, the drainage is dark green; then it becomes dark yellow."
D. "If the drainage stops, milk the tube toward the puncture wound." -
Answer: B
Explanation: As healing occurs from the bile duct, bile drains from the tube;
the amount of bile should decrease. Teach the patient to expect dark green
drainage and to notify the doctor if drainage stops.
▶ The student nurse is teaching the family of a patient with liver failure.
You instruct them to limit which foods in the patient's diet?
A. Meats and beans
, B. Butter and gravies
C. Potatoes and pastas
D. Cakes and pastries - Answer: A
Explanation: Meats and beans are high-protein foods. In liver failure, the
liver is unable to metabolize protein adequately, causing protein by-
products to build up in the body rather than be excreted
▶ A patient has an acute upper GI hemorrhage. Your interventions include:
A. Treating hypovolemia
B. Treating hypervolemia
C. Controlling the bleeding source
D. Treating shock and diagnosing the bleeding source - Answer: A
Explanation: A patient with an acute upper GI hemorrhage must be treated
for hypovolemia and hemorrhagic shock. You as a nurse can't diagnose the
problem. Controlling the bleeding may require surgery or intensive medical
treatment
▶ What information is correct about stomach cancer?
A. Stomach pain is often a late symptom
B. Surgery is often a successful treatment
C. Chemotherapy and radiation are often successful treatments
D. The patient can survive for an extended time with TPN - Answer: A
Explanation: Stomach pain is often a late sign of stomach cancer;
outcomes are particularly poor when the cancer reaches that point.
Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation have minimal positive effects. TPN
may enhance the growth of the cancer
▶ Hepatic encephalopathy develops when the blood level of which
substance increases?
A. Ammonia
B. Amylase
C. Calcium
D. Potassium - Answer: A
Explanation: Ammonia levels increase d/t improper shunting of blood,
causing ammonia to enter systemic circulation, which carries it to the brain.
▶ You're caring for a 28 y.o. woman with hepatitis B. She's concerned
about the duration of her recovery. Which response isn't appropriate?
A. Encourage her to not worry about the future.
B. Encourage her to express her feelings about the illness.
