NUR 282 Advanced Clinical / Transition Nursing - Week 9
Comprehensive Study Guide 2026 |Galen College
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who has a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. The
patient stops breathing and has no pulse. What is the most appropriate nursing
action?
A. Begin chest compressions and call for a crash cart.
B. Check the patient’s pupils for reaction to light.
C. Perform a brief neurological assessment to confirm death.
D. Allow for natural death and notify the family and physician.
Answer: D
Rationale: A DNR order indicates that no life-saving measures such as CPR or intubation
should be performed. The nurse should allow for a natural death and focus on supportive
care and notification.
2. In a mass casualty incident, which color tag is assigned to a patient who has a
minor injury and is considered a ‘walking wounded’?
A. Red
B. Yellow
C. Green
D. Black
Answer: C
Rationale: Green tags are used for ‘walking wounded’ or minor injuries. Red is for
immediate/life-threatening, Yellow is delayed, and Black is for deceased or expectant.
,3. Which ethical principle is the nurse practicing when they ensure that a
patient has all the information needed to make an informed decision about
their surgery?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Justice
Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to self-determination and making their
own healthcare decisions based on full information.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with a full-thickness burn over 40% of their body.
Which assessment finding is the priority in the first 24 hours (emergent phase)?
A. Wound infection
B. Fluid volume deficit
C. Pain management
D. Nutritional status
Answer: B
Rationale: In the first 24-48 hours after a major burn, fluid shift and capillary leak lead to
massive fluid volume deficit and potential hypovolemic shock, making fluid resuscitation
the priority.
5. When delegating tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP), which task
is most appropriate for the nurse to assign?
A. Performing a sterile dressing change.
B. Assessing a patient’s pain level.
C. Evaluating the effectiveness of a nebulizer treatment.
D. Assisting a stable patient with ambulation.
Answer: D
, Rationale: UAPs can perform routine tasks such as ADLs and ambulation for stable
patients. They cannot perform assessments, evaluations, or sterile procedures.
6. A patient is experiencing Respiratory Acidosis. Which of the following sets of
arterial blood gas (ABG) values is consistent with this diagnosis?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
B. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30, HCO3 24
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 24
D. pH 7.48, PaCO2 40, HCO3 30
Answer: C
Rationale: Respiratory Acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a high PaCO2
(>45). Option A shows a pH of 7.30 and a PaCO2 of 50.
7. Which clinical manifestation is a late sign of increased intracranial pressure
(ICP)?
A. Restlessness
B. Cushing’s triad
C. Headache
D. Slurred speech
Answer: B
Rationale: Cushing’s triad (bradycardia, hypertension with widening pulse pressure, and
irregular respirations) is a classic late sign of increased ICP.
8. The nurse is preparing to administer TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition). Which
of the following is a key safety intervention for TPN administration?
A. Monitor blood glucose every 4 to 6 hours.
B. Change the TPN tubing every 72 hours.
C. Speed up the infusion if it falls behind schedule.
D. Administer the TPN via a peripheral IV line.
Answer: A
Comprehensive Study Guide 2026 |Galen College
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who has a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. The
patient stops breathing and has no pulse. What is the most appropriate nursing
action?
A. Begin chest compressions and call for a crash cart.
B. Check the patient’s pupils for reaction to light.
C. Perform a brief neurological assessment to confirm death.
D. Allow for natural death and notify the family and physician.
Answer: D
Rationale: A DNR order indicates that no life-saving measures such as CPR or intubation
should be performed. The nurse should allow for a natural death and focus on supportive
care and notification.
2. In a mass casualty incident, which color tag is assigned to a patient who has a
minor injury and is considered a ‘walking wounded’?
A. Red
B. Yellow
C. Green
D. Black
Answer: C
Rationale: Green tags are used for ‘walking wounded’ or minor injuries. Red is for
immediate/life-threatening, Yellow is delayed, and Black is for deceased or expectant.
,3. Which ethical principle is the nurse practicing when they ensure that a
patient has all the information needed to make an informed decision about
their surgery?
A. Beneficence
B. Autonomy
C. Nonmaleficence
D. Justice
Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomy refers to the patient’s right to self-determination and making their
own healthcare decisions based on full information.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with a full-thickness burn over 40% of their body.
Which assessment finding is the priority in the first 24 hours (emergent phase)?
A. Wound infection
B. Fluid volume deficit
C. Pain management
D. Nutritional status
Answer: B
Rationale: In the first 24-48 hours after a major burn, fluid shift and capillary leak lead to
massive fluid volume deficit and potential hypovolemic shock, making fluid resuscitation
the priority.
5. When delegating tasks to an Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP), which task
is most appropriate for the nurse to assign?
A. Performing a sterile dressing change.
B. Assessing a patient’s pain level.
C. Evaluating the effectiveness of a nebulizer treatment.
D. Assisting a stable patient with ambulation.
Answer: D
, Rationale: UAPs can perform routine tasks such as ADLs and ambulation for stable
patients. They cannot perform assessments, evaluations, or sterile procedures.
6. A patient is experiencing Respiratory Acidosis. Which of the following sets of
arterial blood gas (ABG) values is consistent with this diagnosis?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
B. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30, HCO3 24
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 24
D. pH 7.48, PaCO2 40, HCO3 30
Answer: C
Rationale: Respiratory Acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a high PaCO2
(>45). Option A shows a pH of 7.30 and a PaCO2 of 50.
7. Which clinical manifestation is a late sign of increased intracranial pressure
(ICP)?
A. Restlessness
B. Cushing’s triad
C. Headache
D. Slurred speech
Answer: B
Rationale: Cushing’s triad (bradycardia, hypertension with widening pulse pressure, and
irregular respirations) is a classic late sign of increased ICP.
8. The nurse is preparing to administer TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition). Which
of the following is a key safety intervention for TPN administration?
A. Monitor blood glucose every 4 to 6 hours.
B. Change the TPN tubing every 72 hours.
C. Speed up the infusion if it falls behind schedule.
D. Administer the TPN via a peripheral IV line.
Answer: A