KAPLAN ADULT HEALTH B PRACTICE TEST 100 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,Core Domains
Cardiovascular Nursing Care
Respiratory System Disorders
Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions
Renal and Urinary System Management
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Neurological Conditions
Pharmacology and Medication Safety
Ethics and Professional Standards
Regulatory and Legal Compliance
Critical Care and Emergency Response
*
INTRODUCTION
*
This practice test is designed to assess comprehensive knowledge and clinical decision-making
skills essential for adult health nursing practice. The exam evaluates mastery of foundational
,theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory compliance, ethics, and real-world scenario
management. All questions are multiple-choice with scenario-based structures emphasizing
real-world application and critical decision-making. Candidates will demonstrate ability to
prioritize care, administer medications safely, interpret clinical findings, and apply
evidence-based interventions across diverse adult health conditions. Success requires
integrating clinical judgment with professional standards to ensure patient safety and
optimal outcomes in medical-surgical and critical care settings.
*
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A 65-year-old client with chronic heart failure presents with sudden onset of shortness of breath, crackles bilaterally in the lung bases, and oxygen
saturation of 88%. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize first?
A. Administer intravenous furosemide
B. Place the client in high Fowler's position
C. Administer supplemental oxygen at 2 L/min
D. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Placing the client in high Fowler's position is the priority intervention as it maximizes lung expansion and improves oxygenation
immediately. While oxygen administration, diuretics, and cardiac assessment are important, improving breathing mechanics through positioning
provides the fastest initial benefit for acute pulmonary congestion.
Question 2
A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus has a blood glucose reading of 420 mg/dL. The nurse notices the client is warm with dry skin and reports
increased thirst. Which assessment finding would indicate the client is developing hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)?
, A. Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL
B. Serum pH of 7.28
C. Serum osmolarity of 345 mOsm/L
D. Positive ketones in urine
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Serum osmolarity greater than 320 mOsm/L is a defining characteristic of HHS. HHS typically presents with severe hyperglycemia
(often >600 mg/dL), marked hyperosmolarity, and absence of significant ketosis. Positive ketones and low pH indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA),
not HHS.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of digoxin to a client with heart failure. The client's apical pulse is 52 beats/min. What is the appropriate
nursing action?
A. Administer the dose and document the pulse
B. Administer the dose and monitor the pulse every 30 minutes
C. Hold the dose and notify the provider
D. Administer half the dose and recheck the pulse
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Digoxin should be held when the apical pulse is below 60 beats/min in adults due to the risk of digoxin toxicity and severe
bradycardia. The provider must be notified to determine if the dose should be adjusted or if further evaluation is needed.
Question 4
A 45-year-old client with a history of systolic hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. Which teaching point is most important for the nurse to include?
A. Take the medication with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset
B. Report any swelling of the face, lips, or throat immediately
C. Avoid switching to salt substitutes containing potassium
D. Expect temporary dizziness for the first week
RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
,Core Domains
Cardiovascular Nursing Care
Respiratory System Disorders
Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions
Renal and Urinary System Management
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Neurological Conditions
Pharmacology and Medication Safety
Ethics and Professional Standards
Regulatory and Legal Compliance
Critical Care and Emergency Response
*
INTRODUCTION
*
This practice test is designed to assess comprehensive knowledge and clinical decision-making
skills essential for adult health nursing practice. The exam evaluates mastery of foundational
,theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory compliance, ethics, and real-world scenario
management. All questions are multiple-choice with scenario-based structures emphasizing
real-world application and critical decision-making. Candidates will demonstrate ability to
prioritize care, administer medications safely, interpret clinical findings, and apply
evidence-based interventions across diverse adult health conditions. Success requires
integrating clinical judgment with professional standards to ensure patient safety and
optimal outcomes in medical-surgical and critical care settings.
*
Section One: Questions 1–100
Question 1
A 65-year-old client with chronic heart failure presents with sudden onset of shortness of breath, crackles bilaterally in the lung bases, and oxygen
saturation of 88%. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize first?
A. Administer intravenous furosemide
B. Place the client in high Fowler's position
C. Administer supplemental oxygen at 2 L/min
D. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram
🟢 Correct answer: B
🔴 RATIONALE: Placing the client in high Fowler's position is the priority intervention as it maximizes lung expansion and improves oxygenation
immediately. While oxygen administration, diuretics, and cardiac assessment are important, improving breathing mechanics through positioning
provides the fastest initial benefit for acute pulmonary congestion.
Question 2
A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus has a blood glucose reading of 420 mg/dL. The nurse notices the client is warm with dry skin and reports
increased thirst. Which assessment finding would indicate the client is developing hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)?
, A. Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL
B. Serum pH of 7.28
C. Serum osmolarity of 345 mOsm/L
D. Positive ketones in urine
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Serum osmolarity greater than 320 mOsm/L is a defining characteristic of HHS. HHS typically presents with severe hyperglycemia
(often >600 mg/dL), marked hyperosmolarity, and absence of significant ketosis. Positive ketones and low pH indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA),
not HHS.
Question 3
A nurse is preparing to administer a dose of digoxin to a client with heart failure. The client's apical pulse is 52 beats/min. What is the appropriate
nursing action?
A. Administer the dose and document the pulse
B. Administer the dose and monitor the pulse every 30 minutes
C. Hold the dose and notify the provider
D. Administer half the dose and recheck the pulse
🟢 Correct answer: C
🔴 RATIONALE: Digoxin should be held when the apical pulse is below 60 beats/min in adults due to the risk of digoxin toxicity and severe
bradycardia. The provider must be notified to determine if the dose should be adjusted or if further evaluation is needed.
Question 4
A 45-year-old client with a history of systolic hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. Which teaching point is most important for the nurse to include?
A. Take the medication with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset
B. Report any swelling of the face, lips, or throat immediately
C. Avoid switching to salt substitutes containing potassium
D. Expect temporary dizziness for the first week
