AH3 FINAL PRACTICE EXAM 2026- 200 QUESTIONS WITH
VERIFIED ANSWERS AND DETAILED RATIONALES
||ALREADY GRADED A+
About this resource:
The AH3 Final Exam is one of the most comprehensive and challenging assessments in nursing
education—covering advanced adult health nursing concepts, complex pathophysiology,
pharmacology, and evidence-based interventions. Whether you are preparing for your final exam at
Galen College of Nursing or any other nursing program, this practice exam is designed to help you
succeed.
1. A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has extensive partial and full-
thickness burns of the head, neck, and chest. While planning the client's care, the nurse
should identify which of the following risks as the priority for assessment and intervention? A.
Airway obstruction.
B. Infection.
C. Fluid imbalance.
D. Paralytic Ileus. - CORRECT ANSWER-Airway obstruction.
When using the airway, breathing, circulation approach to client care, the nurse determines that the
priority risk is airway obstruction. Burns of the head, neck, and chest often involve damage to the
pulmonary tree due to heat as well as smoke and soot inhalation. This can result in severe respiratory
difficulty. Nursing measures to maintain a patent airway should take priority in this client's care.
2. A nurse in an emergency room is caring a the client who sustained partial-thickness burns to
both lower legs, chest, face, and both forearms. Which of the following is the priority action the
nurse should take? A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
B. Inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries.
C. Administer intravenous pain medication.
D. Draw blood for a complete blood cell (CBC) count. - CORRECT ANSWER-Inspect the mouth for signs of
inhalation injuries.
Since the client sustained burns to the chest and face, there is a possibility that flames and smoke from
the client's burning clothes could have caused an inhalation injury. The nurse should inspect the mouth
,and throat for soot and swelling. Using the airway, breathing, circulation (ABC) priority-setting
framework, is the priority concern at this time.
3. A nurse is monitoring the fluid replacement of a client who has sustained burns. The nurse
should administer which of the following fluids in the first 24 hr following a burn injury?
A. Dextrose 5% in water
B. Dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride
C. 0.9% sodium chloride
D. LR - CORRECT ANSWER-LR.
Lactated Ringer's is used in the first 24 hr following a burn injury because it is a crystalloid solution
whose composition and osmolality most closely resembles plasma.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who returns to the nursing unit from the recovery room after a
sigmoid colon resection for adenocarcinoma. The client had an episode of intraoperative
bleeding. Which finding indicates to the nurse that the client may be developing hypovolemic
shock? A. Decrease in the respiratory rate from 20 to 16/min.
B. Decrease in the urinary output from 50 mL to 30 mL per hour.
C. Increase in the temperature from 37.5° C (99.5° F) to 38.6° C (101.5° F)
D. Increase in the heart rate from 88 to 110/min. - CORRECT ANSWER-Increase in the heart rate from 88
to 110/min.
Hypovolemic shock is a condition in which the heart is unable to supply enough blood to the body
because of blood loss or inadequate blood volume. In an effort to compensate for this, the heart rate
increases steadily. In the first stage of shock (compensatory), the heart rate is > 100/min. As shock
progresses, the heart rate continues to accelerate to more than 150/min. In the final (irreversible or
refractory) stage, the heart rate becomes very erratic and may develop asystole.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for shock. Which of the following findings is the
earliest indicator that this complication is developing? A. Hypotension.
B. Anuria.
C. Narrowing pulse pressure
D. Decreased LOC - CORRECT ANSWER-Narrowing pulse pressure
Pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressures. In the initial stage of
shock there is a slight increase in the diastolic blood pressure, which narrows the pulse pressure.
, 6. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing anaphylactic shock in response to the
administration of penicillin. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer
first? A. Dobutamine.
B. Methylprednisolone.
C. Furosemide.
D. Epinephrine. - CORRECT ANSWER-Epinephrine.
The priority action the nurse should take when using the airway, breathing, circulation approach to
client care is to administer epinephrine, a bronchodilator and vasopressor used for allergic reactions to
reverse severe manifestations of anaphylactic shock.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who who has had a stroke involving the right hemisphere.
Which of the following alterations in function should the nurse expect? A. Difficulty
reading.
B. Inability to recognize family members.
C. Right hemiparesis.
D. Aphasia. - CORRECT ANSWER-Inability to recognize family members.
The right hemisphere is involved with visual and spatial awareness. A client who is unable to recognize
faces would have involvement with the right hemisphere.
8. A nurse caring for a client who had a right-sided stroke and is exhibiting homonymous
hemianopsia when eating. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A.
Provide a nonskid mat to alleviate plate movement.
B. Encourage the client to use his right hand when feeding himself.
C. Remind the client to look for food on the left side of the tray.
D. Encourage the use of the wide grip utensils. - CORRECT ANSWER-Remind the client to look for food on
the left side of the tray.
The nurse's action to remind the client to look for food on the left side of the tray will train the client to
scan the tray by moving his head and eyes, which will help to resolve the problem of homonymous
hemianopsia.
, 9. A nursing is caring for a client who has aphasia following a stroke. A family member asks the
nurse how she should communicate with the client. Which of the following responses by the
nurse is appropriate?
A. "Incorporate nonverbal cues in the conversation."
B. "Ask multiple choice questions as part of the conversation."
C. "Use a higher-pitched tone of voice when speaking."
D. "Use simple, child-like statements when speaking." - CORRECT ANSWER-Incorporate nonverbal cues
in the conversation.
Nonverbal cues enhance the client's ability to comprehend and use language.
10. A nurse is caring for a client who has had a hemorrhagic stroke following a ruptured cerebral
aneurysm. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Gradual onset of several hours
B. Manifestations preceded by a severe headache.
C. Maintains consciousness.
D. History of neurologic deficits lasting less than 1 hr. - CORRECT ANSWER-Manifestations preceded by a
severe headache.
A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding into the brain tissues, ventricles, or subarachnoid space. It
can be caused by hypertension, an aneurysm, or an arteriovenous malformation. A sudden, severe
headache is an expected initial manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke
11. While performing an admission assessment for a client, the nurse notes that the client has
varicose veins with ulcerations and lower extremity edema with a report of a feeling of
heaviness. Which of the following nursing diagnoses should the nurse identify as being the
priority in the client's care?
A. Impaired tissue perfusion
B. Alteration in body image
C. Alteration in activity tolerance
D. Impaired skin integrity - CORRECT ANSWER-Impaired tissue perfusion.
When using the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) priority-setting framework, the nurse should
identify impaired perfusion of tissues as the priority finding. The presence of varicose veins indicates
venous reflux is present which inhibits perfusion to all the tissues. The nurse should note the client has
signs of chronic venous insufficiency as well which include edema, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, and
the presence of venous stasis ulcers.
VERIFIED ANSWERS AND DETAILED RATIONALES
||ALREADY GRADED A+
About this resource:
The AH3 Final Exam is one of the most comprehensive and challenging assessments in nursing
education—covering advanced adult health nursing concepts, complex pathophysiology,
pharmacology, and evidence-based interventions. Whether you are preparing for your final exam at
Galen College of Nursing or any other nursing program, this practice exam is designed to help you
succeed.
1. A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who has extensive partial and full-
thickness burns of the head, neck, and chest. While planning the client's care, the nurse
should identify which of the following risks as the priority for assessment and intervention? A.
Airway obstruction.
B. Infection.
C. Fluid imbalance.
D. Paralytic Ileus. - CORRECT ANSWER-Airway obstruction.
When using the airway, breathing, circulation approach to client care, the nurse determines that the
priority risk is airway obstruction. Burns of the head, neck, and chest often involve damage to the
pulmonary tree due to heat as well as smoke and soot inhalation. This can result in severe respiratory
difficulty. Nursing measures to maintain a patent airway should take priority in this client's care.
2. A nurse in an emergency room is caring a the client who sustained partial-thickness burns to
both lower legs, chest, face, and both forearms. Which of the following is the priority action the
nurse should take? A. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.
B. Inspect the mouth for signs of inhalation injuries.
C. Administer intravenous pain medication.
D. Draw blood for a complete blood cell (CBC) count. - CORRECT ANSWER-Inspect the mouth for signs of
inhalation injuries.
Since the client sustained burns to the chest and face, there is a possibility that flames and smoke from
the client's burning clothes could have caused an inhalation injury. The nurse should inspect the mouth
,and throat for soot and swelling. Using the airway, breathing, circulation (ABC) priority-setting
framework, is the priority concern at this time.
3. A nurse is monitoring the fluid replacement of a client who has sustained burns. The nurse
should administer which of the following fluids in the first 24 hr following a burn injury?
A. Dextrose 5% in water
B. Dextrose 5% in 0.9% sodium chloride
C. 0.9% sodium chloride
D. LR - CORRECT ANSWER-LR.
Lactated Ringer's is used in the first 24 hr following a burn injury because it is a crystalloid solution
whose composition and osmolality most closely resembles plasma.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who returns to the nursing unit from the recovery room after a
sigmoid colon resection for adenocarcinoma. The client had an episode of intraoperative
bleeding. Which finding indicates to the nurse that the client may be developing hypovolemic
shock? A. Decrease in the respiratory rate from 20 to 16/min.
B. Decrease in the urinary output from 50 mL to 30 mL per hour.
C. Increase in the temperature from 37.5° C (99.5° F) to 38.6° C (101.5° F)
D. Increase in the heart rate from 88 to 110/min. - CORRECT ANSWER-Increase in the heart rate from 88
to 110/min.
Hypovolemic shock is a condition in which the heart is unable to supply enough blood to the body
because of blood loss or inadequate blood volume. In an effort to compensate for this, the heart rate
increases steadily. In the first stage of shock (compensatory), the heart rate is > 100/min. As shock
progresses, the heart rate continues to accelerate to more than 150/min. In the final (irreversible or
refractory) stage, the heart rate becomes very erratic and may develop asystole.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for shock. Which of the following findings is the
earliest indicator that this complication is developing? A. Hypotension.
B. Anuria.
C. Narrowing pulse pressure
D. Decreased LOC - CORRECT ANSWER-Narrowing pulse pressure
Pulse pressure is the difference between the systolic and diastolic blood pressures. In the initial stage of
shock there is a slight increase in the diastolic blood pressure, which narrows the pulse pressure.
, 6. A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing anaphylactic shock in response to the
administration of penicillin. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer
first? A. Dobutamine.
B. Methylprednisolone.
C. Furosemide.
D. Epinephrine. - CORRECT ANSWER-Epinephrine.
The priority action the nurse should take when using the airway, breathing, circulation approach to
client care is to administer epinephrine, a bronchodilator and vasopressor used for allergic reactions to
reverse severe manifestations of anaphylactic shock.
7. A nurse is caring for a client who who has had a stroke involving the right hemisphere.
Which of the following alterations in function should the nurse expect? A. Difficulty
reading.
B. Inability to recognize family members.
C. Right hemiparesis.
D. Aphasia. - CORRECT ANSWER-Inability to recognize family members.
The right hemisphere is involved with visual and spatial awareness. A client who is unable to recognize
faces would have involvement with the right hemisphere.
8. A nurse caring for a client who had a right-sided stroke and is exhibiting homonymous
hemianopsia when eating. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? A.
Provide a nonskid mat to alleviate plate movement.
B. Encourage the client to use his right hand when feeding himself.
C. Remind the client to look for food on the left side of the tray.
D. Encourage the use of the wide grip utensils. - CORRECT ANSWER-Remind the client to look for food on
the left side of the tray.
The nurse's action to remind the client to look for food on the left side of the tray will train the client to
scan the tray by moving his head and eyes, which will help to resolve the problem of homonymous
hemianopsia.
, 9. A nursing is caring for a client who has aphasia following a stroke. A family member asks the
nurse how she should communicate with the client. Which of the following responses by the
nurse is appropriate?
A. "Incorporate nonverbal cues in the conversation."
B. "Ask multiple choice questions as part of the conversation."
C. "Use a higher-pitched tone of voice when speaking."
D. "Use simple, child-like statements when speaking." - CORRECT ANSWER-Incorporate nonverbal cues
in the conversation.
Nonverbal cues enhance the client's ability to comprehend and use language.
10. A nurse is caring for a client who has had a hemorrhagic stroke following a ruptured cerebral
aneurysm. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Gradual onset of several hours
B. Manifestations preceded by a severe headache.
C. Maintains consciousness.
D. History of neurologic deficits lasting less than 1 hr. - CORRECT ANSWER-Manifestations preceded by a
severe headache.
A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding into the brain tissues, ventricles, or subarachnoid space. It
can be caused by hypertension, an aneurysm, or an arteriovenous malformation. A sudden, severe
headache is an expected initial manifestation of a hemorrhagic stroke
11. While performing an admission assessment for a client, the nurse notes that the client has
varicose veins with ulcerations and lower extremity edema with a report of a feeling of
heaviness. Which of the following nursing diagnoses should the nurse identify as being the
priority in the client's care?
A. Impaired tissue perfusion
B. Alteration in body image
C. Alteration in activity tolerance
D. Impaired skin integrity - CORRECT ANSWER-Impaired tissue perfusion.
When using the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) priority-setting framework, the nurse should
identify impaired perfusion of tissues as the priority finding. The presence of varicose veins indicates
venous reflux is present which inhibits perfusion to all the tissues. The nurse should note the client has
signs of chronic venous insufficiency as well which include edema, a feeling of heaviness in the legs, and
the presence of venous stasis ulcers.
