NURS 190 PA MIDTERM-WCU EXAM– QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS |
PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Anatomy and Physiology
Physical Assessment Techniques
Health History and Documentation
Ethics and Professional Standards
Regulatory and Legal Compliance
Cultural Competence and Patient Communication
Clinical Decision-Making and Critical Thinking
Pathophysiology and Disease Processes
Pharmacology and Medication Safety
Patient Safety and Infection Control
Introduction
This examination assesses the comprehensive knowledge and clinical reasoning skills required of a physician assistant
student in the NURS 190 course. It evaluates understanding of foundational theory, applied professional practice,
,ethical decision-making, and regulatory compliance. The exam employs multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
to simulate real-world clinical situations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, accurate assessment, and safe
decision-making to prepare students for professional practice and successful completion of their midterm evaluation.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
Question 1
A 45-year-old male presents with complaints of chest pain that radiates to his left arm. He is diaphoretic and
nauseous. What is the most appropriate initial action?
A. Administer an antacid and observe.
B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG and notify the provider immediately.
C. Ask the patient to walk to see if the pain worsens.
D. Provide a quiet environment and re-evaluate in one hour.
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG and notify the provider immediately.
🔴 Explanation: The patient's symptoms are classic for acute coronary syndrome. An immediate ECG is critical for
diagnosis and to guide emergent treatment.
Question 2
Which of the following is considered a violation of patient confidentiality under HIPAA?
,A. Discussing a patient's case during a private team meeting.
B. Sharing patient information with a colleague for treatment purposes.
C. Posting a patient's diagnosis on a public social media page.
D. Reporting a gunshot wound to law enforcement as required by law.
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Posting a patient's diagnosis on a public social media page.
🔴 Explanation: Posting any identifiable patient information on social media is a direct violation of HIPAA privacy
rules, as it is not for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
Question 3
During a physical exam, the provider uses the bell of the stethoscope to listen for which type of heart sound?
A. High-pitched murmurs of aortic stenosis.
B. Low-pitched sounds like S3 and S4 gallops.
C. Normal S1 and S2 heart sounds.
D. High-pitched breath sounds.
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Low-pitched sounds like S3 and S4 gallops.
🔴 Explanation: The bell of the stethoscope is designed to detect low-frequency sounds, such as S3 and S4 gallops
and the murmur of mitral stenosis.
, Question 4
A patient is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. Which of the following is the most common causative
organism?
A. Staphylococcus aureus
B. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
C. Escherichia coli
D. Candida albicans
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Escherichia coli
🔴 Explanation: Escherichia coli is the most common pathogen responsible for urinary tract infections, accounting
for approximately 80% of cases.
Question 5
A 70-year-old female with a history of hypertension presents with a sudden, severe headache described as "the
worst of her life." What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer a prescribed analgesic.
B. Check her blood pressure and notify the provider.
C. Dim the lights and encourage her to rest.
D. Perform a full neurological assessment.
PLUS RATIONALES | DOWNLOAD AND PASS | LATEST EXAM UPDATE 2026/2027
Core Domains
Anatomy and Physiology
Physical Assessment Techniques
Health History and Documentation
Ethics and Professional Standards
Regulatory and Legal Compliance
Cultural Competence and Patient Communication
Clinical Decision-Making and Critical Thinking
Pathophysiology and Disease Processes
Pharmacology and Medication Safety
Patient Safety and Infection Control
Introduction
This examination assesses the comprehensive knowledge and clinical reasoning skills required of a physician assistant
student in the NURS 190 course. It evaluates understanding of foundational theory, applied professional practice,
,ethical decision-making, and regulatory compliance. The exam employs multiple-choice and scenario-based questions
to simulate real-world clinical situations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, accurate assessment, and safe
decision-making to prepare students for professional practice and successful completion of their midterm evaluation.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–50
Question 1
A 45-year-old male presents with complaints of chest pain that radiates to his left arm. He is diaphoretic and
nauseous. What is the most appropriate initial action?
A. Administer an antacid and observe.
B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG and notify the provider immediately.
C. Ask the patient to walk to see if the pain worsens.
D. Provide a quiet environment and re-evaluate in one hour.
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG and notify the provider immediately.
🔴 Explanation: The patient's symptoms are classic for acute coronary syndrome. An immediate ECG is critical for
diagnosis and to guide emergent treatment.
Question 2
Which of the following is considered a violation of patient confidentiality under HIPAA?
,A. Discussing a patient's case during a private team meeting.
B. Sharing patient information with a colleague for treatment purposes.
C. Posting a patient's diagnosis on a public social media page.
D. Reporting a gunshot wound to law enforcement as required by law.
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Posting a patient's diagnosis on a public social media page.
🔴 Explanation: Posting any identifiable patient information on social media is a direct violation of HIPAA privacy
rules, as it is not for treatment, payment, or healthcare operations.
Question 3
During a physical exam, the provider uses the bell of the stethoscope to listen for which type of heart sound?
A. High-pitched murmurs of aortic stenosis.
B. Low-pitched sounds like S3 and S4 gallops.
C. Normal S1 and S2 heart sounds.
D. High-pitched breath sounds.
🟢 Correct Answer: B. Low-pitched sounds like S3 and S4 gallops.
🔴 Explanation: The bell of the stethoscope is designed to detect low-frequency sounds, such as S3 and S4 gallops
and the murmur of mitral stenosis.
, Question 4
A patient is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. Which of the following is the most common causative
organism?
A. Staphylococcus aureus
B. Pseudomonas aeruginosa
C. Escherichia coli
D. Candida albicans
🟢 Correct Answer: C. Escherichia coli
🔴 Explanation: Escherichia coli is the most common pathogen responsible for urinary tract infections, accounting
for approximately 80% of cases.
Question 5
A 70-year-old female with a history of hypertension presents with a sudden, severe headache described as "the
worst of her life." What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer a prescribed analgesic.
B. Check her blood pressure and notify the provider.
C. Dim the lights and encourage her to rest.
D. Perform a full neurological assessment.
