Emergency Nursing Practice Exam
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A patient presents with chest pain radiating to the left arm,
diaphoresis, and shortness of breath. The priority intervention is:
a) Obtain a chest X-ray
b) Start an IV line
c) Administer oxygen
d) Give acetaminophen
Rationale: Oxygen improves myocardial oxygen supply during
suspected acute coronary syndrome, which is the immediate priority.
2. A 23-year-old comes in after a motor vehicle collision with suspected
cervical spine injury. The nurse should first:
, a) Insert a nasogastric tube
b) Maintain cervical spine immobilization
c) Assess pupils
d) Place the patient in Trendelenburg position
Rationale: Cervical spine stabilization takes priority to prevent
secondary spinal cord injury.
3. A patient arrives with a possible stroke, last known well 2 hours ago.
The nurse should anticipate:
a) Administration of aspirin immediately
b) Rapid CT scan of the head
c) Lumbar puncture
d) MRI with contrast
Rationale: A CT scan is required to differentiate ischemic vs
hemorrhagic stroke before treatment decisions.
4. In hypovolemic shock, the earliest clinical sign is:
a) Hypotension
b) Cyanosis
c) Tachycardia
d) Altered mental status
Rationale: Tachycardia is an early compensatory response to
decreased circulating volume.
5. Which rhythm requires immediate defibrillation?
a) Sinus tachycardia
, b) Ventricular fibrillation
c) Asystole
d) First-degree AV block
Rationale: Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable rhythm and requires
immediate defibrillation.
6. A 4-year-old with fever and drooling, sitting upright and leaning
forward, likely has:
a) Asthma
b) Croup
c) Epiglottitis
d) Bronchiolitis
Rationale: Classic signs of epiglottitis include fever, drooling, and
tripod positioning. Airway is at risk.
7. Which IV fluid is best for initial resuscitation in hypovolemic shock?
a) 5% dextrose in water
b) Normal saline
c) 0.45% saline
d) 3% hypertonic saline
Rationale: Isotonic crystalloids like normal saline are first-line fluids
in hypovolemic shock.
8. The nurse identifies Beck’s triad (hypotension, muffled heart sounds,
JVD). This indicates:
a) Tension pneumothorax
, b) Cardiac tamponade
c) Pulmonary embolism
d) Myocardial infarction
Rationale: Beck’s triad is classic for cardiac tamponade.
9. A patient with a GCS score of 7 requires:
a) Pain management
b) Airway protection
c) Neurological reassessment in 30 minutes
d) IV fluids
Rationale: GCS ≤ 8 indicates need for definitive airway protection.
10. In burn management, the most important initial action is:
a) Apply sterile dressings
b) Ensure airway and breathing
c) Start IV antibiotics
d) Insert urinary catheter
Rationale: Airway and breathing take priority, especially with facial
burns or inhalation risk.
11. Which medication is used as the first-line treatment for
anaphylaxis?
a) Diphenhydramine
b) Epinephrine IM
c) Salbutamol
d) Corticosteroids
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. A patient presents with chest pain radiating to the left arm,
diaphoresis, and shortness of breath. The priority intervention is:
a) Obtain a chest X-ray
b) Start an IV line
c) Administer oxygen
d) Give acetaminophen
Rationale: Oxygen improves myocardial oxygen supply during
suspected acute coronary syndrome, which is the immediate priority.
2. A 23-year-old comes in after a motor vehicle collision with suspected
cervical spine injury. The nurse should first:
, a) Insert a nasogastric tube
b) Maintain cervical spine immobilization
c) Assess pupils
d) Place the patient in Trendelenburg position
Rationale: Cervical spine stabilization takes priority to prevent
secondary spinal cord injury.
3. A patient arrives with a possible stroke, last known well 2 hours ago.
The nurse should anticipate:
a) Administration of aspirin immediately
b) Rapid CT scan of the head
c) Lumbar puncture
d) MRI with contrast
Rationale: A CT scan is required to differentiate ischemic vs
hemorrhagic stroke before treatment decisions.
4. In hypovolemic shock, the earliest clinical sign is:
a) Hypotension
b) Cyanosis
c) Tachycardia
d) Altered mental status
Rationale: Tachycardia is an early compensatory response to
decreased circulating volume.
5. Which rhythm requires immediate defibrillation?
a) Sinus tachycardia
, b) Ventricular fibrillation
c) Asystole
d) First-degree AV block
Rationale: Ventricular fibrillation is a shockable rhythm and requires
immediate defibrillation.
6. A 4-year-old with fever and drooling, sitting upright and leaning
forward, likely has:
a) Asthma
b) Croup
c) Epiglottitis
d) Bronchiolitis
Rationale: Classic signs of epiglottitis include fever, drooling, and
tripod positioning. Airway is at risk.
7. Which IV fluid is best for initial resuscitation in hypovolemic shock?
a) 5% dextrose in water
b) Normal saline
c) 0.45% saline
d) 3% hypertonic saline
Rationale: Isotonic crystalloids like normal saline are first-line fluids
in hypovolemic shock.
8. The nurse identifies Beck’s triad (hypotension, muffled heart sounds,
JVD). This indicates:
a) Tension pneumothorax
, b) Cardiac tamponade
c) Pulmonary embolism
d) Myocardial infarction
Rationale: Beck’s triad is classic for cardiac tamponade.
9. A patient with a GCS score of 7 requires:
a) Pain management
b) Airway protection
c) Neurological reassessment in 30 minutes
d) IV fluids
Rationale: GCS ≤ 8 indicates need for definitive airway protection.
10. In burn management, the most important initial action is:
a) Apply sterile dressings
b) Ensure airway and breathing
c) Start IV antibiotics
d) Insert urinary catheter
Rationale: Airway and breathing take priority, especially with facial
burns or inhalation risk.
11. Which medication is used as the first-line treatment for
anaphylaxis?
a) Diphenhydramine
b) Epinephrine IM
c) Salbutamol
d) Corticosteroids
