NUR 211/NUR211 LIFESPAN FINAL EXAM:
(LATEST 2026–2027 UPDATE), WITH
CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS
NUR211 LIFESPAN
Question 1
A patient with a severe traumatic brain injury is admitted to the ICU, and an intracranial pressure (ICP)
monitor is being inserted. Which nursing action is most appropriate during the procedure?
A. Hyperventilate the patient to reduce carbon dioxide levels
B. Maintain strict aseptic technique throughout the insertion
C. Elevate the head of the bed to 60 degrees
D. Administer IV fluids rapidly during the procedure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale 1:
Insertion of an ICP monitor is an invasive neurosurgical procedure. Strict aseptic technique is critical to
prevent infection, particularly meningitis or ventriculitis, which can be life-threatening. Hyperventilation and
head-of-bed elevation are ICP management strategies but are not the priority during insertion. Rapid IV
fluids may increase intracranial pressure.
Question 2
After a geriatric patient undergoes cardiac catheterization, which assessment finding should the nurse
instruct the patient to monitor and report immediately?
A. Mild fatigue
B. Localized pain and warmth at the insertion site
C. Decreased appetite
D. Mild bruising at the site
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale 2:
Pain, warmth, or redness at the catheter insertion site may indicate infection or hematoma formation. These
findings require immediate reporting. Mild bruising and fatigue are common post-procedure and usually
expected.
Question 3
A patient is undergoing a cardiac workup. Which laboratory result should the nurse report immediately to the
provider?
A. Hemoglobin 13.8 g/dL
B. Cholesterol 210 mg/dL
C. White blood cell count 18,000/mm³
D. Platelet count 250,000/mm³
Correct Answer: C
Rationale 3:
A WBC count of 18,000/mm³ is significantly elevated and may indicate acute infection or inflammation,
which can complicate cardiac conditions. The other values are either normal or non-emergent.
Question 4
A patient receiving a blood transfusion develops low back pain, dyspnea, and chills. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Administer IV diphenhydramine
B. Slow the transfusion rate
C. Discontinue the transfusion immediately
D. Obtain a urine specimen
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale 4:
These symptoms indicate a possible acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. The nurse must stop the
transfusion immediately to prevent further antigen–antibody reaction and organ damage. Other actions
follow after stopping the transfusion.
Question 5
Which statement by a patient indicates correct understanding of a DEXA scan?
A. “I will need contrast dye for this test.”
B. “I must remain still during the scan.”
C. “This test evaluates muscle strength.”
D. “I will be sedated for the procedure.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale 5:
DEXA scans measure bone mineral density and require the patient to remain still. No contrast or sedation is
required, and the test does not evaluate muscle strength.
Question 6
Which infection is most commonly associated with blood transfusions despite modern screening?
A. Hepatitis A
B. Hepatitis C
C. Influenza
D. Epstein-Barr virus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale 6:
Although rare today, Hepatitis C remains historically associated with blood transfusions. Rigorous screening
has reduced risk significantly, but it is still the most classically linked infection.
, Question 7
Which patient statement indicates correct understanding of heart-healthy lifestyle modifications?
A. “I should avoid all physical activity.”
B. “A diet low in saturated fat supports heart health.”
C. “Medication alone will control my heart disease.”
D. “Only exercise matters, not diet.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale 7:
Reducing saturated fat intake helps lower cholesterol and decrease cardiovascular risk. Lifestyle
modification includes diet, exercise, and medication adherence.
Question 8
A patient newly diagnosed with HIV asks about early symptoms. Which response by the nurse is most
accurate?
A. “Early symptoms are usually severe and disabling.”
B. “Most people experience flu-like symptoms initially.”
C. “Symptoms begin only after AIDS develops.”
D. “There are no symptoms at any stage.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale 8:
Early HIV infection often presents with nonspecific flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and sore
throat. Severe symptoms typically occur later in disease progression.
(LATEST 2026–2027 UPDATE), WITH
CORRECT/ACCURATE ANSWERS
NUR211 LIFESPAN
Question 1
A patient with a severe traumatic brain injury is admitted to the ICU, and an intracranial pressure (ICP)
monitor is being inserted. Which nursing action is most appropriate during the procedure?
A. Hyperventilate the patient to reduce carbon dioxide levels
B. Maintain strict aseptic technique throughout the insertion
C. Elevate the head of the bed to 60 degrees
D. Administer IV fluids rapidly during the procedure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale 1:
Insertion of an ICP monitor is an invasive neurosurgical procedure. Strict aseptic technique is critical to
prevent infection, particularly meningitis or ventriculitis, which can be life-threatening. Hyperventilation and
head-of-bed elevation are ICP management strategies but are not the priority during insertion. Rapid IV
fluids may increase intracranial pressure.
Question 2
After a geriatric patient undergoes cardiac catheterization, which assessment finding should the nurse
instruct the patient to monitor and report immediately?
A. Mild fatigue
B. Localized pain and warmth at the insertion site
C. Decreased appetite
D. Mild bruising at the site
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale 2:
Pain, warmth, or redness at the catheter insertion site may indicate infection or hematoma formation. These
findings require immediate reporting. Mild bruising and fatigue are common post-procedure and usually
expected.
Question 3
A patient is undergoing a cardiac workup. Which laboratory result should the nurse report immediately to the
provider?
A. Hemoglobin 13.8 g/dL
B. Cholesterol 210 mg/dL
C. White blood cell count 18,000/mm³
D. Platelet count 250,000/mm³
Correct Answer: C
Rationale 3:
A WBC count of 18,000/mm³ is significantly elevated and may indicate acute infection or inflammation,
which can complicate cardiac conditions. The other values are either normal or non-emergent.
Question 4
A patient receiving a blood transfusion develops low back pain, dyspnea, and chills. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Administer IV diphenhydramine
B. Slow the transfusion rate
C. Discontinue the transfusion immediately
D. Obtain a urine specimen
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale 4:
These symptoms indicate a possible acute hemolytic transfusion reaction. The nurse must stop the
transfusion immediately to prevent further antigen–antibody reaction and organ damage. Other actions
follow after stopping the transfusion.
Question 5
Which statement by a patient indicates correct understanding of a DEXA scan?
A. “I will need contrast dye for this test.”
B. “I must remain still during the scan.”
C. “This test evaluates muscle strength.”
D. “I will be sedated for the procedure.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale 5:
DEXA scans measure bone mineral density and require the patient to remain still. No contrast or sedation is
required, and the test does not evaluate muscle strength.
Question 6
Which infection is most commonly associated with blood transfusions despite modern screening?
A. Hepatitis A
B. Hepatitis C
C. Influenza
D. Epstein-Barr virus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale 6:
Although rare today, Hepatitis C remains historically associated with blood transfusions. Rigorous screening
has reduced risk significantly, but it is still the most classically linked infection.
, Question 7
Which patient statement indicates correct understanding of heart-healthy lifestyle modifications?
A. “I should avoid all physical activity.”
B. “A diet low in saturated fat supports heart health.”
C. “Medication alone will control my heart disease.”
D. “Only exercise matters, not diet.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale 7:
Reducing saturated fat intake helps lower cholesterol and decrease cardiovascular risk. Lifestyle
modification includes diet, exercise, and medication adherence.
Question 8
A patient newly diagnosed with HIV asks about early symptoms. Which response by the nurse is most
accurate?
A. “Early symptoms are usually severe and disabling.”
B. “Most people experience flu-like symptoms initially.”
C. “Symptoms begin only after AIDS develops.”
D. “There are no symptoms at any stage.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale 8:
Early HIV infection often presents with nonspecific flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and sore
throat. Severe symptoms typically occur later in disease progression.
