🧠 SECTION 14: PRIORITY NURSING SCENARIOS (EXAM
FAVORITES)
These are the types of questions that decide pass vs fail. They test thinking like a nurse, not
memorization.
14.1 “Who Do You See First?” Questions
When choosing which patient to see first, think:
1. Airway problems
2. Breathing problems
3. Circulation problems
4. Sudden changes in condition
5. Post-operative complications
📌 Exam mindset: Unstable beats stable. Acute beats chronic.
Question 1
Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A patient with chronic back pain requesting medication
B. A post-operative patient with a respiratory rate of 8/min
C. A patient waiting for discharge instructions
D. A patient with a headache rating pain 6/10
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8/min indicates respiratory depression, which is life-threatening
and affects breathing.
🫁 SECTION 15: RESPIRATORY & OXYGENATION
QUESTIONS (VERY HIGH-YIELD)
, Respiratory questions appear constantly in nursing exams.
Key Signs of Hypoxia
Restlessness
Anxiety
Confusion
Cyanosis (late sign)
⚠️
Exam reminder: Treat hypoxia before investigating the cause.
Question 2
A patient receiving oxygen becomes increasingly restless and confused. What should the nurse
do first?
A. Call the physician
B. Increase oxygen flow as prescribed
C. Reassure the patient
D. Check the patient’s temperature
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restlessness and confusion are early signs of hypoxia. Oxygenation is the priority.
💉 SECTION 16: MEDICATION SAFETY & PHARMACOLOGY
QUESTIONS
Medication errors are heavily tested because they affect patient safety.
Question 3
Before administering digoxin, which assessment is most important?
A. Blood pressure
B. Respiratory rate
C. Apical pulse
D. Oxygen saturation
FAVORITES)
These are the types of questions that decide pass vs fail. They test thinking like a nurse, not
memorization.
14.1 “Who Do You See First?” Questions
When choosing which patient to see first, think:
1. Airway problems
2. Breathing problems
3. Circulation problems
4. Sudden changes in condition
5. Post-operative complications
📌 Exam mindset: Unstable beats stable. Acute beats chronic.
Question 1
Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A patient with chronic back pain requesting medication
B. A post-operative patient with a respiratory rate of 8/min
C. A patient waiting for discharge instructions
D. A patient with a headache rating pain 6/10
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 8/min indicates respiratory depression, which is life-threatening
and affects breathing.
🫁 SECTION 15: RESPIRATORY & OXYGENATION
QUESTIONS (VERY HIGH-YIELD)
, Respiratory questions appear constantly in nursing exams.
Key Signs of Hypoxia
Restlessness
Anxiety
Confusion
Cyanosis (late sign)
⚠️
Exam reminder: Treat hypoxia before investigating the cause.
Question 2
A patient receiving oxygen becomes increasingly restless and confused. What should the nurse
do first?
A. Call the physician
B. Increase oxygen flow as prescribed
C. Reassure the patient
D. Check the patient’s temperature
✅ Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restlessness and confusion are early signs of hypoxia. Oxygenation is the priority.
💉 SECTION 16: MEDICATION SAFETY & PHARMACOLOGY
QUESTIONS
Medication errors are heavily tested because they affect patient safety.
Question 3
Before administering digoxin, which assessment is most important?
A. Blood pressure
B. Respiratory rate
C. Apical pulse
D. Oxygen saturation
