Progressive Care (RNA) Fundamentals Exam
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) Q&A 2026|INSTANT DOWNLOAD
PDF
1. A patient in the progressive care unit is experiencing
sudden shortness of breath and crackles in the lungs. What is
the priority intervention?
A. Administer IV antibiotics
B. Raise the head of the bed
C. Give a PRN sedative
D. Prepare for chest X-ray
Rationale: For acute pulmonary congestion, airway
management and oxygenation are priorities. Elevating the head
of the bed improves lung expansion and oxygenation.
Correct answer: B
2. Which lab value requires the nurse to immediately notify
the provider in a patient with heart failure?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
C. BUN 15 mg/dL
D. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL
,Rationale: Hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening
arrhythmias, especially in cardiac patients.
Correct answer: B
3. A patient post-myocardial infarction is receiving IV
nitroglycerin. Which parameter must be closely monitored?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Blood pressure
C. Urine output
D. Serum potassium
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator; hypotension is a
common complication and must be monitored continuously.
Correct answer: B
4. Which of the following findings indicates early sepsis in a
progressive care patient?
A. Fever, tachycardia, elevated WBC
B. Bradypnea, hypotension, low WBC
C. Hypothermia, bradycardia, decreased urine output
D. Cyanosis, tachypnea, hypotension
Rationale: Early sepsis is often recognized by fever,
tachycardia, and leukocytosis.
Correct answer: A
,5. A patient with atrial fibrillation is prescribed IV heparin.
Which lab value is most critical to monitor?
A. PT
B. INR
C. aPTT
D. Platelet count
Rationale: Heparin therapy requires aPTT monitoring to ensure
therapeutic anticoagulation.
Correct answer: C
6. A progressive care patient has a sudden drop in blood
pressure and elevated heart rate. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Administer IV fluids
B. Reassess vital signs
C. Notify the provider
D. Place patient in Trendelenburg position
Rationale: Reassessing vitals ensures the change is real and
helps guide the immediate intervention.
Correct answer: B
, 7. Which of the following interventions is essential for
preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections
(CLABSI)?
A. Changing IV tubing daily
B. Using sterile technique for line insertion
C. Flushing line with saline only
D. Using gloves when administering medications
Rationale: CLABSI prevention relies on strict sterile technique
during line insertion and maintenance.
Correct answer: B
8. A patient with chronic heart failure reports new weight gain
of 3 pounds in 2 days. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Document in chart
B. Encourage dietary restrictions
C. Notify provider
D. Administer diuretic as ordered
Rationale: Rapid weight gain signals fluid retention and
possible heart failure exacerbation; the provider should be
notified immediately.
Correct answer: C
9. Which cardiac rhythm requires immediate defibrillation?
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) Q&A 2026|INSTANT DOWNLOAD
1. A patient in the progressive care unit is experiencing
sudden shortness of breath and crackles in the lungs. What is
the priority intervention?
A. Administer IV antibiotics
B. Raise the head of the bed
C. Give a PRN sedative
D. Prepare for chest X-ray
Rationale: For acute pulmonary congestion, airway
management and oxygenation are priorities. Elevating the head
of the bed improves lung expansion and oxygenation.
Correct answer: B
2. Which lab value requires the nurse to immediately notify
the provider in a patient with heart failure?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
C. BUN 15 mg/dL
D. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL
,Rationale: Hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening
arrhythmias, especially in cardiac patients.
Correct answer: B
3. A patient post-myocardial infarction is receiving IV
nitroglycerin. Which parameter must be closely monitored?
A. Respiratory rate
B. Blood pressure
C. Urine output
D. Serum potassium
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator; hypotension is a
common complication and must be monitored continuously.
Correct answer: B
4. Which of the following findings indicates early sepsis in a
progressive care patient?
A. Fever, tachycardia, elevated WBC
B. Bradypnea, hypotension, low WBC
C. Hypothermia, bradycardia, decreased urine output
D. Cyanosis, tachypnea, hypotension
Rationale: Early sepsis is often recognized by fever,
tachycardia, and leukocytosis.
Correct answer: A
,5. A patient with atrial fibrillation is prescribed IV heparin.
Which lab value is most critical to monitor?
A. PT
B. INR
C. aPTT
D. Platelet count
Rationale: Heparin therapy requires aPTT monitoring to ensure
therapeutic anticoagulation.
Correct answer: C
6. A progressive care patient has a sudden drop in blood
pressure and elevated heart rate. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Administer IV fluids
B. Reassess vital signs
C. Notify the provider
D. Place patient in Trendelenburg position
Rationale: Reassessing vitals ensures the change is real and
helps guide the immediate intervention.
Correct answer: B
, 7. Which of the following interventions is essential for
preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections
(CLABSI)?
A. Changing IV tubing daily
B. Using sterile technique for line insertion
C. Flushing line with saline only
D. Using gloves when administering medications
Rationale: CLABSI prevention relies on strict sterile technique
during line insertion and maintenance.
Correct answer: B
8. A patient with chronic heart failure reports new weight gain
of 3 pounds in 2 days. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Document in chart
B. Encourage dietary restrictions
C. Notify provider
D. Administer diuretic as ordered
Rationale: Rapid weight gain signals fluid retention and
possible heart failure exacerbation; the provider should be
notified immediately.
Correct answer: C
9. Which cardiac rhythm requires immediate defibrillation?
