HIGH YIELD NCLEX-STYLE
QUESTIONS & RATIONALES (2026)
NUR 1020C Exam 3 Review
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with hypertension. Which blood
pressure reading indicates hypertension?
A. 110/70
B. 118/76
C. 140/90
D. 100/60
Answer: C. 140/90
Rationale: A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or higher is
classified as hypertension.
Question 2
Which electrolyte is most important for cardiac muscle function?
A. Sodium
B. Calcium
C. Potassium
D. Chloride
Answer: C. Potassium
Rationale: Potassium plays a major role in cardiac conduction and
muscle contraction.
Question 3
Which symptom is most associated with hypoglycemia?
,A. Increased thirst
B. Frequent urination
C. Sweating and shakiness
D. Dry skin
Answer: C. Sweating and shakiness
Rationale: Hypoglycemia activates the sympathetic nervous system
causing sweating and tremors.
Question 4
Which position promotes maximum lung expansion?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High Fowler’s
D. Sims
Answer: C. High Fowler’s
Rationale: Sitting upright allows the lungs to expand more effectively.
Question 5
Which sign indicates infection?
A. Bradycardia
B. Fever
C. Low WBC
D. Hypothermia
Answer: B. Fever
Rationale: Fever occurs when the immune system responds to infection.
Question 6
Which lab value indicates anemia?
A. Low hemoglobin
B. High potassium
C. High sodium
D. High glucose
,Answer: A. Low hemoglobin
Rationale: Hemoglobin carries oxygen; low levels indicate anemia.
Question 7
Which intervention helps prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Bed rest
B. Early ambulation
C. Fluid restriction
D. Leg crossing
Answer: B. Early ambulation
Rationale: Movement promotes venous return and prevents clot
formation.
Question 8
Which symptom indicates stroke?
A. Chest pain
B. Sudden weakness on one side
C. Fever
D. Abdominal pain
Answer: B. Sudden weakness on one side
Rationale: Stroke commonly causes unilateral neurological deficits.
Question 9
Which sign suggests fluid overload?
A. Weight loss
B. Edema
C. Dry mucous membranes
D. Hypotension
Answer: B. Edema
Rationale: Excess fluid accumulates in tissues causing swelling.
, Question 10
Which symptom indicates respiratory distress?
A. Normal breathing
B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Slow pulse
D. Weight gain
Answer: B. Use of accessory muscles
Rationale: Accessory muscle use indicates increased work of breathing.
Question 11
Which intervention prevents pressure ulcers?
A. Fluid restriction
B. Reposition every 2 hours
C. Bed rest
D. Tight bedding
Answer: B. Reposition every 2 hours
Rationale: Frequent repositioning reduces prolonged pressure on
tissues.
Question 12
Which symptom indicates hyperglycemia?
A. Sweating
B. Frequent urination
C. Tremors
D. Anxiety
Answer: B. Frequent urination
Rationale: High blood glucose causes osmotic diuresis.
Question 13
Which sign indicates dehydration?