NSG 6020 Final Exam Questions and Verified Answers with Rationales – South University – Updated 2026/2027 Test Bank & Study Guide – Instant Download

SOUTH UNIVERSITY NSG 6020 FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND 100% VERIFIED ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES
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Question 1
A 68-year-old patient with heart failure presents with weight gain, bilateral lower-
extremity edema, and worsening dyspnea on exertion. Which assessment finding
most strongly indicates fluid volume overload?
A. Serum sodium of 138 mEq/L
B. Crackles at lung bases
C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
D. Heart rate of 72 beats/min
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Crackles indicate pulmonary congestion due to excess fluid in the
alveoli, a hallmark of fluid volume overload in heart failure.


Question 2
A nurse practitioner evaluates a patient newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes
mellitus. Which laboratory value best reflects long-term glycemic control?
A. Fasting plasma glucose
B. Random blood glucose
C. Hemoglobin A1c
D. Serum insulin level

,Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hemoglobin A1c reflects average blood glucose levels over
approximately 2–3 months and is the best indicator of long-term glycemic control.


Question 3
A patient receiving warfarin therapy presents with gingival bleeding and
ecchymosis. Which laboratory value is most important to evaluate?
A. Platelet count
B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
C. Prothrombin time/INR
D. Hemoglobin level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Warfarin therapy is monitored using PT/INR to assess anticoagulation
effectiveness and bleeding risk.


Question 4
An adult patient with chronic kidney disease reports fatigue and pallor. Which
pathophysiologic mechanism most likely explains these findings?
A. Reduced vitamin B12 absorption
B. Decreased erythropoietin production
C. Increased iron excretion
D. Hemodilution from fluid retention
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Diseased kidneys produce less erythropoietin, leading to decreased red
blood cell production and anemia.

,Question 5
A patient presents with sudden onset unilateral leg swelling, warmth, and pain.
Which condition should be suspected first?
A. Cellulitis
B. Peripheral arterial disease
C. Deep vein thrombosis
D. Chronic venous insufficiency
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acute unilateral swelling, warmth, and pain are classic signs of deep
vein thrombosis and require immediate evaluation.


Question 6
Which assessment finding is most consistent with diabetic peripheral neuropathy?
A. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
B. Bounding peripheral pulses
C. Cool extremities
D. Delayed capillary refill
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diabetic neuropathy commonly results in loss of sensation and
diminished reflexes due to nerve damage.


Question 7
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has a PaCO₂ of 55 mmHg.
How should this finding be interpreted?
A. Acute respiratory alkalosis
B. Normal finding
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic acidosis

, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elevated PaCO₂ indicates carbon dioxide retention, consistent with
respiratory acidosis commonly seen in COPD.


Question 8
A nurse practitioner prescribes an ACE inhibitor for a patient with hypertension.
Which adverse effect requires immediate follow-up?
A. Mild fatigue
B. Persistent dry cough
C. Facial swelling and dyspnea
D. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Facial swelling and dyspnea suggest angioedema, a potentially life-
threatening adverse effect of ACE inhibitors.


Question 9
Which finding best differentiates asthma from chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease?
A. History of smoking
B. Reversible airflow obstruction
C. Chronic productive cough
D. Hyperinflated lungs on imaging
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Asthma is characterized by reversible airway obstruction, unlike the
largely irreversible obstruction seen in COPD.