NSG 3500 EXAM 3 | QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS |
VERIFIED ANSWERS PLUS RATIONALES | EXAM
ALREADY GRADED A+ | LATEST EXAM
1. Which nursing action is most important when administering a blood transfusion?
A. Assessing vital signs before transfusion
B. Ensuring patient has fasted for 4 hours
C. Administering diuretics prior to transfusion
D. Giving antihistamines prophylactically
Answer: A. Assessing vital signs before transfusion
Rationale: Vital signs must be checked before starting a transfusion to identify baseline
values and detect any transfusion reactions early.
2. A patient with heart failure presents with shortness of breath and edema. Which
intervention is priority?
A. Encouraging fluid intake
B. Administering diuretics
C. Elevating extremities
D. Limiting physical activity
Answer: B. Administering diuretics
Rationale: Diuretics reduce fluid overload, improving breathing and decreasing edema
in heart failure patients.
3. When teaching a patient about insulin administration, which statement indicates correct
understanding?
A. “I will inject insulin into a vein.”
B. “I can mix all types of insulin in one syringe.”
C. “I should rotate injection sites.”
D. “I should store insulin at room temperature indefinitely.”
Answer: C. “I should rotate injection sites.”
Rationale: Rotating sites prevents lipodystrophy and ensures proper absorption of
insulin.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease. Which lab value is most
concerning?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
C. Calcium 9.0 mg/dL
D. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL
Answer: B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
Rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and requires
immediate attention.
5. The nurse is teaching a patient about anticoagulant therapy with warfarin. Which
instruction is most important?
A. “Eat a consistent amount of leafy greens.”
B. “You can skip doses if you feel well.”
, C. “Avoid all fruits.”
D. “Increase your intake of vitamin K.”
Answer: A. “Eat a consistent amount of leafy greens.”
Rationale: Consistent vitamin K intake helps maintain stable INR levels and prevents
complications.
6. Which action is highest priority for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack?
A. Administering oxygen
B. Encouraging fluids
C. Teaching breathing exercises
D. Ordering a chest X-ray
Answer: A. Administering oxygen
Rationale: Oxygen therapy immediately improves hypoxia during an acute asthma
exacerbation.
7. A patient with pneumonia is prescribed an antibiotic. Which nursing intervention is
essential?
A. Administering antibiotic with food if tolerated
B. Stopping medication when symptoms improve
C. Avoiding fluids during antibiotic therapy
D. Skipping doses on weekends
Answer: A. Administering antibiotic with food if tolerated
Rationale: Taking antibiotics with food may reduce gastrointestinal upset and improve
adherence.
8. A nurse is assessing a patient for dehydration. Which finding is most indicative?
A. Bradycardia
B. Poor skin turgor
C. Bounding pulses
D. Hypothermia
Answer: B. Poor skin turgor
Rationale: Decreased skin turgor is a classic sign of fluid deficit and dehydration.
9. The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which intervention is
priority?
A. Administering IV insulin
B. Providing a low-carb diet
C. Encouraging ambulation
D. Administering oral hypoglycemics
Answer: A. Administering IV insulin
Rationale: IV insulin is critical to lower blood glucose and reverse ketoacidosis safely.
10. When teaching a patient about proper hand hygiene, the nurse emphasizes:
A. Using hand sanitizer only after patient contact
B. Washing hands for at least 20 seconds
C. Wearing gloves instead of washing hands
D. Only washing hands before meals
Answer: B. Washing hands for at least 20 seconds
Rationale: Proper handwashing reduces transmission of infections effectively.
11. A patient receiving furosemide reports muscle cramps. The nurse should assess:
A. Sodium
, B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Chloride
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia, leading to muscle
cramps.
12. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a post-op patient?
A. Pain at surgical site
B. Temperature of 101.5°F
C. Heart rate 88 bpm
D. Slight redness around incision
Answer: B. Temperature of 101.5°F
Rationale: Elevated temperature may indicate early infection and requires prompt
evaluation.
13. The nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Which oxygen delivery method is most appropriate for hypoxemia without hypercapnia?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Non-rebreather mask
C. Venturi mask
D. Bag-valve mask
Answer: A. Nasal cannula
Rationale: Low-flow oxygen via nasal cannula is often sufficient and safe in COPD
patients with mild hypoxemia.
14. A patient is prescribed digoxin. The nurse should monitor for which early signs of
toxicity?
A. Tachycardia and hypertension
B. Nausea, vomiting, and visual changes
C. Increased urine output
D. Weight gain
Answer: B. Nausea, vomiting, and visual changes
Rationale: GI and visual disturbances are early indicators of digoxin toxicity.
15. Which patient teaching is most important for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Encourage prolonged sitting
B. Encourage ambulation and leg exercises
C. Avoid compression stockings
D. Restrict fluid intake
Answer: B. Encourage ambulation and leg exercises
Rationale: Movement improves venous return and reduces DVT risk.
16. A patient with anemia is prescribed iron supplements. The nurse should instruct:
A. Take with milk
B. Take on an empty stomach with vitamin C
C. Skip doses when feeling well
D. Take before bedtime only
Answer: B. Take on an empty stomach with vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption; milk can inhibit it.
, 17. When assessing for fluid overload, which finding is most specific?
A. Hypotension
B. Peripheral edema
C. Dry mucous membranes
D. Tachycardia
Answer: B. Peripheral edema
Rationale: Edema directly reflects excess extracellular fluid accumulation.
18. A nurse is teaching a patient about anticoagulant therapy. Which is most important?
A. Take missed doses immediately without consulting a provider
B. Avoid activities that increase bleeding risk
C. Increase intake of all green vegetables
D. Double the dose if a dose is missed
Answer: B. Avoid activities that increase bleeding risk
Rationale: Safety measures are crucial because anticoagulants increase bleeding risk.
19. Which is the most important action when a patient develops sudden chest pain?
A. Assess pain and administer oxygen
B. Call family
C. Give analgesics immediately
D. Encourage deep breathing exercises
Answer: A. Assess pain and administer oxygen
Rationale: Chest pain may indicate myocardial ischemia; rapid assessment and oxygen
administration are priority.
20. A patient is receiving morphine for pain. Which assessment finding requires immediate
action?
A. Heart rate 92 bpm
B. Respiratory rate 8/min
C. Pain score 6/10
D. Constipation
Answer: B. Respiratory rate 8/min
Rationale: Opioids can cause respiratory depression, which is potentially life-
threatening.
21. The nurse is evaluating a patient with hypertension. Which lifestyle change is most
effective?
A. Reduce sodium intake
B. Increase caffeine consumption
C. Limit physical activity
D. Drink more alcohol
Answer: A. Reduce sodium intake
Rationale: Sodium restriction lowers blood pressure and reduces cardiovascular risk.
22. When administering a subcutaneous injection, which technique is correct?
A. Insert needle at 45–90° depending on body mass
B. Aspirate before injecting insulin
C. Massage the site vigorously
D. Use the same site every time
Answer: A. Insert needle at 45–90° depending on body mass
VERIFIED ANSWERS PLUS RATIONALES | EXAM
ALREADY GRADED A+ | LATEST EXAM
1. Which nursing action is most important when administering a blood transfusion?
A. Assessing vital signs before transfusion
B. Ensuring patient has fasted for 4 hours
C. Administering diuretics prior to transfusion
D. Giving antihistamines prophylactically
Answer: A. Assessing vital signs before transfusion
Rationale: Vital signs must be checked before starting a transfusion to identify baseline
values and detect any transfusion reactions early.
2. A patient with heart failure presents with shortness of breath and edema. Which
intervention is priority?
A. Encouraging fluid intake
B. Administering diuretics
C. Elevating extremities
D. Limiting physical activity
Answer: B. Administering diuretics
Rationale: Diuretics reduce fluid overload, improving breathing and decreasing edema
in heart failure patients.
3. When teaching a patient about insulin administration, which statement indicates correct
understanding?
A. “I will inject insulin into a vein.”
B. “I can mix all types of insulin in one syringe.”
C. “I should rotate injection sites.”
D. “I should store insulin at room temperature indefinitely.”
Answer: C. “I should rotate injection sites.”
Rationale: Rotating sites prevents lipodystrophy and ensures proper absorption of
insulin.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease. Which lab value is most
concerning?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
C. Calcium 9.0 mg/dL
D. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL
Answer: B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
Rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias and requires
immediate attention.
5. The nurse is teaching a patient about anticoagulant therapy with warfarin. Which
instruction is most important?
A. “Eat a consistent amount of leafy greens.”
B. “You can skip doses if you feel well.”
, C. “Avoid all fruits.”
D. “Increase your intake of vitamin K.”
Answer: A. “Eat a consistent amount of leafy greens.”
Rationale: Consistent vitamin K intake helps maintain stable INR levels and prevents
complications.
6. Which action is highest priority for a patient experiencing an acute asthma attack?
A. Administering oxygen
B. Encouraging fluids
C. Teaching breathing exercises
D. Ordering a chest X-ray
Answer: A. Administering oxygen
Rationale: Oxygen therapy immediately improves hypoxia during an acute asthma
exacerbation.
7. A patient with pneumonia is prescribed an antibiotic. Which nursing intervention is
essential?
A. Administering antibiotic with food if tolerated
B. Stopping medication when symptoms improve
C. Avoiding fluids during antibiotic therapy
D. Skipping doses on weekends
Answer: A. Administering antibiotic with food if tolerated
Rationale: Taking antibiotics with food may reduce gastrointestinal upset and improve
adherence.
8. A nurse is assessing a patient for dehydration. Which finding is most indicative?
A. Bradycardia
B. Poor skin turgor
C. Bounding pulses
D. Hypothermia
Answer: B. Poor skin turgor
Rationale: Decreased skin turgor is a classic sign of fluid deficit and dehydration.
9. The nurse is caring for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which intervention is
priority?
A. Administering IV insulin
B. Providing a low-carb diet
C. Encouraging ambulation
D. Administering oral hypoglycemics
Answer: A. Administering IV insulin
Rationale: IV insulin is critical to lower blood glucose and reverse ketoacidosis safely.
10. When teaching a patient about proper hand hygiene, the nurse emphasizes:
A. Using hand sanitizer only after patient contact
B. Washing hands for at least 20 seconds
C. Wearing gloves instead of washing hands
D. Only washing hands before meals
Answer: B. Washing hands for at least 20 seconds
Rationale: Proper handwashing reduces transmission of infections effectively.
11. A patient receiving furosemide reports muscle cramps. The nurse should assess:
A. Sodium
, B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Chloride
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia, leading to muscle
cramps.
12. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a post-op patient?
A. Pain at surgical site
B. Temperature of 101.5°F
C. Heart rate 88 bpm
D. Slight redness around incision
Answer: B. Temperature of 101.5°F
Rationale: Elevated temperature may indicate early infection and requires prompt
evaluation.
13. The nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Which oxygen delivery method is most appropriate for hypoxemia without hypercapnia?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Non-rebreather mask
C. Venturi mask
D. Bag-valve mask
Answer: A. Nasal cannula
Rationale: Low-flow oxygen via nasal cannula is often sufficient and safe in COPD
patients with mild hypoxemia.
14. A patient is prescribed digoxin. The nurse should monitor for which early signs of
toxicity?
A. Tachycardia and hypertension
B. Nausea, vomiting, and visual changes
C. Increased urine output
D. Weight gain
Answer: B. Nausea, vomiting, and visual changes
Rationale: GI and visual disturbances are early indicators of digoxin toxicity.
15. Which patient teaching is most important for preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Encourage prolonged sitting
B. Encourage ambulation and leg exercises
C. Avoid compression stockings
D. Restrict fluid intake
Answer: B. Encourage ambulation and leg exercises
Rationale: Movement improves venous return and reduces DVT risk.
16. A patient with anemia is prescribed iron supplements. The nurse should instruct:
A. Take with milk
B. Take on an empty stomach with vitamin C
C. Skip doses when feeling well
D. Take before bedtime only
Answer: B. Take on an empty stomach with vitamin C
Rationale: Vitamin C enhances iron absorption; milk can inhibit it.
, 17. When assessing for fluid overload, which finding is most specific?
A. Hypotension
B. Peripheral edema
C. Dry mucous membranes
D. Tachycardia
Answer: B. Peripheral edema
Rationale: Edema directly reflects excess extracellular fluid accumulation.
18. A nurse is teaching a patient about anticoagulant therapy. Which is most important?
A. Take missed doses immediately without consulting a provider
B. Avoid activities that increase bleeding risk
C. Increase intake of all green vegetables
D. Double the dose if a dose is missed
Answer: B. Avoid activities that increase bleeding risk
Rationale: Safety measures are crucial because anticoagulants increase bleeding risk.
19. Which is the most important action when a patient develops sudden chest pain?
A. Assess pain and administer oxygen
B. Call family
C. Give analgesics immediately
D. Encourage deep breathing exercises
Answer: A. Assess pain and administer oxygen
Rationale: Chest pain may indicate myocardial ischemia; rapid assessment and oxygen
administration are priority.
20. A patient is receiving morphine for pain. Which assessment finding requires immediate
action?
A. Heart rate 92 bpm
B. Respiratory rate 8/min
C. Pain score 6/10
D. Constipation
Answer: B. Respiratory rate 8/min
Rationale: Opioids can cause respiratory depression, which is potentially life-
threatening.
21. The nurse is evaluating a patient with hypertension. Which lifestyle change is most
effective?
A. Reduce sodium intake
B. Increase caffeine consumption
C. Limit physical activity
D. Drink more alcohol
Answer: A. Reduce sodium intake
Rationale: Sodium restriction lowers blood pressure and reduces cardiovascular risk.
22. When administering a subcutaneous injection, which technique is correct?
A. Insert needle at 45–90° depending on body mass
B. Aspirate before injecting insulin
C. Massage the site vigorously
D. Use the same site every time
Answer: A. Insert needle at 45–90° depending on body mass
