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NURS 2214 Exam 2 Nursing Fundamentals 2026/2027
Actual Exam Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales
NGN Grade A Study Guide
1. Two nursing students are shadowing a neurology nurse and together they observe a
patient who is lying in the supine position with their arms and legs extended forming
an "E-shape." What does this patient's position indicate?
A. Damage to the pons or brain stem
B. Damage to the spinal tract
C. Damage to the cerebral hemisphere
D. Damage to the lumbar spine
Correct Answer: Damage to the pons or brain stem
Rationale: Decerebrate posturing (arms and legs extended, E-shape) indicates damage
to the pons or brain stem. Decorticate posturing (arms flexed inward, C-shape) indicates
damage to the cerebral hemisphere or spinal tract.
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2. A patient with osteoporosis is prescribed risedronate (Actonel). What teaching
should go along with this medication? (Select All That Apply)
A. Take medication 30 minutes before breakfast
B. Take medication 2 hours after breakfast
C. Take medication with an 8 oz glass of water
D. Take medication right before going to bed
E. Take medication during lunch
F. Take medication while sitting up
G. Take medication in the supine position
Correct Answer: Take medication 30 minutes before breakfast, Take medication
with an 8 oz glass of water, Take medication while sitting up
Rationale: Bisphosphonates such as risedronate must be taken on an empty stomach
(30 minutes before breakfast) with a full glass of water, and the patient must remain
upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation.
3. A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) has an acute exacerbation. What medication
does the nurse anticipate the healthcare provider ordering?
A. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
B. Metoprolol (Lopressor)
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C. Amoxicillin (Moxatag)
D. Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)
Correct Answer: Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)
Rationale: High-dose corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone are the first-line
treatment for acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis to reduce inflammation and
shorten the duration of symptoms.
4. What are some likely medications for a patient with osteoarthritis?
A. Antibiotics
B. Anticholinergics
C. NSAIDs
D. Antihypertensives
Correct Answer: NSAIDs
Rationale: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most effective
treatment for osteoarthritis. COX-2 inhibitors are a common NSAID used for this
condition.
5. A nursing student observes a PA working in a cardiology clinic. The PA and the
student assess an infant patient with a "machine-like heart murmur." The student
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notices the patient has a bounding heart pulse. The PA knows the teaching has been
successful when the student is able to identify the condition as:
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Patent Ductus Arteriosus
C. Coarctation of Aorta
D. Tetralogy of Fallot
Correct Answer: Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Rationale: A "machine-like" heart murmur is characteristic of patent ductus arteriosus
(PDA), along with bounding pulses and widened pulse pressure.
6. A nurse overhears a healthcare provider encouraging a patient to add vitamin D to
their diet as well as calcium. Later that day, the patient states, "I thought I just needed
to increase my calcium intake. Why is vitamin D necessary, too?" How should the
nurse respond?
A. Vitamin D potentiates the effect of calcium
B. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium
C. Vitamin D helps reduce stomach secretions
D. Vitamin D has the same effect as calcium
NURS 2214 Exam 2 Nursing Fundamentals 2026/2027
Actual Exam Verified Answers & Detailed Rationales
NGN Grade A Study Guide
1. Two nursing students are shadowing a neurology nurse and together they observe a
patient who is lying in the supine position with their arms and legs extended forming
an "E-shape." What does this patient's position indicate?
A. Damage to the pons or brain stem
B. Damage to the spinal tract
C. Damage to the cerebral hemisphere
D. Damage to the lumbar spine
Correct Answer: Damage to the pons or brain stem
Rationale: Decerebrate posturing (arms and legs extended, E-shape) indicates damage
to the pons or brain stem. Decorticate posturing (arms flexed inward, C-shape) indicates
damage to the cerebral hemisphere or spinal tract.
,2|Page
2. A patient with osteoporosis is prescribed risedronate (Actonel). What teaching
should go along with this medication? (Select All That Apply)
A. Take medication 30 minutes before breakfast
B. Take medication 2 hours after breakfast
C. Take medication with an 8 oz glass of water
D. Take medication right before going to bed
E. Take medication during lunch
F. Take medication while sitting up
G. Take medication in the supine position
Correct Answer: Take medication 30 minutes before breakfast, Take medication
with an 8 oz glass of water, Take medication while sitting up
Rationale: Bisphosphonates such as risedronate must be taken on an empty stomach
(30 minutes before breakfast) with a full glass of water, and the patient must remain
upright for at least 30 minutes to prevent esophageal irritation.
3. A patient with multiple sclerosis (MS) has an acute exacerbation. What medication
does the nurse anticipate the healthcare provider ordering?
A. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
B. Metoprolol (Lopressor)
,3|Page
C. Amoxicillin (Moxatag)
D. Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)
Correct Answer: Methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol)
Rationale: High-dose corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone are the first-line
treatment for acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis to reduce inflammation and
shorten the duration of symptoms.
4. What are some likely medications for a patient with osteoarthritis?
A. Antibiotics
B. Anticholinergics
C. NSAIDs
D. Antihypertensives
Correct Answer: NSAIDs
Rationale: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most effective
treatment for osteoarthritis. COX-2 inhibitors are a common NSAID used for this
condition.
5. A nursing student observes a PA working in a cardiology clinic. The PA and the
student assess an infant patient with a "machine-like heart murmur." The student
, 4|Page
notices the patient has a bounding heart pulse. The PA knows the teaching has been
successful when the student is able to identify the condition as:
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Patent Ductus Arteriosus
C. Coarctation of Aorta
D. Tetralogy of Fallot
Correct Answer: Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Rationale: A "machine-like" heart murmur is characteristic of patent ductus arteriosus
(PDA), along with bounding pulses and widened pulse pressure.
6. A nurse overhears a healthcare provider encouraging a patient to add vitamin D to
their diet as well as calcium. Later that day, the patient states, "I thought I just needed
to increase my calcium intake. Why is vitamin D necessary, too?" How should the
nurse respond?
A. Vitamin D potentiates the effect of calcium
B. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium
C. Vitamin D helps reduce stomach secretions
D. Vitamin D has the same effect as calcium
