ADULT HEALTH NURSING EXAM REVIEW – 200+ QUESTIONS WITH
RATIONALES COMPLETE SOLUTIONS 2026 VERIFIED ANSWERS UPDATED
1. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. Stable angina
B. Chest pain unrelieved by nitroglycerin
C. Controlled hypertension
D. Mild edema
Answer: B
Rationale: Unrelieved chest pain suggests myocardial infarction (life-threatening).
2. Which lab confirms myocardial infarction?
A. BNP
B. Troponin
C. Sodium
D. WBC
Answer: B
Rationale: Troponin is the most specific marker for cardiac muscle injury.
, 3. Which symptom indicates heart failure?
A. Crackles
B. Dry skin
C. Rash
D. Fever
Answer: A
Rationale: Crackles indicate pulmonary congestion.
4. Priority intervention for pulmonary edema?
A. High Fowler’s position
B. Supine position
C. Increase fluids
D. Give food
Answer: A
Rationale: Improves lung expansion and oxygenation.
5. Sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Yellow vision
B. Fever
C. Rash
D. Hypertension
Answer: A
Rationale: Visual disturbances are classic.
6. Which electrolyte increases digoxin toxicity risk?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
2 of 21
, Answer: B
Rationale: Low potassium increases digoxin effects.
7. Priority nursing action in cardiogenic shock?
A. Improve perfusion
B. Encourage fluids
C. Promote sleep
D. Reduce anxiety
Answer: A
Rationale: Tissue perfusion is critical.
8. Which finding indicates DVT?
A. Calf pain
B. Headache
C. Rash
D. Fever
Answer: A
Rationale: Local pain/swelling suggests clot formation.
9. Atrial fibrillation increases risk of:
A. Stroke
B. Infection
C. Fever
D. Rash
Answer: A
Rationale: Clots can form in atria → embolism.
10. Which action is correct when giving nitroglycerin?
A. Sit patient down
B. Give standing
C. Take with food
D. Skip if dizzy
Answer: A
Rationale: Prevents orthostatic hypotension.
11. First sign of shock?
A. Tachycardia
B. Bradycardia
C. Fever
D. Rash
Answer: A
Rationale: Body compensates by increasing HR.
RATIONALES COMPLETE SOLUTIONS 2026 VERIFIED ANSWERS UPDATED
1. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. Stable angina
B. Chest pain unrelieved by nitroglycerin
C. Controlled hypertension
D. Mild edema
Answer: B
Rationale: Unrelieved chest pain suggests myocardial infarction (life-threatening).
2. Which lab confirms myocardial infarction?
A. BNP
B. Troponin
C. Sodium
D. WBC
Answer: B
Rationale: Troponin is the most specific marker for cardiac muscle injury.
, 3. Which symptom indicates heart failure?
A. Crackles
B. Dry skin
C. Rash
D. Fever
Answer: A
Rationale: Crackles indicate pulmonary congestion.
4. Priority intervention for pulmonary edema?
A. High Fowler’s position
B. Supine position
C. Increase fluids
D. Give food
Answer: A
Rationale: Improves lung expansion and oxygenation.
5. Sign of digoxin toxicity?
A. Yellow vision
B. Fever
C. Rash
D. Hypertension
Answer: A
Rationale: Visual disturbances are classic.
6. Which electrolyte increases digoxin toxicity risk?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
2 of 21
, Answer: B
Rationale: Low potassium increases digoxin effects.
7. Priority nursing action in cardiogenic shock?
A. Improve perfusion
B. Encourage fluids
C. Promote sleep
D. Reduce anxiety
Answer: A
Rationale: Tissue perfusion is critical.
8. Which finding indicates DVT?
A. Calf pain
B. Headache
C. Rash
D. Fever
Answer: A
Rationale: Local pain/swelling suggests clot formation.
9. Atrial fibrillation increases risk of:
A. Stroke
B. Infection
C. Fever
D. Rash
Answer: A
Rationale: Clots can form in atria → embolism.
10. Which action is correct when giving nitroglycerin?
A. Sit patient down
B. Give standing
C. Take with food
D. Skip if dizzy
Answer: A
Rationale: Prevents orthostatic hypotension.
11. First sign of shock?
A. Tachycardia
B. Bradycardia
C. Fever
D. Rash
Answer: A
Rationale: Body compensates by increasing HR.
