NUR 163 Final Exam Questions
with Correct Answers.
Course
NUR 163
1.
A patient with hypokalemia is most at risk for which complication?
A. Hypertension
B. Cardiac dysrhythmias
C. Hyperactivity
D. Increased reflexes
Answer: B. Cardiac dysrhythmias
Low potassium disrupts cardiac conduction—this is the real danger.
2.
Which action is priority when administering IV potassium?
A. Give as IV push
B. Dilute and infuse slowly
C. Mix with dextrose only
D. Administer without monitoring
Answer: B. Dilute and infuse slowly
IV potassium push can kill—never do it.
3.
A nurse is caring for a patient with fluid volume overload. Which assessment finding is
expected?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Weight loss
C. Crackles in lungs
D. Decreased blood pressure
Answer: C. Crackles in lungs
Fluid backs up into lungs—this is a classic sign.
4.
,Which vital sign change indicates early shock?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypotension
C. Tachycardia
D. Decreased respirations
Answer: C. Tachycardia
The body compensates first—blood pressure drops later.
5.
A patient with diabetes mellitus shows confusion, sweating, and tremors. What is the priority
action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Check blood glucose
C. Give fluids
D. Call physician
Answer: B. Check blood glucose
Don’t guess—confirm hypoglycemia before acting.
6.
Which nursing intervention helps prevent pressure ulcers?
A. Limit patient movement
B. Reposition every 2 hours
C. Massage bony areas
D. Use tight bedding
Answer: B. Reposition every 2 hours
Basic, but critical—pressure kills tissue.
7.
A patient receiving opioids should be monitored closely for:
A. Hypertension
B. Respiratory depression
C. Increased appetite
D. Hyperactivity
, Answer: B. Respiratory depression
This is the main risk—not addiction in acute care.
8.
Which lab value indicates infection?
A. Low hemoglobin
B. High white blood cell count
C. Low platelets
D. High sodium
Answer: B. High white blood cell count
WBC rises when the body fights infection.
9.
A patient with dehydration would likely show:
A. Increased urine output
B. Moist skin
C. Dark concentrated urine
D. Low heart rate
Answer: C. Dark concentrated urine
Body conserves water—urine gets concentrated.
10.
What is the first step in the nursing process?
A. Diagnosis
B. Planning
C. Assessment
D. Evaluation
Answer: C. Assessment
If you skip this, everything else is guesswork.
11.
A patient with hypernatremia will most likely exhibit:
A. Confusion and irritability
B. Muscle weakness
with Correct Answers.
Course
NUR 163
1.
A patient with hypokalemia is most at risk for which complication?
A. Hypertension
B. Cardiac dysrhythmias
C. Hyperactivity
D. Increased reflexes
Answer: B. Cardiac dysrhythmias
Low potassium disrupts cardiac conduction—this is the real danger.
2.
Which action is priority when administering IV potassium?
A. Give as IV push
B. Dilute and infuse slowly
C. Mix with dextrose only
D. Administer without monitoring
Answer: B. Dilute and infuse slowly
IV potassium push can kill—never do it.
3.
A nurse is caring for a patient with fluid volume overload. Which assessment finding is
expected?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Weight loss
C. Crackles in lungs
D. Decreased blood pressure
Answer: C. Crackles in lungs
Fluid backs up into lungs—this is a classic sign.
4.
,Which vital sign change indicates early shock?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypotension
C. Tachycardia
D. Decreased respirations
Answer: C. Tachycardia
The body compensates first—blood pressure drops later.
5.
A patient with diabetes mellitus shows confusion, sweating, and tremors. What is the priority
action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Check blood glucose
C. Give fluids
D. Call physician
Answer: B. Check blood glucose
Don’t guess—confirm hypoglycemia before acting.
6.
Which nursing intervention helps prevent pressure ulcers?
A. Limit patient movement
B. Reposition every 2 hours
C. Massage bony areas
D. Use tight bedding
Answer: B. Reposition every 2 hours
Basic, but critical—pressure kills tissue.
7.
A patient receiving opioids should be monitored closely for:
A. Hypertension
B. Respiratory depression
C. Increased appetite
D. Hyperactivity
, Answer: B. Respiratory depression
This is the main risk—not addiction in acute care.
8.
Which lab value indicates infection?
A. Low hemoglobin
B. High white blood cell count
C. Low platelets
D. High sodium
Answer: B. High white blood cell count
WBC rises when the body fights infection.
9.
A patient with dehydration would likely show:
A. Increased urine output
B. Moist skin
C. Dark concentrated urine
D. Low heart rate
Answer: C. Dark concentrated urine
Body conserves water—urine gets concentrated.
10.
What is the first step in the nursing process?
A. Diagnosis
B. Planning
C. Assessment
D. Evaluation
Answer: C. Assessment
If you skip this, everything else is guesswork.
11.
A patient with hypernatremia will most likely exhibit:
A. Confusion and irritability
B. Muscle weakness
