Kaplan Diagnostic Test
Exam Questions And
Correct Answers
(Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales
2025/2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A client is admitted with chest pain. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a full medical history
B. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
C. Assess pain characteristics
D. Start IV fluids
Answer: C. Assess pain characteristics
Rationale: The priority is to assess the patient’s condition
,before implementing interventions. Pain assessment guides
further treatment.
2. Which finding is most concerning in a client receiving
morphine?
A. Constipation
B. Respiratory rate of 8/min
C. Drowsiness
D. Nausea
Answer: B. Respiratory rate of 8/min
Rationale: Respiratory depression is a life-threatening
adverse effect of opioids.
3. A nurse is teaching a client about hypertension. Which
statement indicates understanding?
A. “I can stop medication when my blood pressure is
normal.”
B. “I should reduce sodium intake.”
C. “Exercise should be avoided.”
D. “Only take medication when I feel symptoms.”
Answer: B. “I should reduce sodium intake.”
Rationale: Sodium reduction helps control blood pressure.
4. Which lab value requires immediate intervention?
,A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
C. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL
D. Glucose 100 mg/dL
Answer: B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
Rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause fatal cardiac
dysrhythmias.
5. A postoperative client suddenly develops dyspnea. What
is the nurse’s first action?
A. Apply oxygen
B. Call the provider
C. Obtain vital signs
D. Encourage deep breathing
Answer: A. Apply oxygen
Rationale: Airway and breathing are priority (ABC).
6. Which position is best for a client in respiratory distress?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High Fowler’s
D. Prone
Answer: C. High Fowler’s
Rationale: This position improves lung expansion.
, 7. A client has hypoglycemia. What is the priority
intervention?
A. Give insulin
B. Administer 15g fast-acting carbohydrates
C. Restrict fluids
D. Give protein snack
Answer: B. Administer 15g fast-acting carbohydrates
Rationale: Rapid glucose replacement is required.
8. Which symptom is typical of infection?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypothermia
C. Fever
D. Hypertension
Answer: C. Fever
Rationale: Fever is a classic sign of infection.
9. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. Stable postoperative patient
B. Patient with COPD and oxygen saturation 88%
C. Patient requesting pain medication
D. Patient awaiting discharge
Answer: B. Patient with COPD and oxygen saturation 88%
Rationale: Low oxygen saturation is priority.
Exam Questions And
Correct Answers
(Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales
2025/2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. A client is admitted with chest pain. Which action should
the nurse take first?
A. Obtain a full medical history
B. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
C. Assess pain characteristics
D. Start IV fluids
Answer: C. Assess pain characteristics
Rationale: The priority is to assess the patient’s condition
,before implementing interventions. Pain assessment guides
further treatment.
2. Which finding is most concerning in a client receiving
morphine?
A. Constipation
B. Respiratory rate of 8/min
C. Drowsiness
D. Nausea
Answer: B. Respiratory rate of 8/min
Rationale: Respiratory depression is a life-threatening
adverse effect of opioids.
3. A nurse is teaching a client about hypertension. Which
statement indicates understanding?
A. “I can stop medication when my blood pressure is
normal.”
B. “I should reduce sodium intake.”
C. “Exercise should be avoided.”
D. “Only take medication when I feel symptoms.”
Answer: B. “I should reduce sodium intake.”
Rationale: Sodium reduction helps control blood pressure.
4. Which lab value requires immediate intervention?
,A. Sodium 140 mEq/L
B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
C. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL
D. Glucose 100 mg/dL
Answer: B. Potassium 6.2 mEq/L
Rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause fatal cardiac
dysrhythmias.
5. A postoperative client suddenly develops dyspnea. What
is the nurse’s first action?
A. Apply oxygen
B. Call the provider
C. Obtain vital signs
D. Encourage deep breathing
Answer: A. Apply oxygen
Rationale: Airway and breathing are priority (ABC).
6. Which position is best for a client in respiratory distress?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High Fowler’s
D. Prone
Answer: C. High Fowler’s
Rationale: This position improves lung expansion.
, 7. A client has hypoglycemia. What is the priority
intervention?
A. Give insulin
B. Administer 15g fast-acting carbohydrates
C. Restrict fluids
D. Give protein snack
Answer: B. Administer 15g fast-acting carbohydrates
Rationale: Rapid glucose replacement is required.
8. Which symptom is typical of infection?
A. Bradycardia
B. Hypothermia
C. Fever
D. Hypertension
Answer: C. Fever
Rationale: Fever is a classic sign of infection.
9. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. Stable postoperative patient
B. Patient with COPD and oxygen saturation 88%
C. Patient requesting pain medication
D. Patient awaiting discharge
Answer: B. Patient with COPD and oxygen saturation 88%
Rationale: Low oxygen saturation is priority.
