Capstone Fundamentals 2025: Full Set of 50
Actual Exam Questions and Correct, Detailed
Answers Capstone Fundamentals Practice
Exam (50 Questions)
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Weight gain of 1 lb in 24 hr
B. Crackles in bilateral lung bases
C. BP 128/78 mm Hg
D. Heart rate 88/min
Answer: B. Crackles in bilateral lung bases
Rationale: Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs and
worsening pulmonary edema, which can impair oxygenation and
become life-threatening.
2. Which action should the nurse take first when entering a client’s
room and finding the client unresponsive?
A. Call the provider
B. Begin chest compressions
C. Check for responsiveness and breathing
D. Obtain vital signs
Answer: C. Check for responsiveness and breathing
Rationale: Nursing care follows the basic life support sequence. The
nurse first assesses responsiveness and breathing before activating
emergency response and initiating CPR.
,3. A client with diabetes reports shakiness and sweating. Which action
is priority?
A. Administer insulin
B. Check blood glucose
C. Encourage exercise
D. Restrict fluids
Answer: B. Check blood glucose
Rationale: Shakiness and diaphoresis suggest hypoglycemia. Blood
glucose must be assessed immediately to guide treatment.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is associated with cardiac
dysrhythmias?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Elevated potassium interferes with cardiac conduction and
can lead to dangerous arrhythmias.
5. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Client with a cast reporting itching
B. Client with pneumonia and oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Client awaiting discharge instructions
D. Client requesting pain medication
, Answer: B. Client with pneumonia and oxygen saturation of 88%
Rationale: Airway and breathing are the highest priorities. An oxygen
saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia.
6. A nurse is teaching hand hygiene. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. “Alcohol rub replaces handwashing when hands are visibly soiled.”
B. “I should wash with soap and water after caring for a client with C.
difficile.”
C. “Gloves eliminate the need for hand hygiene.”
D. “Handwashing should last 5 seconds.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Soap and water are required for spore-forming organisms
such as Clostridioides difficile.
7. Which position best promotes oxygenation in a dyspneic client?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High Fowler’s
D. Sims’
Answer: C. High Fowler’s
Rationale: Upright positioning maximizes lung expansion and improves
ventilation.
Actual Exam Questions and Correct, Detailed
Answers Capstone Fundamentals Practice
Exam (50 Questions)
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Weight gain of 1 lb in 24 hr
B. Crackles in bilateral lung bases
C. BP 128/78 mm Hg
D. Heart rate 88/min
Answer: B. Crackles in bilateral lung bases
Rationale: Crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs and
worsening pulmonary edema, which can impair oxygenation and
become life-threatening.
2. Which action should the nurse take first when entering a client’s
room and finding the client unresponsive?
A. Call the provider
B. Begin chest compressions
C. Check for responsiveness and breathing
D. Obtain vital signs
Answer: C. Check for responsiveness and breathing
Rationale: Nursing care follows the basic life support sequence. The
nurse first assesses responsiveness and breathing before activating
emergency response and initiating CPR.
,3. A client with diabetes reports shakiness and sweating. Which action
is priority?
A. Administer insulin
B. Check blood glucose
C. Encourage exercise
D. Restrict fluids
Answer: B. Check blood glucose
Rationale: Shakiness and diaphoresis suggest hypoglycemia. Blood
glucose must be assessed immediately to guide treatment.
4. Which electrolyte imbalance is associated with cardiac
dysrhythmias?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Elevated potassium interferes with cardiac conduction and
can lead to dangerous arrhythmias.
5. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Client with a cast reporting itching
B. Client with pneumonia and oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Client awaiting discharge instructions
D. Client requesting pain medication
, Answer: B. Client with pneumonia and oxygen saturation of 88%
Rationale: Airway and breathing are the highest priorities. An oxygen
saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia.
6. A nurse is teaching hand hygiene. Which statement indicates
understanding?
A. “Alcohol rub replaces handwashing when hands are visibly soiled.”
B. “I should wash with soap and water after caring for a client with C.
difficile.”
C. “Gloves eliminate the need for hand hygiene.”
D. “Handwashing should last 5 seconds.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Soap and water are required for spore-forming organisms
such as Clostridioides difficile.
7. Which position best promotes oxygenation in a dyspneic client?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High Fowler’s
D. Sims’
Answer: C. High Fowler’s
Rationale: Upright positioning maximizes lung expansion and improves
ventilation.
