WGU D444 OA EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS GRADED A+ 2026-2027
Glaucoma priority
Avoid anything that increases intraocular pressure no bending coughing or
straining
Cataracts post op priority
Avoid bending lifting or straining to prevent increased eye pressure
Corneal Abrasions
Scratches on the cornea causing intense pain and photophobia; treated with
antibiotic ointment and sometimes patching.
Retinal Detachment
Separation of the retina from the epithelium; characterized by flashing lights,
floaters, and a "curtain" over the vision; an ocular emergency.
Meniere's Disease
Inner ear disorder characterized by vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss; managed
with low-sodium diet and diuretics.
Vertigo
Sensation of spinning or dizziness; nursing priority is safety and fall prevention.
Multiple sclerosis key features
Autoimmune demyelination causing fatigue weakness vision problems and heat
sensitivity
,Myasthenia gravis key features
Muscle weakness that worsens with activity improves with rest with ptosis and
dysphagia
Myasthenia gravis priority
Maintain airway and give pyridostigmine before meals
Parkinson's Disease key features
Resting tremor rigidity slow movement and shuffling gait
Parkinson's priority
Give levodopa on time and prevent falls
Seizure Disorders Priority
Protect airway, turn patient on side, do not restrain
Pulmonary embolism priority
Oxygen first then anticoagulants
Melanoma
Most aggressive skin cancer; identified by the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border,
Color, Diameter, Evolving).
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
Reactivation of varicella-virus; presents as painful vesicles along a dermatome;
requires airborne/contact precautions if disseminated.
, Hyperkalemia
K > 5.0; causes peaked T-waves and dysrhythmias; treat with Kayexalate,
insulin/glucose, or calcium gluconate.
Hypokalemia
K < 3.5; causes U-waves and muscle weakness; treat with oral or IV potassium
(never IV push).
Hyponatremia
Na < 135; causes confusion and seizures; treat with fluid restriction or hypertonic
saline (3% NaCl).
Hypernatremia
Na > 145; causes extreme thirst and agitation; treat with hypotonic fluids (0.45%
NS).
Hypocalcemia
Ca < 8.6; positive Trousseau's (BP cuff) and Chvostek's (facial tap) signs; treat with
calcium gluconate.
Thoracentesis
Procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space; nurse monitors for
pneumothorax (diminished lung sounds) post-op.
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Blockage in pulmonary artery (often from DVT); symptoms include sudden SOB
and chest pain; treat with heparin/anticoagulants.
ANSWERS GRADED A+ 2026-2027
Glaucoma priority
Avoid anything that increases intraocular pressure no bending coughing or
straining
Cataracts post op priority
Avoid bending lifting or straining to prevent increased eye pressure
Corneal Abrasions
Scratches on the cornea causing intense pain and photophobia; treated with
antibiotic ointment and sometimes patching.
Retinal Detachment
Separation of the retina from the epithelium; characterized by flashing lights,
floaters, and a "curtain" over the vision; an ocular emergency.
Meniere's Disease
Inner ear disorder characterized by vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss; managed
with low-sodium diet and diuretics.
Vertigo
Sensation of spinning or dizziness; nursing priority is safety and fall prevention.
Multiple sclerosis key features
Autoimmune demyelination causing fatigue weakness vision problems and heat
sensitivity
,Myasthenia gravis key features
Muscle weakness that worsens with activity improves with rest with ptosis and
dysphagia
Myasthenia gravis priority
Maintain airway and give pyridostigmine before meals
Parkinson's Disease key features
Resting tremor rigidity slow movement and shuffling gait
Parkinson's priority
Give levodopa on time and prevent falls
Seizure Disorders Priority
Protect airway, turn patient on side, do not restrain
Pulmonary embolism priority
Oxygen first then anticoagulants
Melanoma
Most aggressive skin cancer; identified by the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border,
Color, Diameter, Evolving).
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
Reactivation of varicella-virus; presents as painful vesicles along a dermatome;
requires airborne/contact precautions if disseminated.
, Hyperkalemia
K > 5.0; causes peaked T-waves and dysrhythmias; treat with Kayexalate,
insulin/glucose, or calcium gluconate.
Hypokalemia
K < 3.5; causes U-waves and muscle weakness; treat with oral or IV potassium
(never IV push).
Hyponatremia
Na < 135; causes confusion and seizures; treat with fluid restriction or hypertonic
saline (3% NaCl).
Hypernatremia
Na > 145; causes extreme thirst and agitation; treat with hypotonic fluids (0.45%
NS).
Hypocalcemia
Ca < 8.6; positive Trousseau's (BP cuff) and Chvostek's (facial tap) signs; treat with
calcium gluconate.
Thoracentesis
Procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space; nurse monitors for
pneumothorax (diminished lung sounds) post-op.
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
Blockage in pulmonary artery (often from DVT); symptoms include sudden SOB
and chest pain; treat with heparin/anticoagulants.
