NR 511 CEA Mock Exam 2026 | Trusted Questions &
Answers
1. Which of the following options is NOT a priority medical decision based on
EKG findings of ST segment depression during a stress test?
Prescribe aspirin 81mg PO daily
Prescribe metoprolol (Lopressor) 12.5mg PO BID
Check for thyroid dysfunction
Refer to cardiology for angiography
2. A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who has undergone abdominal
surgery. During the respiratory assessment, the nurse notes that the patient
has decreased breath sounds and dullness to percussion over the right lower
lung field. The patient is experiencing mild chest discomfort. What condition
should the nurse suspect based on these assessment findings?
Pleural effusion
Pulmonary embolism
Atelectasis
Pneumonia
3. Describe the significance of the S1 heart sound in relation to the cardiac
cycle and its timing on the electrocardiogram.
The S1 heart sound signifies the closure of the atrioventricular
valves and occurs at the peak of the R wave, indicating the start of
ventricular contraction.
The S1 heart sound is produced by the closure of the semilunar valves
at the start of the T wave.
, The S1 heart sound is associated with the start of the P wave,
indicating atrial contraction.
The S1 heart sound occurs at the end of the T wave, marking the end
of ventricular contraction.
4. What term describes a drug that has a narrow therapeutic index?
Post-antibiotic effect
Narrow therapeutic index
Zero order kinetics
Wide therapeutic index
5. A client admitted to the medical-surgical unit with a venous
thromboembolism (VTE) is started on enoxaparin and warfarin. The client
asks the nurse why two medications are needed. Which response by the
nurse is accurate?
"The enoxaparin will work immediately, but the warfarin takes
several days to achieve its full effect."
"Enoxaparin will dissolve the clot, and warfarin will prevent any more
clots from occurring."
"Administration of two anticoagulants decreases the risk of recurrent
venous thrombosis."
6. Posttraumatic stress disorder is treated with any of the drugs from the ________
antidepressant drug category.
SSRI
PMDD
tetracyclic
, acetylcholine
7. Describe how atelectasis can develop in a post-operative patient and its
potential impact on recovery.
Atelectasis occurs when fluid accumulates in the lungs, causing
difficulty in breathing.
Atelectasis is caused by an infection that develops post-surgery,
leading to fever and cough.
Atelectasis is a normal finding in post-operative patients and does not
affect recovery.
Atelectasis can develop due to shallow breathing or reduced lung
expansion after surgery, leading to decreased oxygenation and
potential complications.
8. What term is used to describe generalized edema that affects the entire
body, including the lower extremities and abdomen?
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SAIDH)
Nephrotic syndrome
Anasarca
Ascites
9. Which neurotransmitter is commonly associated with clinical depression and
is often targeted in treatment?
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
Acetylcholine
Dopamine
, 10. What is the term used to describe the collapse of a lung or part of a lung,
often detected by auscultation of crackles?
Pulmonary embolism
Atelectasis
Pleural effusion
Pneumonia
11. In which intercostal space is the point of maximum impulse (PMI) typically
located in a healthy adult?
Left 2nd intercostal space, midaxillary line
Right 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line
Left 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
Right 4th intercostal space, midaxillary line
12. Describe the significance of identifying acanthosis nigricans during a
physical examination.
Acanthosis nigricans is a sign of skin cancer.
Acanthosis nigricans is primarily a cosmetic issue with no health
implications.
Acanthosis nigricans is unrelated to metabolic conditions.
Acanthosis nigricans can indicate underlying insulin resistance or
metabolic syndrome.
13. A patient is prescribed a medication known to have a narrow therapeutic
index. What should the healthcare provider prioritize in this situation?
Switching to a different medication immediately
Answers
1. Which of the following options is NOT a priority medical decision based on
EKG findings of ST segment depression during a stress test?
Prescribe aspirin 81mg PO daily
Prescribe metoprolol (Lopressor) 12.5mg PO BID
Check for thyroid dysfunction
Refer to cardiology for angiography
2. A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who has undergone abdominal
surgery. During the respiratory assessment, the nurse notes that the patient
has decreased breath sounds and dullness to percussion over the right lower
lung field. The patient is experiencing mild chest discomfort. What condition
should the nurse suspect based on these assessment findings?
Pleural effusion
Pulmonary embolism
Atelectasis
Pneumonia
3. Describe the significance of the S1 heart sound in relation to the cardiac
cycle and its timing on the electrocardiogram.
The S1 heart sound signifies the closure of the atrioventricular
valves and occurs at the peak of the R wave, indicating the start of
ventricular contraction.
The S1 heart sound is produced by the closure of the semilunar valves
at the start of the T wave.
, The S1 heart sound is associated with the start of the P wave,
indicating atrial contraction.
The S1 heart sound occurs at the end of the T wave, marking the end
of ventricular contraction.
4. What term describes a drug that has a narrow therapeutic index?
Post-antibiotic effect
Narrow therapeutic index
Zero order kinetics
Wide therapeutic index
5. A client admitted to the medical-surgical unit with a venous
thromboembolism (VTE) is started on enoxaparin and warfarin. The client
asks the nurse why two medications are needed. Which response by the
nurse is accurate?
"The enoxaparin will work immediately, but the warfarin takes
several days to achieve its full effect."
"Enoxaparin will dissolve the clot, and warfarin will prevent any more
clots from occurring."
"Administration of two anticoagulants decreases the risk of recurrent
venous thrombosis."
6. Posttraumatic stress disorder is treated with any of the drugs from the ________
antidepressant drug category.
SSRI
PMDD
tetracyclic
, acetylcholine
7. Describe how atelectasis can develop in a post-operative patient and its
potential impact on recovery.
Atelectasis occurs when fluid accumulates in the lungs, causing
difficulty in breathing.
Atelectasis is caused by an infection that develops post-surgery,
leading to fever and cough.
Atelectasis is a normal finding in post-operative patients and does not
affect recovery.
Atelectasis can develop due to shallow breathing or reduced lung
expansion after surgery, leading to decreased oxygenation and
potential complications.
8. What term is used to describe generalized edema that affects the entire
body, including the lower extremities and abdomen?
Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SAIDH)
Nephrotic syndrome
Anasarca
Ascites
9. Which neurotransmitter is commonly associated with clinical depression and
is often targeted in treatment?
Norepinephrine
Serotonin
Acetylcholine
Dopamine
, 10. What is the term used to describe the collapse of a lung or part of a lung,
often detected by auscultation of crackles?
Pulmonary embolism
Atelectasis
Pleural effusion
Pneumonia
11. In which intercostal space is the point of maximum impulse (PMI) typically
located in a healthy adult?
Left 2nd intercostal space, midaxillary line
Right 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line
Left 5th intercostal space, midclavicular line
Right 4th intercostal space, midaxillary line
12. Describe the significance of identifying acanthosis nigricans during a
physical examination.
Acanthosis nigricans is a sign of skin cancer.
Acanthosis nigricans is primarily a cosmetic issue with no health
implications.
Acanthosis nigricans is unrelated to metabolic conditions.
Acanthosis nigricans can indicate underlying insulin resistance or
metabolic syndrome.
13. A patient is prescribed a medication known to have a narrow therapeutic
index. What should the healthcare provider prioritize in this situation?
Switching to a different medication immediately
