NURS 354 ACTUAL EXAM 2
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026 COMPLETE 200
QUESTION STUDY GUIDE
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who reports
shortness of breath when lying flat. This symptom is known
as:
A. Dyspnea
B. Orthopnea
C. Tachypnea
D. Apnea
Answer: B. Orthopnea
Rationale: Orthopnea refers to difficulty breathing while lying flat and
is common in heart failure.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is MOST associated with
cardiac dysrhythmias?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypermagnesemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: A. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Elevated potassium levels can disrupt cardiac conduction
and rhythm.
3. A patient with diabetes mellitus should be monitored closely
for:
A. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
B. Hearing loss only
C. Cataracts only
D. Skin discoloration only
,Answer: A. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
Rationale: Blood glucose fluctuations are common complications in
diabetes.
4. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a
postoperative patient?
A. Temperature of 101.8°F
B. Mild incisional pain
C. Small amount of bruising
D. Fatigue after ambulation
Answer: A. Temperature of 101.8°F
Rationale: Fever may indicate postoperative infection.
5. The primary purpose of incentive spirometry is to:
A. Increase blood pressure
B. Prevent atelectasis
C. Improve digestion
D. Reduce heart rate
Answer: B. Prevent atelectasis
Rationale: Incentive spirometry promotes lung expansion and prevents
alveolar collapse.
6. Which laboratory value indicates impaired kidney function?
A. Elevated creatinine
B. Low hemoglobin
C. Elevated calcium
D. Low potassium
Answer: A. Elevated creatinine
Rationale: Creatinine elevation suggests reduced renal filtration.
7. A nurse should place a patient experiencing a seizure in
which position?
,A. Supine
B. High Fowler’s
C. Side-lying
D. Trendelenburg
Answer: C. Side-lying
Rationale: Side-lying positioning helps maintain airway patency and
prevents aspiration.
8. Which medication classification is commonly used to treat
hypertension?
A. Antihypertensives
B. Antacids
C. Antivirals
D. Bronchodilators
Answer: A. Antihypertensives
Rationale: Antihypertensive medications lower blood pressure.
9. A blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL indicates:
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Normoglycemia
D. Ketoacidosis
Answer: B. Hypoglycemia
Rationale: Blood glucose under 70 mg/dL is considered low.
10. Which assessment finding is expected in dehydration?
A. Moist mucous membranes
B. Decreased urine output
C. Bradycardia
D. Weight gain
Answer: B. Decreased urine output
Rationale: Fluid volume deficit commonly reduces urine production.
, 11. Which patient is at greatest risk for pressure injuries?
A. Ambulatory patient
B. Immobile patient
C. Patient with allergies
D. Patient with myopia
Answer: B. Immobile patient
Rationale: Immobility increases prolonged pressure on tissues.
12. Which intervention helps prevent deep vein thrombosis
after surgery?
A. Bed rest
B. Early ambulation
C. Fluid restriction
D. Trendelenburg position
Answer: B. Early ambulation
Rationale: Ambulation improves circulation and reduces clot
formation.
13. Which vital sign finding requires immediate nursing
intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
B. Heart rate of 88 beats/min
C. Blood pressure of 122/76 mmHg
D. Temperature of 98.6°F
Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
Rationale: Bradypnea may indicate respiratory depression.
14. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
commonly presents with:
A. Dyspnea
B. Bradycardia
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026 COMPLETE 200
QUESTION STUDY GUIDE
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who reports
shortness of breath when lying flat. This symptom is known
as:
A. Dyspnea
B. Orthopnea
C. Tachypnea
D. Apnea
Answer: B. Orthopnea
Rationale: Orthopnea refers to difficulty breathing while lying flat and
is common in heart failure.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is MOST associated with
cardiac dysrhythmias?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypermagnesemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: A. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Elevated potassium levels can disrupt cardiac conduction
and rhythm.
3. A patient with diabetes mellitus should be monitored closely
for:
A. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
B. Hearing loss only
C. Cataracts only
D. Skin discoloration only
,Answer: A. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia
Rationale: Blood glucose fluctuations are common complications in
diabetes.
4. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a
postoperative patient?
A. Temperature of 101.8°F
B. Mild incisional pain
C. Small amount of bruising
D. Fatigue after ambulation
Answer: A. Temperature of 101.8°F
Rationale: Fever may indicate postoperative infection.
5. The primary purpose of incentive spirometry is to:
A. Increase blood pressure
B. Prevent atelectasis
C. Improve digestion
D. Reduce heart rate
Answer: B. Prevent atelectasis
Rationale: Incentive spirometry promotes lung expansion and prevents
alveolar collapse.
6. Which laboratory value indicates impaired kidney function?
A. Elevated creatinine
B. Low hemoglobin
C. Elevated calcium
D. Low potassium
Answer: A. Elevated creatinine
Rationale: Creatinine elevation suggests reduced renal filtration.
7. A nurse should place a patient experiencing a seizure in
which position?
,A. Supine
B. High Fowler’s
C. Side-lying
D. Trendelenburg
Answer: C. Side-lying
Rationale: Side-lying positioning helps maintain airway patency and
prevents aspiration.
8. Which medication classification is commonly used to treat
hypertension?
A. Antihypertensives
B. Antacids
C. Antivirals
D. Bronchodilators
Answer: A. Antihypertensives
Rationale: Antihypertensive medications lower blood pressure.
9. A blood glucose level below 70 mg/dL indicates:
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Normoglycemia
D. Ketoacidosis
Answer: B. Hypoglycemia
Rationale: Blood glucose under 70 mg/dL is considered low.
10. Which assessment finding is expected in dehydration?
A. Moist mucous membranes
B. Decreased urine output
C. Bradycardia
D. Weight gain
Answer: B. Decreased urine output
Rationale: Fluid volume deficit commonly reduces urine production.
, 11. Which patient is at greatest risk for pressure injuries?
A. Ambulatory patient
B. Immobile patient
C. Patient with allergies
D. Patient with myopia
Answer: B. Immobile patient
Rationale: Immobility increases prolonged pressure on tissues.
12. Which intervention helps prevent deep vein thrombosis
after surgery?
A. Bed rest
B. Early ambulation
C. Fluid restriction
D. Trendelenburg position
Answer: B. Early ambulation
Rationale: Ambulation improves circulation and reduces clot
formation.
13. Which vital sign finding requires immediate nursing
intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
B. Heart rate of 88 beats/min
C. Blood pressure of 122/76 mmHg
D. Temperature of 98.6°F
Answer: A. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
Rationale: Bradypnea may indicate respiratory depression.
14. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
commonly presents with:
A. Dyspnea
B. Bradycardia
