NUR 211 Midterm Exam - Questions & Answers with sufficient
rationales-| 2026 Updated version | – Chamberlain
university(masterpiece already graded A+!!)
1. A patient’s cardiac monitor displays a flat-line rhythm. What is the RN’s first priority?
• A) Obtain a 12-lead EKG.
• B) Assess the patient for a palpable pulse.
• C) Begin chest compressions.
• D) Defibrillate immediately.
• Answer: B
2. Which patient assessment finding indicates left-sided heart failure?
• A) Distended jugular veins and ascites.
• B) Dependent pitting edema.
• C) Orthopnea and pulmonary congestion.
• D) Spleen and liver enlargement.
• Answer: C
3. A client with a prosthetic heart valve asks how to prevent endocarditis. What instruction is priority?
• A) Avoid using dental floss or toothpicks to prevent oral trauma.
• B) Take prophylactic antibiotics before invasive dental procedures.
• C) Report any fever immediately to the physician.
• D) All of the above.
• Answer: D
4. When performing a cardiac assessment on an older adult, which finding is considered a normal age-
related change?
• A) Persistent tachycardia.
• B) Presence of cardiac murmurs.
• C) Bounding peripheral pulses.
, • D) Hypertension (systolic > 160).
• Answer: B
5. A patient is prescribed metoprolol and reports daytime fatigue. What is the best nursing intervention?
• A) Instruct the patient to take the medication in the evening.
• B) Advise the patient to stop the medication immediately.
• C) Suggest taking the medication with milk to increase absorption.
• D) Contact the provider to cut the dose in half.
• Answer: A
6. Which action by the RN best addresses alarm fatigue?
• A) Turning down the volume on all monitors.
• B) Individualizing alarm parameters based on patient needs.
• C) Disabling alarms that sound too frequently.
• D) Changing leads only once a week.
• Answer: B
7. A client with atrial fibrillation is on long-term anticoagulation. Which patient statement indicates
understanding?
• A) "I will eat a large salad with dark leafy greens every day."
• B) "I will use aspirin if I have a headache."
• C) "I will maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-rich foods."
• D) "I will get my INR checked once a year."
• Answer: C
8. Which assessment finding following a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) requires immediate
collaboration with the provider?
• A) A palpable distal pulse.
• B) Blood pressure of 85/50 mmHg with a heart rate of 120 bpm.
• C) Urinary output of 50 mL/hour.
• D) Mild bruising at the insertion site.
• Answer: B
9. During medication reconciliation for a heart failure patient, which drug is associated with a persistent,
dry, irritating cough?
, • A) Loop diuretics.
• B) ACE inhibitors.
• C) Beta-blockers.
• D) Calcium channel blockers.
• Answer: B
10. When preparing a client for elective cardioversion, what is the correct order of safety actions?
1. Ensure the defibrillator is in synchronized mode.
2. Ensure no one is touching the patient.
3. Assess skin under paddles for burns.
4. Place pads away from medication patches.
• Answer: 4, 1, 2, 3
11. What is the most effective way for a heart failure patient to monitor for fluid overload at home?
• A) Checking for shortness of breath twice a day.
• B) Monitoring daily weight at the same time every day.
• C) Measuring abdominal girth weekly.
• D) Assessing for edema in the morning.
• Answer: B
12. A client asks, "What can I do to take care of my heart?" Which response indicates readiness to change?
• A) "I'll just take my pills, that's enough."
• B) "What kind of lifestyle changes are recommended for my condition?"
• C) "I can't afford to eat healthy."
• D) "I'll quit exercising so I don't strain my heart."
• Answer: B
13. Following the insertion of an endotracheal tube, how does the RN confirm placement?
• A) Auscultate breath sounds over the epigastrium.
• B) Check end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels.
• C) Observe chest rise only.
• D) Wait for a chest X-ray result before using the tube.
• Answer: B
, 14. What is a key clinical manifestation of right-sided heart failure?
• A) Pulmonary edema.
• B) Dependent pitting edema and ascites.
• C) Exertional dyspnea.
• D) Cyanosis.
• Answer: B
15. A client with an ethical concern about paying for emergency services presents with chest pain. What is
the priority?
• A) Ask the billing department to interview the patient.
• B) Ensure the patient is stabilized and receives necessary medical care.
• C) Delay treatment until financial arrangements are made.
• D) Transfer the patient to a different facility.
• Answer: B
16. Which of the following is an early sign of hypoxia in a respiratory patient?
• A) Cyanosis of the nail beds.
• B) Restlessness or agitation.
• C) Bradycardia.
• D) Hypotension.
• Answer: B
17. When teaching a patient with chronic respiratory issues, how do you explain "pursed-lip breathing"?
• A) It increases carbon dioxide retention.
• B) It helps prevent airway collapse and prolongs exhalation.
• C) It is used to force oxygen into the blood.
• D) It is only used during sleep.
• Answer: B
18. A client has a chest tube. What assessment finding requires immediate notification of the provider?
• A) Fluctuations in the water seal chamber.
• B) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber (after verifying no leak).
• C) Minimal drainage in the collection chamber.
rationales-| 2026 Updated version | – Chamberlain
university(masterpiece already graded A+!!)
1. A patient’s cardiac monitor displays a flat-line rhythm. What is the RN’s first priority?
• A) Obtain a 12-lead EKG.
• B) Assess the patient for a palpable pulse.
• C) Begin chest compressions.
• D) Defibrillate immediately.
• Answer: B
2. Which patient assessment finding indicates left-sided heart failure?
• A) Distended jugular veins and ascites.
• B) Dependent pitting edema.
• C) Orthopnea and pulmonary congestion.
• D) Spleen and liver enlargement.
• Answer: C
3. A client with a prosthetic heart valve asks how to prevent endocarditis. What instruction is priority?
• A) Avoid using dental floss or toothpicks to prevent oral trauma.
• B) Take prophylactic antibiotics before invasive dental procedures.
• C) Report any fever immediately to the physician.
• D) All of the above.
• Answer: D
4. When performing a cardiac assessment on an older adult, which finding is considered a normal age-
related change?
• A) Persistent tachycardia.
• B) Presence of cardiac murmurs.
• C) Bounding peripheral pulses.
, • D) Hypertension (systolic > 160).
• Answer: B
5. A patient is prescribed metoprolol and reports daytime fatigue. What is the best nursing intervention?
• A) Instruct the patient to take the medication in the evening.
• B) Advise the patient to stop the medication immediately.
• C) Suggest taking the medication with milk to increase absorption.
• D) Contact the provider to cut the dose in half.
• Answer: A
6. Which action by the RN best addresses alarm fatigue?
• A) Turning down the volume on all monitors.
• B) Individualizing alarm parameters based on patient needs.
• C) Disabling alarms that sound too frequently.
• D) Changing leads only once a week.
• Answer: B
7. A client with atrial fibrillation is on long-term anticoagulation. Which patient statement indicates
understanding?
• A) "I will eat a large salad with dark leafy greens every day."
• B) "I will use aspirin if I have a headache."
• C) "I will maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K-rich foods."
• D) "I will get my INR checked once a year."
• Answer: C
8. Which assessment finding following a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) requires immediate
collaboration with the provider?
• A) A palpable distal pulse.
• B) Blood pressure of 85/50 mmHg with a heart rate of 120 bpm.
• C) Urinary output of 50 mL/hour.
• D) Mild bruising at the insertion site.
• Answer: B
9. During medication reconciliation for a heart failure patient, which drug is associated with a persistent,
dry, irritating cough?
, • A) Loop diuretics.
• B) ACE inhibitors.
• C) Beta-blockers.
• D) Calcium channel blockers.
• Answer: B
10. When preparing a client for elective cardioversion, what is the correct order of safety actions?
1. Ensure the defibrillator is in synchronized mode.
2. Ensure no one is touching the patient.
3. Assess skin under paddles for burns.
4. Place pads away from medication patches.
• Answer: 4, 1, 2, 3
11. What is the most effective way for a heart failure patient to monitor for fluid overload at home?
• A) Checking for shortness of breath twice a day.
• B) Monitoring daily weight at the same time every day.
• C) Measuring abdominal girth weekly.
• D) Assessing for edema in the morning.
• Answer: B
12. A client asks, "What can I do to take care of my heart?" Which response indicates readiness to change?
• A) "I'll just take my pills, that's enough."
• B) "What kind of lifestyle changes are recommended for my condition?"
• C) "I can't afford to eat healthy."
• D) "I'll quit exercising so I don't strain my heart."
• Answer: B
13. Following the insertion of an endotracheal tube, how does the RN confirm placement?
• A) Auscultate breath sounds over the epigastrium.
• B) Check end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) levels.
• C) Observe chest rise only.
• D) Wait for a chest X-ray result before using the tube.
• Answer: B
, 14. What is a key clinical manifestation of right-sided heart failure?
• A) Pulmonary edema.
• B) Dependent pitting edema and ascites.
• C) Exertional dyspnea.
• D) Cyanosis.
• Answer: B
15. A client with an ethical concern about paying for emergency services presents with chest pain. What is
the priority?
• A) Ask the billing department to interview the patient.
• B) Ensure the patient is stabilized and receives necessary medical care.
• C) Delay treatment until financial arrangements are made.
• D) Transfer the patient to a different facility.
• Answer: B
16. Which of the following is an early sign of hypoxia in a respiratory patient?
• A) Cyanosis of the nail beds.
• B) Restlessness or agitation.
• C) Bradycardia.
• D) Hypotension.
• Answer: B
17. When teaching a patient with chronic respiratory issues, how do you explain "pursed-lip breathing"?
• A) It increases carbon dioxide retention.
• B) It helps prevent airway collapse and prolongs exhalation.
• C) It is used to force oxygen into the blood.
• D) It is only used during sleep.
• Answer: B
18. A client has a chest tube. What assessment finding requires immediate notification of the provider?
• A) Fluctuations in the water seal chamber.
• B) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber (after verifying no leak).
• C) Minimal drainage in the collection chamber.
