NSG 3313 ADULT HEALTH NURSING I FINAL EXAM
REVIEW – PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025|2026 Q&A | INSTANT
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1. A patient with heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which electrolyte should
the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss, which can
lead to hypokalemia and dysrhythmias.
2. The nurse is caring for a patient with COPD. Which oxygen delivery device is
most appropriate to use initially?
A. Non-rebreather mask
B. Venturi mask
C. Nasal cannula
D. Simple face mask
Answer: C. Nasal cannula
Rationale: COPD patients require low-flow oxygen to prevent suppression of their
hypoxic drive, so a nasal cannula is safest initially.
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,3. Which finding is most concerning in a patient receiving IV potassium chloride?
A. Patient reports burning at IV site
B. Serum potassium of 4.0 mEq/L
C. Serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L
D. Patient has mild nausea
Answer: C. Serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L
Rationale: A potassium level above 6.0 is critical and may cause life-threatening
cardiac dysrhythmias.
4. A nurse notes that a postoperative patient has a blood pressure of 88/56, a
rapid thready pulse, and cool clammy skin. What is the priority action?
A. Increase IV rate
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Reassess vital signs in 30 minutes
D. Elevate the head of the bed
Answer: B. Notify the provider immediately
Rationale: These are signs of shock, which require immediate intervention to
prevent organ failure.
5. Which dietary teaching is appropriate for a patient with hypertension?
A. Increase processed foods
B. Limit fruits and vegetables
C. Reduce sodium intake
D. Increase saturated fat
Answer: C. Reduce sodium intake
Rationale: Sodium restriction helps control blood pressure by reducing fluid
retention and vascular resistance.
6. A nurse suspects a patient has metabolic acidosis. Which lab value supports
this finding?
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,A. pH 7.46, HCO3 28
B. pH 7.50, CO2 30
C. pH 7.30, CO2 48
D. pH 7.30, HCO3 18
Answer: D. pH 7.30, HCO3 18
Rationale: In metabolic acidosis, pH is low and bicarbonate is decreased.
7. Which sign indicates early hypovolemic shock?
A. Hypotension and cyanosis
B. Tachycardia and restlessness
C. Cold clammy skin and hypotension
D. Organ failure and altered LOC
Answer: B. Tachycardia and restlessness
Rationale: Early shock presents with compensatory mechanisms like increased
heart rate and anxiety.
8. A patient with type 1 diabetes reports shakiness, sweating, and confusion.
The nurse suspects:
A. Diabetic ketoacidosis
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Electrolyte imbalance
Answer: C. Hypoglycemia
Rationale: Classic symptoms of hypoglycemia include tremors, sweating, and
altered mental status.
9. The nurse should question which order for a patient with end-stage renal
disease?
A. IV calcium
B. IV normal saline at 150 mL/hr
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, C. Daily weights
D. Fluid restriction
Answer: B. IV normal saline at 150 mL/hr
Rationale: Excessive fluids are dangerous for patients with kidney failure and can
cause fluid overload.
10. A patient with pneumonia has an O2 saturation of 82% on room air. The
nurse’s first action should be:
A. Notify the provider
B. Increase fluids
C. Apply supplemental oxygen
D. Position the patient flat
Answer: C. Apply supplemental oxygen
Rationale: Oxygen administration is the immediate priority when hypoxemia is
present.
11. Which finding is most important to report in a patient with a chest tube?
A. Serosanguinous drainage
B. Sudden cessation of drainage
C. Gentle bubbling in the water seal
D. Fluctuation with respiration
Answer: B. Sudden cessation of drainage
Rationale: This may indicate a blockage, which can lead to a tension
pneumothorax.
12. Which lab finding is expected in a patient with dehydration?
A. Increased hematocrit
B. Decreased sodium
C. Decreased BUN
D. Increased urine output
AMAZINGTUTOR
REVIEW – PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND
CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS
RATIONALES 2025|2026 Q&A | INSTANT
DOWNLOAD PDF
1. A patient with heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which electrolyte should
the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss, which can
lead to hypokalemia and dysrhythmias.
2. The nurse is caring for a patient with COPD. Which oxygen delivery device is
most appropriate to use initially?
A. Non-rebreather mask
B. Venturi mask
C. Nasal cannula
D. Simple face mask
Answer: C. Nasal cannula
Rationale: COPD patients require low-flow oxygen to prevent suppression of their
hypoxic drive, so a nasal cannula is safest initially.
AMAZINGTUTOR
,3. Which finding is most concerning in a patient receiving IV potassium chloride?
A. Patient reports burning at IV site
B. Serum potassium of 4.0 mEq/L
C. Serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L
D. Patient has mild nausea
Answer: C. Serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L
Rationale: A potassium level above 6.0 is critical and may cause life-threatening
cardiac dysrhythmias.
4. A nurse notes that a postoperative patient has a blood pressure of 88/56, a
rapid thready pulse, and cool clammy skin. What is the priority action?
A. Increase IV rate
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Reassess vital signs in 30 minutes
D. Elevate the head of the bed
Answer: B. Notify the provider immediately
Rationale: These are signs of shock, which require immediate intervention to
prevent organ failure.
5. Which dietary teaching is appropriate for a patient with hypertension?
A. Increase processed foods
B. Limit fruits and vegetables
C. Reduce sodium intake
D. Increase saturated fat
Answer: C. Reduce sodium intake
Rationale: Sodium restriction helps control blood pressure by reducing fluid
retention and vascular resistance.
6. A nurse suspects a patient has metabolic acidosis. Which lab value supports
this finding?
AMAZINGTUTOR
,A. pH 7.46, HCO3 28
B. pH 7.50, CO2 30
C. pH 7.30, CO2 48
D. pH 7.30, HCO3 18
Answer: D. pH 7.30, HCO3 18
Rationale: In metabolic acidosis, pH is low and bicarbonate is decreased.
7. Which sign indicates early hypovolemic shock?
A. Hypotension and cyanosis
B. Tachycardia and restlessness
C. Cold clammy skin and hypotension
D. Organ failure and altered LOC
Answer: B. Tachycardia and restlessness
Rationale: Early shock presents with compensatory mechanisms like increased
heart rate and anxiety.
8. A patient with type 1 diabetes reports shakiness, sweating, and confusion.
The nurse suspects:
A. Diabetic ketoacidosis
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Electrolyte imbalance
Answer: C. Hypoglycemia
Rationale: Classic symptoms of hypoglycemia include tremors, sweating, and
altered mental status.
9. The nurse should question which order for a patient with end-stage renal
disease?
A. IV calcium
B. IV normal saline at 150 mL/hr
AMAZINGTUTOR
, C. Daily weights
D. Fluid restriction
Answer: B. IV normal saline at 150 mL/hr
Rationale: Excessive fluids are dangerous for patients with kidney failure and can
cause fluid overload.
10. A patient with pneumonia has an O2 saturation of 82% on room air. The
nurse’s first action should be:
A. Notify the provider
B. Increase fluids
C. Apply supplemental oxygen
D. Position the patient flat
Answer: C. Apply supplemental oxygen
Rationale: Oxygen administration is the immediate priority when hypoxemia is
present.
11. Which finding is most important to report in a patient with a chest tube?
A. Serosanguinous drainage
B. Sudden cessation of drainage
C. Gentle bubbling in the water seal
D. Fluctuation with respiration
Answer: B. Sudden cessation of drainage
Rationale: This may indicate a blockage, which can lead to a tension
pneumothorax.
12. Which lab finding is expected in a patient with dehydration?
A. Increased hematocrit
B. Decreased sodium
C. Decreased BUN
D. Increased urine output
AMAZINGTUTOR
