What is the primary purpose of a nursing care plan?
A) To provide a systematic approach to patient care
B) To delegate tasks to the nursing assistant
C) To make decisions regarding financial matters
D) To schedule patient appointments
Answer: A) To provide a systematic approach to patient care
Rationale: A nursing care plan helps organize and deliver patient care in a systematic and
effective manner. It outlines the patient’s health needs, goals, and nursing interventions.
Question 2
What is the most common cause of hypokalemia?
A) Dehydration
B) Kidney failure
C) Diuretic use
D) Excessive potassium intake
Answer: C) Diuretic use
Rationale: Diuretics promote the excretion of potassium, often leading to hypokalemia, which
can cause muscle weakness and arrhythmias.
Question 3
Which of the following is an appropriate intervention for a patient with a blood pressure
reading of 180/110 mm Hg?
A) Administer a prescribed antihypertensive medication
B) Encourage the patient to exercise immediately
C) Monitor blood pressure every 8 hours
D) Provide the patient with a high-sodium diet
Answer: A) Administer a prescribed antihypertensive medication
Rationale: A blood pressure reading of 180/110 mm Hg indicates a hypertensive crisis,
requiring prompt administration of antihypertensive medication to prevent complications like
stroke.
,Question 4
Which of the following is a priority action when caring for a patient with a chest wound
and a visible puncture?
A) Apply a sterile dressing over the wound
B) Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe
C) Place the patient in a sitting position
D) Administer pain medication
Answer: A) Apply a sterile dressing over the wound
Rationale: A chest wound with a visible puncture should be covered with a sterile dressing to
prevent air from entering the pleural space, which could lead to a pneumothorax.
Question 5
Which of the following is a sign of hypovolemic shock?
A) Elevated blood pressure
B) Tachycardia
C) Warm, flushed skin
D) Increased urine output
Answer: B) Tachycardia
Rationale: Hypovolemic shock, often caused by blood or fluid loss, leads to compensatory
tachycardia in an effort to maintain cardiac output and perfusion to vital organs.
Question 6
Which of the following is a priority nursing action for a patient with a suspected stroke?
A) Administer oxygen therapy
B) Place the patient in a lateral position
C) Assess the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score
D) Start an IV line
Answer: C) Assess the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale score
Rationale: The Glasgow Coma Scale helps assess the level of consciousness and neurological
function in a stroke patient, which is essential for determining the appropriate treatment.
, Question 7
Which of the following is the most important consideration when administering an opioid
analgesic to an elderly patient?
A) Monitor for signs of hyperglycemia
B) Monitor for signs of respiratory depression
C) Administer the medication with food
D) Increase the dosage if pain persists
Answer: B) Monitor for signs of respiratory depression
Rationale: Elderly patients are at higher risk for respiratory depression when receiving opioids
due to altered metabolism and organ function.
Question 8
A nurse is caring for a patient with a wound infection. Which of the following interventions
is most effective in preventing the spread of infection?
A) Administer prescribed antibiotics
B) Maintain proper hand hygiene
C) Place the patient in isolation
D) Change the dressing every 12 hours
Answer: B) Maintain proper hand hygiene
Rationale: Proper hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of
infection. It reduces the risk of cross-contamination during patient care.
Question 9
Which of the following should be included in the teaching plan for a patient with type 2
diabetes?
A) Eat a high-sodium diet to control blood sugar
B) Monitor blood glucose levels regularly
C) Take insulin injections only when necessary
D) Avoid exercise to prevent blood sugar fluctuations
Answer: B) Monitor blood glucose levels regularly
Rationale: Regular blood glucose monitoring helps patients with type 2 diabetes manage their
condition effectively and make necessary adjustments to treatment plans.