A+ with NGN QUESTIONS, ANSWERS AND RATIONALE
WELL ELABORATED
1. Question: A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who has a
history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which intervention is most
important to prevent further complications?
Answer: The nurse should encourage early ambulation and
provide compression stockings.
Rationale: Early ambulation promotes circulation and reduces the
risk of further clot formation. Compression stockings help in
maintaining venous return and reducing swelling, which also helps
prevent DVT complications.
2. Question: A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) is admitted with increasing shortness of breath. The nurse
should first assess which of the following?
Answer: Oxygen saturation levels.
Rationale: The first priority in a patient with worsening
respiratory symptoms is to assess oxygenation. Low oxygen levels
can worsen the patient's condition and should be addressed
immediately.
3. Question: A patient with diabetes is experiencing symptoms of
hypoglycemia. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take first?
Answer: Administer 15g of a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as
glucose tablets or orange juice.
, Rationale: The priority is to raise the patient's blood glucose level
quickly. Glucose is the fastest-acting carbohydrate to treat
hypoglycemia.
4. Question: A nurse is caring for a patient with acute renal failure.
Which laboratory result should the nurse monitor to assess kidney
function?
Answer: Serum creatinine level.
Rationale: Serum creatinine is a reliable indicator of renal
function. An elevated creatinine level suggests impaired kidney
function or renal failure.
5. Question: A patient is diagnosed with congestive heart failure
(CHF) and is prescribed a diuretic. The nurse knows to monitor
which of the following for potential complications?
Answer: Serum potassium levels.
Rationale: Diuretics can lead to electrolyte imbalances,
particularly low potassium levels (hypokalemia). Monitoring
potassium is essential to prevent complications like arrhythmias.
6. Question: A patient with a history of stroke presents with slurred
speech, weakness on the right side, and confusion. What is the
nurse's priority action?
Answer: Assess the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation
(ABCs) first.
, Rationale: The ABCs are the priority when caring for any patient
with neurological symptoms. Ensuring the patient’s airway is clear
and that they are breathing adequately is crucial for survival.
7. Question: A nurse is educating a patient with hypertension about
lifestyle modifications. Which of the following statements by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
Answer: "I will continue drinking my regular coffee, but I will
switch to decaffeinated in the evenings."
Rationale: Caffeine can increase blood pressure, so the patient
should limit caffeine intake overall, not just in the evening.
8. Question: A patient who had a myocardial infarction (MI) is
prescribed morphine. The nurse should monitor for which potential
complication?
Answer: Respiratory depression.
Rationale: Morphine is an opioid, and respiratory depression is a
common side effect. It is important to monitor the patient's
respiratory rate and depth closely.
9. Question: A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who has
developed a fever, increased heart rate, and hypotension. The nurse
should suspect which of the following complications?
Answer: Sepsis.
, Rationale: Fever, tachycardia, and hypotension are signs of
infection, which may lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
Immediate assessment and interventions are necessary.
10. Question: A nurse is preparing to administer insulin to a
diabetic patient before a meal. The nurse should verify the
patient’s blood glucose level to determine the correct dose. Which
range would indicate that the insulin dose needs adjustment?
Answer: A blood glucose level higher than 250 mg/dL.
Rationale: A blood glucose level above 250 mg/dL indicates that the
insulin dose may need to be adjusted, as it is higher than the target
range. The nurse should also consider additional interventions, such as
investigating the cause of the hyperglycemia.
11. Question: A nurse is caring for a patient with a new
diagnosis of hypothyroidism. The nurse should expect which of the
following symptoms?
Answer: Fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
Rationale: Hypothyroidism results in decreased metabolism and energy
production, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold
intolerance due to reduced heat production.
12. Question: A patient is admitted with severe abdominal pain
and signs of peritonitis. Which of the following findings is most
concerning to the nurse?