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NUR 257 Exam 3 Aging and Chronic Illness
2026/2027 Actual Exam Questions with Verified
Answers and Detailed Rationales NGN Grade A
1. A patient with a history of pulmonary embolism (PE) presents with sudden onset of
chest pain and shortness of breath. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Administer oxygen immediately
B. Raise the head of the bed and assess
C. Notify the health care provider
D. Prepare for intubation
Correct Answer: Raise the head of the bed and assess
Rationale: Raising the head of the bed improves breathing and allows for further
assessment of the patient's condition.
2. A patient with a spinal curve has issues lying flat. This is new information before a
pending surgery. What should the nurse do?
A. Proceed with the surgery as planned
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B. Notify the surgical/anesthesia team and assess the curve
C. Cancel the surgery
D. Position the patient supine regardless
Correct Answer: Notify the surgical/anesthesia team and assess the curve
Rationale: The surgical and anesthesia teams need to be informed to plan appropriate
positioning during surgery.
3. Which valvular disorder is associated with pulmonary hypertension and
hemoptysis?
A. Aortic stenosis
B. Mitral valve regurgitation
C. Mitral valve stenosis
D. Aortic regurgitation
Correct Answer: Mitral valve stenosis
Rationale: Mitral valve stenosis leads to pulmonary hypertension, which can present
with fatigue, hemoptysis, and shortness of breath.
4. Treatment for bacterial endocarditis includes:
A. Surgical valve replacement only
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B. Antibiotic therapy until complete eradication is achieved
C. Corticosteroid therapy
D. Diuretic therapy
Correct Answer: Antibiotic therapy until complete eradication is achieved
Rationale: Bacterial endocarditis requires prolonged antibiotic therapy to completely
eradicate the infection.
5. A patient is starting an ACE inhibitor or diuretic. What vital sign is the primary
assessment?
A. Heart rate
B. Respiratory rate
C. Blood pressure
D. Temperature
Correct Answer: Blood pressure
Rationale: Both ACE inhibitors and diuretics can affect blood pressure, requiring
monitoring for effectiveness and safety.
6. A patient needs lipid profile lab work. What should the patient do prior to the test?
A. Eat a high-protein meal
NUR 257 Exam 3 Aging and Chronic Illness
2026/2027 Actual Exam Questions with Verified
Answers and Detailed Rationales NGN Grade A
1. A patient with a history of pulmonary embolism (PE) presents with sudden onset of
chest pain and shortness of breath. What is the nurse's priority action?
A. Administer oxygen immediately
B. Raise the head of the bed and assess
C. Notify the health care provider
D. Prepare for intubation
Correct Answer: Raise the head of the bed and assess
Rationale: Raising the head of the bed improves breathing and allows for further
assessment of the patient's condition.
2. A patient with a spinal curve has issues lying flat. This is new information before a
pending surgery. What should the nurse do?
A. Proceed with the surgery as planned
,2|Page
B. Notify the surgical/anesthesia team and assess the curve
C. Cancel the surgery
D. Position the patient supine regardless
Correct Answer: Notify the surgical/anesthesia team and assess the curve
Rationale: The surgical and anesthesia teams need to be informed to plan appropriate
positioning during surgery.
3. Which valvular disorder is associated with pulmonary hypertension and
hemoptysis?
A. Aortic stenosis
B. Mitral valve regurgitation
C. Mitral valve stenosis
D. Aortic regurgitation
Correct Answer: Mitral valve stenosis
Rationale: Mitral valve stenosis leads to pulmonary hypertension, which can present
with fatigue, hemoptysis, and shortness of breath.
4. Treatment for bacterial endocarditis includes:
A. Surgical valve replacement only
, 3|Page
B. Antibiotic therapy until complete eradication is achieved
C. Corticosteroid therapy
D. Diuretic therapy
Correct Answer: Antibiotic therapy until complete eradication is achieved
Rationale: Bacterial endocarditis requires prolonged antibiotic therapy to completely
eradicate the infection.
5. A patient is starting an ACE inhibitor or diuretic. What vital sign is the primary
assessment?
A. Heart rate
B. Respiratory rate
C. Blood pressure
D. Temperature
Correct Answer: Blood pressure
Rationale: Both ACE inhibitors and diuretics can affect blood pressure, requiring
monitoring for effectiveness and safety.
6. A patient needs lipid profile lab work. What should the patient do prior to the test?
A. Eat a high-protein meal
