ATI RN COMPREHENSIVE PREDICTOR RETAKE Q & As LATEST RETAKE
EXAM GUARANTEED SUCCESS 2023/2024 HIGHLY RATED A+ SCORE (NGN)
1. A nurse is assessing a patient who has received an antibiotic. The nurse should identify
which of the following findings as an indication of a possible allergic reaction to the
medication?
A. Bradycardia
B. Headache
C. Joint pain
D. Hypotension
Answer: D. Hypotension
2. A nurse on a mental health unit is caring for a patient who has schizophrenia and is
experiencing auditory hallucinations telling them to hurt others. The patient is refusing to take
anti-psychotic medication. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. “You should plan to take this medication for a few weeks.”
B. “You will regret it if you do not take this medication.”
C. “This medication will help you respond to the voices.
D. “This medication will help you stop the voices you are hearing.”
Answer: D. “This medication will help you stop the voices you are hearing.”
3. A nurse is providing care for a patient who has depression and is to have electroconvulsive
therapy. Which of the following conditions should the nurse identify as increasing the
patient’s risk for complications?
A. Hyperthyroidism
B. Renal calculi
C. Diabetes mellitus
D. Cardiac dysrhythmias
Answer: D. Cardiac dysrhythmias
4. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a patient who has rheumatoid arthritis. Which
of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. WBC count 8,000/mm
B. Platelets 150,000/mm
C. Aspartate aminotransferase 10 units/L
D. Erythrocyte sedimentation 75 mm/hr
Answer: D. Erythrocyte sedimentation 75 mm/hr
5. A nurse is caring for a patient who has a tension pneumothorax. Which of the following
manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Paradoxical chest movement
B. Bilateral crackles
C. Asymmetry of the chest
D. Blood-tinged sputum
Answer: A. Paradoxical chest movement
6. A nurse is caring for a patient who is at 11 weeks of gestation. Which of the following
immunizations should the nurse recommend?
A. Human papillomavirus
B. Influenza
C. Measles, mumps and rubella
D. Varicella
Answer: B. Influenza
7. A nurse in a pediatric clinic is reviewing the laboratory test results of a school-age child.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Hct 40%
B. Hgb 12.5 g/dL
C. Platelets 250,000/mm
D. WBC 14,000/mm
Answer: D. WBC 14,000/mm
8. A nurse is assessing a patient who is receiving packed RBCs. Which of the following
indicates fluid overload?
A. Low-back pain
B. Thready pulse
C. Hypotension
D. Dyspnea
Answer: D. Dyspnea
9. A nurse is preparing to administer betamethasone to a patient who is 25 weeks of gestation
and has preterm labor. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse
effect of this medication?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Uterine contractions
C. Proteinuria
D. Hypotension
Answer: A. Hyperglycemia
10. A nurse is preparing to perform a dressing change on a preschooler. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take to prepare the child for the procedure?
A. Explain in simple terms how the procedure will affect the child.
B. Ask the parents to wait outside the room during the procedure.
C. Limit teaching sessions about the procedure to 20 min.
D. Instruct the child in deep-breathing methods prior to the procedure.
Answer: A. Explain in simple terms how the procedure will affect the child.
11. A nurse is performing wound care for a patient who has an abdominal incision. Which of
the following techniques should the nurse implement?
A. Irrigate the wound using a 10-mL syringe.
B. Cleanse the wound starting at the bottom and moving upward.
C. Cleanse the insertion site of the drain using a circular motion towards the center.
D. Irrigate the wound with a low-pressure flow of solution.
Answer: D. Irrigate the wound with a low-pressure flow of solution.
12. A nurse on an antepartum unit is prioritizing care for multiple patients. Which of the
following patients should the nurse see first?
A. A patient who is at 36 weeks of gestation and has a biophysical profile score of 8.
B. A patient who has preeclampsia and reports a persistent headache.
C. A patient who has pregestational diabetes mellitus and an HbA1c of 6.2%.
D. A patient who is at 28 weeks of gestation and reports leukorrhea.
Answer: B. A patient who has preeclampsia and reports a persistent headache.
13. A nurse is caring for a patient who is recovering from an amputation of her right arm
above the elbow. Which of the following information should the nurse report the occupational
therapist?
A. The patient’s parent is in a skilled nursing facility.
B. The patient has two small children at home.
C. The patient is allergic to penicillin.
D. The patient lives in a two-story home.
Answer: B. The patient has two small children at home.
14. A nurse is caring for a patient who has major depressive disorder. The patient tells the
nurse, “No one cares about me. I’m completely alone.” Which of the following responses
should the nurse make?
A. “You should join a community support group.”
B. “What makes you think that?”
C. “Don’t worry. You should be feeling better in a couple weeks.”
D. “Can you give me an example of how others are making you feel this way?”
Answer: D. “Can you give me an example of how others are making you feel this way?”
15. A nurse is caring for a patient who has sustained a severe head trauma and has significant
bleeding from the nose. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Prepare for a CT scan.
B. Insert a peripheral IV line.
C. Establish a patent airway.
D. Apply direct pressure to the nose.
Answer: C. Establish a patent airway.
16. A nurse is reviewing the rhythm strip of a patient who is experiencing sinus arrhythmia.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Inconsistent P wave formation.
B. Ventricular and atrial rates 120/min
C. P-R intervals of 0.30 seconds
D. P to QRS ratio 1:1
Answer: D. P to QRS ratio 1:1
17. A nurse is admitting a patient who has dementia to a long-term care facility. The patient
tells the nurse that she lived in this facility years ago and took care of all the residents by
herself. The nurse should document this as which of the following findings?
A. Confabulation
B. Agnosia
C. Projection
D. Perseveration
Answer: A. Confabulation
18. A nurse is reviewing home recommendations with a patient who is postoperative following
knee surgery. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make?
A. Place a handrail in the entryway of the house.
B. Place a towel on the floor outside of the shower.
C. Ensure that all area rugs are rubber-backed.
D. Wear slippers with cloth soles.
Answer: A. Place a handrail in the entryway of the house.
19. A nurse is caring for an adult patient who asks about risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease.
Which of the following responses should the nurse take?
A. “There are no known genetic mutations that cause Alzheimer’s disease.”
B. “A diet low in carbohydrates increases the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.”
C. “Asthma has been identified as a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.”
D. “Repeated concussions increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease.”
Answer: A. “There are no known genetic mutations that cause Alzheimer’s disease.”
20. A community health nurse is developing a plan to improve the community’s environmental
health. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Collect information about the community’s environmental status.
B. Request funding from community organizations.
C. Establish a timeframe for environmental improvements.
D. Encourage community involvement in the environmental improvement.
Answer: A. Collect information about the community’s environmental status.
21. A nurse is administering a medication to a patient. The patient reports the medication
appears different then what they take at home. Which of the following responses should the
nurse make?
A. “I recommend that you take this medication as prescribed.”
B. “I will call the pharmacist now to check on this medication.”
C. “Did the doctor discuss with you that there was a change in this medication?”
D. “Do you know why this medication is being prescribed for you?”
Answer: B. “I will call the pharmacist now to check on this medication.”
22. A nurse is admitting an adolescent who has rubella. Which of the following actions should
the nurse take?
A. Isolate the patient from staff who are pregnant.
B. Administer aspirin to the patient.
C. Initiate airborne precautions.
D. Monitor for the development of Koplik spots.
Answer: A. Isolate the patient from staff who are pregnant.
23. A nurse is teaching the parents of a school-age child who is newly diagnosed with juvenile
idiopathic arthritis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the
teaching?
A. Have the child take a tub bath each morning.
B. Apply splints to the child’s extremities during the day.
C. Encourage the child to take naps during the day.
D. Keep the child on bedrest as long as pain persists.
Answer: C. Encourage the child to take naps during the day.
24. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 1 hr postoperative following a thoracentesis. Which
of the following alterations in the patient’s condition should the nurse identify as an indication
of the development of a pneumothorax?
A. Pallor
B. Tracheal deviation
C. Slow respirations
D. Bradycardia
Answer: B. Tracheal deviation
25. A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing cerebral edema. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take?
A. Administer corticosteroids
B. Perform multiple nursing activities at one time.
C. Place the patient in a prone position.
D. Assess the patient for a positive Trousseau sign.
Answer: B. Perform multiple nursing activities at one time.
26. A nurse is caring for a school-age child who has sickle-cell anemia and is experiencing
avaso-occlusive crisis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Place the child on bed rest.
B. Decrease the child’s oral fluid intake.
C. Administer meperidine to the child.
D. Apply cold compresses to the child’s joints.
Answer: C. Administer meperidine to the child.
27. A nurse is providing teaching about the administration of gastronomy tube feedings to the
parents of a school-age child. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Administer the feeding over 30 min.
B. Change the feeding bag and tubing every 3 days.
C. Warm the formula in the microwave prior to administration
D. Place the child in a supine position after the feeding.
Answer: A. Administer the feeding over 30 min.
28. A nurse is caring for a patient who has a fracture of the left hip and is in skeletal traction.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Increase the amount of weight if the patient experiences muscle spasms.
B. Remove the traction weights when bathing the patient.
C. Ensure there is no space between the traction weights and the bed.
D. Provide a trapeze for the patient to aid movement in bed.
Answer: D. Provide a trapeze for the patient to aid movement in bed.
29. A nurse is planning teaching for a patient who has a new diagnosis of HIV. Which of the
following information should the nurse include about preventing the spread of infection?
A. Use condoms with petroleum-based lubricant.
B. Buy disposable dishes for daily use.
C. Clean blood-contaminated surfaces with bleach.
D. Wash soiled clothes in cold water.
Answer: C. Clean blood-contaminated surfaces with bleach.
30. A charge nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about medication administration. Which
of the following information should the charge nurse include?
A. Avoid preparing medications for more than two patients at one time.
B. Inform patients about the action of the medication of the medication prior to
administration.
C. Read medication labels at least two times prior to administration.
D. Complete an incident report if a patient vomits after taking a medication.
Answer: B. Inform patients about the action of the medication of the medication prior to
administration.
31. A nurse in a pediatric clinic is assessing a 6-month old infant. Which of the following
findings should the nurse identify as a possible indication of neglect?
A. Inability to sit without support.
B. A capillary hemangioma on the buttocks.
C. Current weight twice the infants birth weight.
D. Lack of social smile.
Answer: D. Lack of social smile.
32. A nurse is suctioning the airway of a patient who is receiving mechanical ventilation via
an endotracheal tube. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an
indication that suctioning has been effective?
A. Presence of a productive cough
B. Decreased peak inspiratory pressure
C. Thinning of mucous secretions
D. Flattening of the artificial airway cuff
Answer: A. Presence of a productive cough
33. A nurse is caring for a patient who is in a seclusion room following violent behavior. The
patient continues to display aggressive behavior. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take?
A. Stand within 30cm (1 ft) of the patient when speaking with them.
B. Express sympathy for the patient’s situation.
C. Confront the patient about his behavior.
D. Speak assertively to the patient.
Answer: D. Speak assertively to the patient.
34. A nurse is caring for a patient who is immediately postoperative following an
adrenalectomy to treat Cushing’s disease. Which of the following actions is the nurse’s
priority?
A. Reposition the patient for comfort every 2 hours
B. Observe for any indications of infection
C. Document amount and color of the incisional drainage.
D. Monitor the patient’s fluid and electrolyte status.
Answer: D. Monitor the patient’s fluid and electrolyte status.
35. A nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled for a surgical procedure and states, “I
don’t want to have this surgery anymore.” Which of the following responses should the nurse
make?
A. “We can manage your care following the procedure without complications.”
B. “You have the right to refuse the procedure.”
C. “Your doctor thinks the surgery is necessary.”
D. “Let me review the procedure so you can understand what is going to happen.”
Answer: B. “You have the right to refuse the procedure.”
36. A nurse is evaluating a patient who has borderline personality disorder. Which of the
following behaviors indicates an improvement in the patient’s condition?
A. Impulsive behaviors
B. Decreased clinging behavior
C. Liability of mood
D. Dependent behavior
Answer: B. Decreased clinging behavior
37. A nurse is teaching a group of school-age children about healthy snack options. Which of
the following snacks should the nurse include?
A. Air-popped popcorn
B. Milkshake made with whole milk.
C. Baked potato chips
D. Cheesecake
Answer: A. Air-popped popcorn
38. A nurse is providing teaching to a patient who has a new prescription for enoxaparin.
Which of the following medications for pain relief should the nurse include in the teaching
that can be taken concurrently with enoxaparin?
A. Naproxen sodium
B. Ibuprofen
C. Acetaminophen
D. Aspirin
Answer: C. Acetaminophen
39. A nurse is caring for a patient who has fibromyalgia and requests pain medication. Which
of the following medications should the nurse plan to administer?
A. Colchicine
B. Lorazepam
C. Pregabalin
D. Codeine
Answer: C. Pregabalin
40. A nurse is caring for a patient who has congestive heart failure and is receiving furosemide
and digoxin. Which of the following laboratory values indicates that the patient is at risk for
developing digoxin toxicity?
A. Glucose 150 mg/dL
B. Magnesium 1.3 mEq/L
C. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
D. Sodium 134 mEq/L
Answer: C. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
41. A nurse is caring for a patient who had an embolic stroke and has a prescription for
alteplase. Which of the following in the patient’s history should the nurse identify as a
contraindication for receiving alteplase?
A. Hip arthroplasty 1 week ago correct
B. Obstructive lungs disease
C. Retinal detachment
D. Acute kidney failure 6 months ago
Answer: A. Hip arthroplasty 1 week ago correct
42. A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a patient who has a new implantable
cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Which of the following patient statements demonstrates
understanding of the teaching?
A. “I will soak in the tub rather than showering.”
B. “I can hold my cellphone on the same side of my body as the ICD.”
C. “I will wear loose clothing over my ICD.”
D. “I will avoid using my microwave oven at home because of my ICD.”
Answer: C. “I will wear loose clothing over my ICD.”
43. A nurse is assessing a patient who is postoperative following abdominal surgery and has
an indwelling urinary catheter that is draining dark yellow urine at 25ml/hr. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse anticipate?
A. Clamp the catheter tubing for 30 min
B. Initiate continuous bladder irrigation
C. Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
D. Administer a fluid bolus
Answer: C. Obtain a urine specimen for culture and sensitivity
44. A nurse is caring for a patient who has experienced a stillbirth. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take during the initial grieving process?
A. Avoid talking to the patient about the newborn
B. Discourage the patient from allowing friends to see the newborn
C. Offer to take pictures of the newborn for the patient
D. Assure the patient that she can have additional children
Answer: C. Offer to take pictures of the newborn for the patient
45. A nurse is caring for a patient who has a major burn injury. Which of the following actions
is the nurse’s priority to prevent wound infection?
A. Use sterile dressings for wound care
B. Apply topical antibiotics to the patient’s wounds.
C. Place the patient in protective isolation.
D. Maintain consistent hand washing by staff.
Answer: D. Maintain consistent hand washing by staff.
46. A nurse is speaking with the caregiver of a patient who has Alzheimer’s disease. The
caregiver states, “Providing constant care is very stressful and is affecting all areas of my
life.” Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Discuss methods of how to communicate with the patient about problem solving behaviors.
B. Suggest that the caregiver seek a prescription for an antipsychotic medication for the
patient.
C. Assist the caregiver to arrange a daycare program for the patient.
D. Recommend allowing the patient to have time alone in their room throughout the day.
Answer: C. Assist the caregiver to arrange a daycare program for the patient.
47. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 1 hr postpartum and unable to urinate. Which of the
following actions should the nurse take?
A. Administer a benzodiazepine
B. Perform a fundal massage
C. Place an ice pack on the patient’s perineum
D. Place the patient’s hand in warm water
Answer: D. Place the patient’s hand in warm water
48. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is performing medication reconciliation for a newly
admitted patient. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Compare a list of common medications to treat a condition to the actual prescriptions
B. Compare the prescription to the allergy history of the patient
C. Compare the medication label to the provider’s prescription on three occasions before
administration
D. Compare the patient’s list of home medications to the admission prescriptions written for
the patient.
Answer: D. Compare the patient’s list of home medications to the admission prescriptions
written for the patient.
49. A nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative following total hip arthroplasty. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?
A. Raise the head of the patient’s bed to a high-fowler’s position.
B. Elevate the patient’s effected leg on a pillow when in bed.
C. Position the patient’s knees slightly higher than the hips when up in a chair.
D. Keep an abduction pillow between the patient’s legs.
Answer: D. Keep an abduction pillow between the patient’s legs.
50. A nurse in a pediatric clinic is teaching a newly hired nurse about the varicella zoster
virus. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
A. Children who have varicella should be placed on droplet precautions.
B. Children who have varicella are contagious 4 days before the first vesicle eruption.
C. Children who have varicella are contagious until the vesicles are crusted.
D. Children who have varicella should receive the herpes zoster vaccine.
Answer: C. Children who have varicella are contagious until the vesicles are crusted.
51. A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing a panic attack. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take?
A. Teach the patient how to meditate
B. Sit with the patient to provide a sense of security.
C. Encourage the patient to watch television.
D. Administer a dose of atomoxetine to decrease anxiety.
Answer: B. Sit with the patient to provide a sense of security.
52. A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about ergonomic principles. Which of the
following actions by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. Stands with feet together when lifting a patient up in bed.
B. Places a gait belt around the patient’s upper chest before assisting a patient to stand.
C. Uses a mechanical lift device to move a patient from the bed to the chair.
D. Raises the patient’s head of the bed before pulling the patient up.
Answer: C. Uses a mechanical lift device to move a patient from the bed to the chair.
53. A nurse is teaching a patient about condom use. Which of the following patient statements
should the nurse identify as an understanding of the teaching?
A. “I can use petroleum jelly as a lubricant with the condom.”
B. “I can re-use the condom one time after initial use.”
C. “I can use natural-skin condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections.”
D. “I can store the condoms in the drawer of my nightstand.”
Answer: D. “I can store the condoms in the drawer of my nightstand.”
54. A nurse is planning care for a patient who has a chest tube. Which of the following
interventions should the nurse include in the plan? (SATA)
A. Maintain the collection chamber above the level of the patient’s waist.
B. Mark the drainage output on the collection chamber hourly.
C. Clamp the chest tube every 2 hours to assess the amount of drainage.
D. Add water to the water seal chamber as it evaporates.
E. Strip the chest tube vigorously to dislodge blood clots.
Answer: B. Mark the drainage output on the collection chamber hourly.
D. Add water to the water seal chamber as it evaporates.
55. The nurse is reviewing a medical record of a patient who has a prescription for intermittent
heat therapy for a foot injury. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a
contraindication to heat therapy?
A. Osteoarthritis
B. Peripheral neuropathy
C. Abdominal aortic aneurysm
D. Phlebitis
Answer: B. Peripheral neuropathy
56. A charge nurse is recommending postpartum patients for discharge following a local
disaster. Which of the following patient’s should the nurse recommend for discharge first?
A. A 15-year-old patient who delivered via emergency cesarean birth 1 day ago
B. A 42-year-old patient who has preeclampsia and a BP of 166/110 mm Hg
C. A patient who delivered precipitously and has a second-degree perineal laceration
D. A patient who has received 2 units of RBCs 6 hr ago for a postpartum hemorrhage
Answer: C. A patient who delivered precipitously and has a second-degree perineal laceration
57. A nurse is providing teaching about crutch safety to a patient. Which of the following
patient actions indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. The patient flexes her elbows 10 degrees when supporting weight by using the handgrips.
B. The patient places the crutches 30 cm (12 in) to the front and side of each foot while
standing
C. The patient leans on both crutches to support body weight.
D. The patient keeps her axillae free of pressure.
Answer: D. The patient keeps her axillae free of pressure.
58. A nurse is preparing the body of a patient who has died for the family to view. Which of
the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Place a pillow under the patient’s head.
B. Remove the patient’s dentures.
C. Remove the patient’s identification tags.
D. Place the patient’s arms across their chest.
Answer: A. Place a pillow under the patient’s head.
59. A nurse is reviewing annual education requirements for fire safety. Identify the sequence
that the nurse should use when operating a fire extinguisher.
Answer:
1. Unlock the handle by pulling on the pin.
2. Point the hose at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handles together.
4. Sweep the extinguisher from side to side.
60. A nurse is reviewing legal issues in health care with a group of newly licensed nurses.
Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make?
A. Ensure that the patient has a living will on file prior to treatment.
B. Place copies of incident reports in the patients’ medical records.
C. Obtain personal professional liability insurance coverage.
D. Overestimate the patients’ acuity to prevent short staffing.
Answer: A. Ensure that the patient has a living will on file prior to treatment.
61. A nurse is caring for a patient who speaks a language different than the nurse. Which of
the following actions should the nurse make?
A. Review the facility policy about the use of an interpreter.
B. Direct attention toward the interpreter when speaking to the patient.
C. Request a family member or friend to interpret information to the patient.
D. Request an interpreter of a different sex from the patient.
Answer: A. Review the facility policy about the use of an interpreter.
62. A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a patient following a motor-vehicle
crash. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as a manifestation of
hypovolemic shock?
A. Decreased respiratory rate
B. Change in level of consciousness
C. Increased urine output
D. Hyperactive deep-tendon reflexes
Answer: B. Change in level of consciousness
63. A nurse is caring for a patient following application of a cast. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Position the casted extremity on a pillow.
B. Place an ice pack over the cast.
C. Teach the patient to keep the cast clean and dry.
D. Palpate the pulse distal to the cast.
Answer: D. Palpate the pulse distal to the cast.
64. A nurse is performing a gait assessment on a patient to evaluate the patient’s ability to
perform ADLs. Which of the following findings indicates a standard gait?
A. The patient looks at the floor when walking.
B. The patient’s shoulders are rounded slightly forward.
C. The patient’s heels touch the ground before their toes.
D. The patient’s dominant foot bears more weight.
Answer: C. The patient’s heels touch the ground before their toes.
65. A nurse on a mental health unit is caring for a patient who has suicidal ideation. Which of
the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Place the patient in a group therapy session.
B. Avoid discussing suicidal thoughts with the patient.
C. Give the patient a radio to listen to in his room.
D. Establish a no-suicide contract with the patient.
Answer: D. Establish a no-suicide contract with the patient.
66. A nurse is providing teaching about nutrition therapy to a patient who is experiencing
anorexia due to chemotherapy treatment. Which of the following statements should the nurse
make?
A. “Snack frequently on fresh fruit.”
B. “Add water to soups to increase volume.”
C. “Avoid adding butter to foods.”
D. “Add grated cheese to vegetable dishes.”
Answer: D. “Add grated cheese to vegetable dishes.”
67. A nurse is providing teaching to a patient who has a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes
mellitus about administering NPH and regular insulin together in one injection. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Inject into the vastus lateralis.
B. Draw up the regular insulin prior to NPH.
C. Use a 15-degree angle for the injection.
D. Roll the syringe gently to ensure mixture of the insulins.
Answer: B. Draw up the regular insulin prior to NPH.
68. A nurse is caring for a patient who has a calcium level of 8 mg/dL. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take?
A. Request a prescription for magnesium citrate.
B. Request a prescription for furosemide.
C. Place the patient on a low-calcium diet.
D. Place the patient on seizure precautions.
Answer: D. Place the patient on seizure precautions.
69. A nurse is caring for a patient who has schizophrenia and is experiencing delusions. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Encourage the patient to rest quietly in bed twice per day.
B. Direct long conversations about the delusions toward reality based topics.
C. Allow the patient unlimited time to discuss the delusions when they occur.
D. Avoid assessing the patient’s delusions.
Answer: A. Encourage the patient to rest quietly in bed twice per day.
70. A nurse is conducting a health promotion class about the use of oral contraceptives. Which
of the following disorders is a contraindication for oral contraceptive use?
A. Asthma
B. Fibromyalgia
C. Hypertension
D. Fibrocystic breast condition
Answer: C. Hypertension
71. A nurse in the emergency department is triaging victims of a house fire. Which of the
following patients should the nurse prioritize as emergent?
A. patient who has a compound fracture of the femur
B. patient who has hypertension and reports chest pain
C. patient who has severe abdominal pain
D. patient who has a deep laceration on both thighs
Answer: B. patient who has hypertension and reports chest pain
72. A nurse is planning care for a group of patients. Which of the following methods should
the nurse use to manage time effectively?
A. Gather supplies prior to completing a dressing change.
B. Complete partial assessments on all patients before planning the day.
C. Prioritize activities based on the nurse’s needs.
D. Use break time to perform documentation.
Answer: A. Gather supplies prior to completing a dressing change.
73. A nurse on a mental health unit is planning room assignments for four patients. Which of
the following patients should the nurse assign to room near the nurse’s station?
A. A patient who has a somatic symptom disorder and reports chronic pain.
B. A patient who has an anxiety disorder and is experiencing moderate anxiety.
C. A patient who has bipolar disorder and impaired social interactions.
D. A patient who has a depressive disorder and reports feeling hopeless.
Answer: D. A patient who has a depressive disorder and reports feeling hopeless.
74. A nurse is assessing coping strategies of a patient whose partner has alcohol use disorder.
Which of the following findings indicates that the patient is coping effectively?
A. The patient utilizes strategies to enhance codependent behaviors.
B. The patient attends regular counselling sessions.
C. The patient exhibits sympathy to the partner.
D. The patient ignores the partner when they are using alcohol.
Answer: B. The patient attends regular counselling sessions.
75. A nurse is caring for a patient who has Graves’ disease and is experiencing a thyroid
storm. Which of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?
A. Obtain the patient’s blood glucose
B. Administer 0.9% sodium chloride IV
C. Provide a cooling blanket
D. Monitor the patient’s cardiac rhythm.
Answer: D. Monitor the patient’s cardiac rhythm.
76. A nurse is providing preoperative teaching to a patient about promoting circulation during
the postoperative period. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. “Remain on bed rest for 24 hours following the procedure.”
B. “Use an incentive spirometer every 4 hours.”
C. “Participate in range-of-motion exercises.”
D. “Place a pillow under your knees while in bed.”
Answer: C. “Participate in range-of-motion exercises.”
77. A nurse is setting up a sterile field to perform wound irrigation for a patient. Which of the
following actions should the nurse when pouring the sterile solution?
A. Hold the bottle in the center of the sterile field when pouring the solution.
B. Hold the irrigation solution bottle with the label facing away from the palm of the hand.
C. Place the sterile gauze over areas of spilled solution within the sterile field.
D. Remove the cap and place it sterile-side up on a clean surface.
Answer: D. Remove the cap and place it sterile-side up on a clean surface.
78. A nurse is conducting a home visit for a family who has two young children. The nurse
notes several welts across the back of the legs of one of the children. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Contact child protective services.
B. Refer the parents to a self-help group.
C. Instruct the parents about methods of discipline.
D. Document clinical findings.
Answer: A. Contact child protective services.
79. A nurse is teaching a patient who is to undergo placement of a non-tunneled percutaneous
central venous access device. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in
the teaching?
A. “The provider will wear a mask while performing the procedure.”
B. “You should not eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the procedure.”
C. “Your head will be elevated as high as possible while the catheter is inserted.”
D. “The provider will give you pain medication before inserting the catheter.”
Answer: A. “The provider will wear a mask while performing the procedure.”
80. A nurse in a clinic is reviewing the health history of a patient during her first prenatal visit.
Which of the following findings indicates a risk for gestational diabetes mellitus?
A. 1-hr glucose tolerance test if 128 mg/dL
B. Previous miscarriage
C. Delivery of a low birth-weight infant
D. BMI of 31
Answer: D. BMI of 31
81. A nurse is caring for a patient who is incontinent and has a stage II pressure injury on their
coccyx. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?
A. Apply lotion to the skin every 4 hr.
B. Reposition the patient every 3 hr.
C. Position the patient laterally at 30 degrees.
D. Have two facility personnel help to slide the patient up in bed.
Answer: D. Have two facility personnel help to slide the patient up in bed.
82. A nurse manager is developing a protocol for an urgent care clinic that often cares for
patients who do not speak the same language as the clinic staff. Which of the following
instructions should the nurse include?
A. Offer patients translation services for a nominal fee.
B. Use patients’ children to provide interpretation.
C. Evaluate patients’ understanding at regular intervals.
D. Direct questions to a medical interpreter.
Answer: C. Evaluate patients’ understanding at regular intervals.
83. A nurse is caring for an infant who is in contact isolation and received a blood transfusion.
Which of the following actions is appropriate for the nurse to provide cost-effective care?
A. Leave the unused infusion pump in the room until discharge.
B. Bring in formula as needed.
C. Return unopened equipment to the supply center.
D. Stock the room with a 2-day supply of disposable diapers.
Answer: B. Bring in formula as needed.
84. A nurse is caring for a patient who has acute exacerbation of multiple sclerosis. Which of
the following prescriptions should the nurse expect the provider to prescribe?
A. Interferon beta-1a
B. Enoxaparin
C. Atorvastatin
D. Amoxicillin
Answer: A. Interferon beta-1a
85. A nurse is speaking with the partner of a patient who is in the early stage of Alzheimer’s
disease. The partner tells the nurse that she is able to manage the patient’s physical care, but
she doesn’t want to leave him home alone while she travels for work. Which of the following
referrals should the nurse make?
A. Respite care
B. Restorative care
C. Hospice
D. Rehabilitation facility
Answer: A. Respite care
86. A nurse is assessing a school-age child who has moderate dehydration due to diarrhea and
vomiting. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Orthostatic hypotension
B. Decreased respirations
C. Polyuria
D. Bradycardia
Answer: A. Orthostatic hypotension
87. A nurse is caring for a patient who is at 14 weeks of gestation and reports feelings of
ambivalence about being pregnant. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. “When did you start having these feelings?”
B. “Have you discussed these feelings with your partner?”
C. “You should discuss your feelings about being pregnant with your provider.”
D. “Describe your feelings to me about being pregnant.”
Answer: D. “Describe your feelings to me about being pregnant.”
88. A nurse manager is planning to promote patient advocacy among staff on a medical unit.
Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
A. Instruct unit staff to share personal experiences to help patients make decisions.
B. Encourage staff to implement the principle of paternalism when a patient is having
difficulty making a choice.
C. Develop a system for staff members to report safety concerns in the patient care
environment.
D. Tell staff to explain procedures to patients before obtaining informed consent.
Answer: C. Develop a system for staff members to report safety concerns in the patient care
environment.
89. A nurse received a telephone call from a parent reporting that their school-age child has a
nose bleed and that they cannot stop the bleeding. Which of the following instructions should
the nurse provide for the parent?
A. “Place a warm, wet washcloth over your child’s forehead and the bridge of their nose.”
B. “Tell your child to blow their nose gently, and then sit down and tilt their head backward.”
C. “Use your thumb and forefinger to apply pressure to the sides of your child’s nose.”
D. “Have your child lie down and turn their head to the side for 10 minutes.”
Answer: C. “Use your thumb and forefinger to apply pressure to the sides of your child’s
nose.”
90. A nurse is assessing a patient who has a stage IV pressure ulcer and is undergoing
treatment prescribed by a wound care consultant. For which of the following findings should
the nurse contact the consultant to revise the plan of care?
A. Hgb 15 g/dL.
B. Appearance of pink tissue under eschar.
C. Albumin level 4.0 g/dL
D. Weight loss of 5% in 10 days.
Answer: D. Weight loss of 5% in 10 days.
91. A nurse is performing an abdominal assessment as part of a patient’s comprehensive
physical examination. Which of the following is the final step the nurse should perform?
A. Inspection
B. Palpation
C. Auscultation
D. Percussion
Answer: B. Palpation
92. A nurse is caring for a patient who has an NG tube in place for gastric decompression and
notes that the tube is not draining. Which of the following steps should the nurse take first?
A. Check the functioning of the suction equipment.
B. Reposition the NG tube.
C. Instill an irrigation solution slowly.
D. Inject 20 mL of air and aspirate in the NG tube.
Answer: A. Check the functioning of the suction equipment.
93. A nurse is caring for a patient who has major depressive disorder. Which of the following
findings should indicate to the nurse that the patient’s condition is improving?
A. The patient avoids eye contact with others.
B. The patient exhibits a flat affect.
C. The patient participates in self-care.
D. The patient experiences self-doubt when making decisions.
Answer: C. The patient participates in self-care.
94. A nurse is supervising an assistive personnel (AP) who is feeding a patient. The nurse
observes that the patient coughs after each bite. After asking the AP to stop feeding the
patient, which of the following actions should the nurse take next?
A. Provide the patient with an instructional handout about swallowing exercises.
B. Ask a speech therapist to evaluate the patient’s ability to swallow.
C. Discuss the manifestations of impaired swallowing with the AP.
D. Listen to the patient’s lung sounds.
Answer: D. Listen to the patient’s lung sounds.
95. A nurse in an acute mental health facility is prioritizing care for multiple patients. Which
of the following patients should the nurse see first?
A. A patient who has obsessive-compulsive disorder and is upset about change in daily routine
B. A patient who has depressive disorder and requires assistance with ADLs
C. A patient who has narcissistic personality disorder and is mocking others during group
therapy
D. A patient who is taking clozapine to treat schizophrenia and reports a sore throat
Answer: D. A patient who is taking clozapine to treat schizophrenia and reports a sore throat
96. A charge nurse is educating a group of unit nurses about delegating patient tasks to
assistive personnel (AP). Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the
teaching?
A. “The RN evaluates patient needs to determine tasks to delegate.”
B. “An AP can perform tasks outside of his range of function if he has been trained.”
C. “An experienced AP can delegate tasks to another AP.”
D. “The RN is legally responsible for the actions of the AP.”
Answer: A. “The RN evaluates patient needs to determine tasks to delegate.”
97. A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a patient who reports cocaine use 1 hr
ago. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Memory loss
B. Hypotension
C. Elevated temperature
D. Slurred speech
Answer: C. Elevated temperature
98. A nurse administered 400mg of ibuprofen to a patient 2 hr ago to treat pain following a
biopsy. The patient is crying and states, “It really still hurts a lot.” Which of the following
actions should the nurse take?
A. Administer an additional dose of ibuprofen to the patient.
B. Request a prescription for an opioid pain medication for the patient.
C. Report this patient finding to the provider.
D. Ask the patient to rate their pain on a scale of 0 to 10.
Answer: D. Ask the patient to rate their pain on a scale of 0 to 10.
99. A nurse is planning care for an older adult patient who has dementia. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? (SATA)
A. Allow the patient to choose among a variety of activities each day.
B. Refute the patient’s delusions using logic.
C. Establish eye contact when communicating with the patient.
D. Reinforce orientation to time, place, and person.
E. Give the patient one simple direction at a time.
Answer: C. Establish eye contact when communicating with the patient.
D. Reinforce orientation to time, place, and person.
E. Give the patient one simple direction at a time.
100. A nurse is providing nutritional teaching to a patient who is experiencing severe nausea.
Which of the following responses by the patient indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. “I should increase my intake of liquids with meals.”
B. “I should focus on eating complex carbohydrates.”
C. “I should lie down after my meals.”
D. “I should sip on clear carbonated beverages that have gone flat.”
Answer: B. “I should focus on eating complex carbohydrates.”
101. A nurse is providing teaching about disulfiram to a patient who has alcohol use disorder.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make?
A. “Wait at least 12 hr after your last drink to take this medication.”
B. “Alcohol should not be consumed for 3 days following your last dose.”
C. “This medication will decrease your risk for delirium during your withdrawal from
alcohol.”
D. “This medication will prevent seizures during your withdrawal from alcohol.”
Answer: B. “Alcohol should not be consumed for 3 days following your last dose.”
102. A nurse is assessing a patient following an ischemic stroke. Which of the following
findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?
A. The patient reports a metallic taste in his mouth.
B. The patient has poor-fitting dentures.
C. The patient reports a decreased appetite.
D. The patient coughs after swallowing.
Answer: D. The patient coughs after swallowing.
103. A nurse is creating a plan of care for a patient who has paranoid personality disorder and
refuses to take their medication. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include
in the plan?
A. Limit the patient’s opportunities to socialize with others.
B. Mix the medication with the patient’s food items.
C. Rotate staff members caring for the patient.
D. Speak in a neutral tone when addressing the patient.
Answer: D. Speak in a neutral tone when addressing the patient.
104. A nurse is assessing a patient immediately following a cardiac catheterization. The nurse
should notify the provider for which of the following findings?
A. Report of discomfort at the insertion site.
B. Hematoma over the insertion site.
C. Bounding pulses in the affected extremity.
D. Heart rate 90/min
Answer: B. Hematoma over the insertion site.
105. A home care nurse is making a follow-up visit with a patient who has COPD and is using
a compressed oxygen system in his home. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take?
A. Have the patient store smaller tanks under his bed.
B. Place the oxygen tank away from curtains or drapes.
C. Ensure that the patient checks the gauge weekly.
D. Store the oxygen tank wrench in a locked cabinet.
Answer: B. Place the oxygen tank away from curtains or drapes.
106. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient following a total hip arthroplasty.
Which of the following statements by the patient indicates an understanding of the teaching.
A. “I don’t need to use a walker when walking around my house.”
B. “I will start my leg exercises 3 days after returning home.”
C. “I won’t cross my legs when sitting in a chair.”
D. “I will bend at the hips when tying my shoes.”
Answer: C. “I won’t cross my legs when sitting in a chair.”
107. A nurse is teaching a patient about the oral administration of chlorpromazine. Which of
the following information should the nurse include?
A. Move slowly when standing from a sitting position.
B. Expect loose stools as an adverse effect.
C. Anticipate an increase in saliva production.
D. Monitor for an increase in the occurrence of hiccups.
Answer: A. Move slowly when standing from a sitting position.
108. A nurse is caring for a patient who has preeclampsia and is receiving magnesium sulfate.
The patient reports that she is experiencing difficulty breathing. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take first?
A. Assess the fetal heart rate.
B. Discontinue the infusion.
C. Administer calcium gluconate.
D. Obtain the patient’s magnesium level.
Answer: B. Discontinue the infusion.
109. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a patient who is taking cyclosporine
following a kidney transplant. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
A. BUN mg/dL
B. Urine specific gravity 1.023
C. Serum creatinine 1.6mg/dL
D. Urine pH 6.2
Answer: C. Serum creatinine 1.6mg/dL
110. A nurse is caring for a patient who is on fall precautions. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
A. Allow the patient to walk unassisted near the nursing station.
B. Establish an elimination schedule for the patient.
C. Silence the bed alarm when visitors are at the patient’s bedside.
D. Raise all four bed rails on the patient’s bed.
Answer: B. Establish an elimination schedule for the patient.
111. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a patient who states that she plans to leave
the facility against medical advice. For which of the following actions by the nurse should the
charge nurse intervene?
A. Asks security to detain the patient until the provider is notified.
B. Asks the patient what her plans are for follow-up care.
C. Shows the patient her abnormal laboratory results.
D. Asks the patient to sign a form releasing the hospital from legal responsibility.
Answer: A. Asks security to detain the patient until the provider is notified.
112. A nurse is caring for a patient who is newly diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and has
questions about the disease. To research the disease, the nurse should identify which of the
following electronic databases has the most comprehensive collection of nursing journal
articles
A. MEDLINE
B. CINAHL
C. Health science
D. ProQuest
Answer: B. CINAHL
113. A nurse in a provider’s office is assessing a patient for melanoma. Which of the following
findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Red, pustular lesions on the face
B. Circular, brown plaques on the arms
C. Round, light tan pigmented spots on the face
D. Red-blue papule on the upper back
Answer: B. Circular, brown plaques on the arms
114. A nurse is assessing a patient who has a brain tumor and is receiving palliative care.
Which of the following findings indicates the nurse should administer pain medication?
A. Restlessness
B. Mottled skin
C. Constricted pupils
D. Cheyne-stokes respirations
Answer: A. Restlessness
115. A nurse is obtaining the temperature of a newborn. Which of the following sites should
the nurse use?
A. Oral
B. Axillary
C. Tympanic
D. Rectal
Answer: B. Axillary
116. A nurse is caring for a patient who has syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
(SIADH). Which of the following nursing interventions should the nurse include in the plan of
care for this patient?
A. Flush IV tubing with hypotonic solution.
B. Encourage oral hydration of 1,800mL daily
C. Perform neurologic checks.
D. Weigh the patient weekly.
Answer: C. Perform neurologic checks.
117. A nurse is using an IV pump for a newly admitted patient. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
A. Check the cords of the IV pump for fraying.
B. Grasp the IV pump cord when unplugging it from the electrical outlet.
C. Remove the safety inspection sticker before plugging in the IV pump.
D. Ensure that the electric outlet has two prongs for the IV pump.
Answer: A. Check the cords of the IV pump for fraying.
118. A nurse manager is planning to teach staff about critical pathways. Which of the
following information should the nurse plan to include?
A. Nurses should discontinue the critical pathway if variances occur.
B. Nurses’ notes are used to create the critical pathway.
C. Critical pathways should reduce health care costs.
D. Critical pathways have an unlimited timeframe for completion.
Answer: C. Critical pathways should reduce health care costs.
119. A nurse is providing teaching to a patient who has otitis media and is 1 hr postoperative
following a myringotomy. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the
teaching?
A. “You should not drink through a straw for 2 weeks.”
B. “You can wash your hair 3 days after the procedure.”
C. “You should blow your nose with your mouth closed.”
D. “You should expect excessive ear drainage for about 48 hours.”
Answer: A. “You should not drink through a straw for 2 weeks.”
120. A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about incidents reports. Which of the
following statements by the newly licensed nurse indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. “They assist with unit quality improvement.”
B. “They are used as a disciplinary tool for nurse evaluations.”
C. “They assist the facility to achieve benchmark goals.”
D. “They are mandatory government documentation.”
Answer: A. “They assist with unit quality improvement.”
121. A nurse is caring for a patient who has experienced a stroke and is moving in with their
adult child. Which of the following actions should the nurse encourage the patient and family
to take as they adjust to their new roles?
A. Decrease socialization with extended relatives until roles are identified.
B. Encourage authoritative communication from the adult child.
C. Minimize open discussion regarding the changes to avoid embarrassment.
D. Implement firm but flexible boundaries in their relationship.
Answer: D. Implement firm but flexible boundaries in their relationship.
122. A nurse is planning care for a patient who has an L4 spinal cord injury. Which of the
following interventions to prevent skin breakdown should the nurse include in the plan of
care?
A. Ask the patient to shift his weight every 20 min while sitting in a chair.
B. Massage reddened areas over bony prominences.
C. Maintain the head of the bed at a 45-degree angle.
D. Provide a high-fiber diet for the patient.
Answer: A. Ask the patient to shift his weight every 20 min while sitting in a chair.
123. A nurse in a provider’s office is reviewing the laboratory results of group patients. The
nurse should identify that which of the following sexually transmitted infections is a
nationally notifiable infectious disease that should be reported to the state health department?
A. Chlamydia
B. Candidiasis
C. Herpes simplex virus
D. Human papillomavirus.
Answer: A. Chlamydia
124. A nurse is caring for a patient who is postpartum and requests information about
contraception. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. “You should avoid vaginal spermicides while breastfeeding.”
B. “The lactation amenorrhea method is effective for your first year postpartum.”
C. “Place the transdermal birth control patch on your upper outer arm.”
D. “You can continue to use the diaphragm you used before your pregnancy.”
Answer: C. “Place the transdermal birth control patch on your upper outer arm.”
125. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 12 hr postoperative following a transurethral
resection of the prostate. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the
provider?
A. Burgundy-colored urine
B. Report of pain level 5 on a scale of 0 to 10.
C. Passage of small clots.
D. Urgency to void.
Answer: C. Passage of small clots.
126. A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving enteral feedings through a nasoenteric
tube and has aspirated fluid prior to feeding. Which of the following findings should indicate
to the nurse that the tube is positioned in the patient’s lung?
A. Residual fluid with a pH of 1
B. Residual fluid with a pH of8
C. Residual fluid with a pH of 6
D. Residual fluid with a pH of 3
Answer: B. Residual fluid with a pH of8
127. A nurse is caring for a patient who is postoperative following a liver biopsy. In which of
the following positions should the nurse place the patient immediately following the
procedure?
A. Trendelenburg
B. Prone
C. Right lateral
D. High-fowler’s
Answer: C. Right lateral
128. A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving brachytherapy for endometrial cancer.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Keep visitors at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the patient.
B. Place the patient’s soiled bed linens in a biohazard bag outside the patient’s room.
C. Wear an isolation gown when caring for the patient.
D. Discard the radioactive source in the patient’s trash can.
Answer: A. Keep visitors at least 6 feet (1.8 m) away from the patient.
129. A nurse is updating the plan of care for a patient who has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
with dysphagia. Which of the following interprofessional team members should the nurse
identify as the priority consult?
A. Speech-language pathologist
B. Dietitian
C. Occupational therapist
D. Physical therapist
Answer: A. Speech-language pathologist
130. A nurse is receiving a telephone prescription from a provider for a patient who requires
additional medication for pain control. Which of the entries should the nurse make in the
medical record?
A. “Morphine 3 mg SC q 4 hr PRN for pain.”
B. “Morphine 3 mg SQ every 4 hr PRN for pain.”
C. “Morphine 3 mg subcutaneous every 4 hr PRN for pain.”
D. “Morphine 3.0 mg sub q every 4 hr PRN for pain.”
Answer: C. “Morphine 3 mg subcutaneous every 4 hr PRN for pain.”
131. A nurse is collecting a sputum specimen from a patient who has tuberculosis. Which of
the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Wear sterile gloves to collect the specimen from the patient.
B. Obtain the specimen immediately upon the patient waking up.
C. Wait 1 day to collect the specimen if the patient cannot provide sputum.
D. Ask the patient to provide 15 to 20 mL of sputum into the container.
Answer: B. Obtain the specimen immediately upon the patient waking up.
132. A home health nurse is teaching a new parent about caring for his 1-week-old infant.
Which of the following statements by the patient indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. “I will place a ticking clock nearby to soothe my baby throughout the day.”
B.“I can use a firm pillow to prop up the bottle when feeding my baby.”
C. “I will avoid picking up my baby too often to keep from spoiling him.”
D. “I will hang a pastel-colored mobile 24 inches above my baby’s crib.”
Answer: A. “I will place a ticking clock nearby to soothe my baby throughout the day.”
133. A nurse is planning care for a patient who has COPD and weight loss. Which of the
following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?
A. Schedule a large meal in the evening.
B. Provide high-protein nutritional supplements.
C. Offer hot fluids along with meals.
D. Encourage the patient to eat toast for breakfast.
Answer: B. Provide high-protein nutritional supplements.
134. A nurse is providing teaching to an older patient who has a seizure disorder and a new
prescription for phenytoin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. “Limit foods that contain vitamin D while taking this medication.”
B. “Plan to take this medication with food.”
C. “Limit foods that contain folic acid while taking this medication.”
D. “Plan to take this medication with antacids.”
Answer: B. “Plan to take this medication with food.”
135. A nurse is reviewing the facility’s safety protocols concerning newborn abduction with
the parent of a newborn. Which of the following patient statements indicates an understanding
of the teaching?”
A. “I will not publish a public announcement about my baby’s birth.”
B. “Staff will apply identification bands to my baby after her first bath.”
C. “I can leave my baby in my room while I walk in the hallway.”
D. “I can remove my baby’s identification band as long as she is in my room.”
Answer: A. “I will not publish a public announcement about my baby’s birth.”
136. A nurse is providing prenatal teaching to a patient who is at 12 weeks of gestation. The
nurse should tell the patient that she will undergo which the following screening tests at 16
weeks of gestation?
A. Cervical cultures for chlamydia
B. Chorionic villus sampling
C. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein
D. Nonstress test
Answer: C. Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein
137. A nurse is providing nutritional teaching about appropriate food choices to a patient who
has a new diagnosis of uric acid calculi. Which of the following foods should the nurse
include in the teaching?
A. Liver
B. Roast beef
C. Chicken
D. Lima beans
Answer: D. Lima beans
138. A nurse in a mental health facility is caring for a patient who is experiencing a panic level
of anxiety. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Use short sentences when communicating with the patient.
B. Have the patient journal about what is happening to him.
C. Tell the patient to sit alone in a private place and reflect on the situation.
D. Encourage the patient to talk about his feelings.
Answer: A. Use short sentences when communicating with the patient.
139. A nurse is teaching a patient about advance directives. Which of the following statements
should the nurse make?
A. “A family member will need to cosign the advance directives document.”
B. “An attorney will need to review your advance directives.”
C. “Advance directives can include a do-not-resuscitate order signed by the provider.”
D. “A health care surrogate will handle your medical bills.”
Answer: C. “Advance directives can include a do-not-resuscitate order signed by the
provider.”
140. A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has sickle-cell anemia. Which of the following
manifestations indicates acute chest syndrome and should be immediately reported to the
provider?
A. Sneezing
B. Substernal retractions
C. Temperature 37.9 degrees (100.2 F)
D. Hematuria
Answer: B. Substernal retractions
141. A nurse is preparing to administer vancomycin IV to a patient. The patient asks the nurse
if the medication can be given 2 hr earlier. Which of the following statements should the nurse
make?
A. “I can start the medication 30 minutes earlier.”
B. “I have up to 2 hours after the usual schedule time to give you this medication.”
C. “I can infuse the medication at a faster rate.”
D. “I can adjust the time and schedule for when it’s convenient for you.”
Answer: A. “I can start the medication 30 minutes earlier.”
142. A nurse is preparing to insert an IV catheter for a patient. Which of the following actions
should the nurse take?
A. Elevate the patient’s arm prior to insertion.
B. Select a site on the patient’s dominant arm.
C. Apply a tourniquet below the venipuncture site.
D. Choose a vein that is palpable and straight.
Answer: D. Choose a vein that is palpable and straight.
143. A nurse is planning care for a patient who has unilateral paralysis and dysphagia
following a right hemisphere stroke. Which of the following interventions should the nurse
include in the plan?
A. Place the patient’s left arm on a pillow while he is sitting.
B. Maintain the patient on bed rest.
C. Provide total care in performing the patient’s ADLs.
D. Place food on the left side of the patient’s mouth when he is ready to eat.
Answer: A. Place the patient’s left arm on a pillow while he is sitting.
144. A nurse manager is reviewing the steps of the progressive discipline process prior to
counseling a staff member who exhibits unprofessional behavior. Identify the sequence of the
steps the nurse manager should plan to take in response to the staff member’s conduct.(Move
steps into the box on to the right, placing them in order of performance. Use all steps.)
A. Verbally remind the staff member of the expected behavior changes.
B. Give the staff member a written warning about the behavior.
C. Set up a meeting to speak with the staff member about the behavior.
D. Suspend the staff member from work for several days.
E. Dismiss the staff member from employment at the facility.
Answer: C, A, B, D, E
145. A nurse is teaching a patient who has chronic urinary tract infections. Which of the
following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Take tub baths instead of showers
B. Wipe from back to front after a bowel movement.
C. Drink at least 1 L of fluid every day.
D. Try to void every 4 hr.
Answer: D. Try to void every 4 hr.
146. A nurse is caring for a newly admitted patient who has a history of expressive aphasia.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Speak loudly when facing the patient.
B. Apply a safety monitoring device on the patient’s bed.
C. Use a picture board to communicate with the patient.
D. Provide the patient with an artificial voice box.
Answer: C. Use a picture board to communicate with the patient.
147. A nurse in a long-term care facility is caring for a patient who has Alzheimer’s disease.
The patient’s partner asks why the patient started taking memantine instead of donepezil.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?
A. “Memantine improves cognitive function in later stages of Alzheimer’s.”
B. “Memantine helps prevent seizures in patients who have Alzheimer’s.”
C. “Memantine is an herbal alternative to donepezil.”
D. “Memantine is an extended-release version of donepezil.”
Answer: A. “Memantine improves cognitive function in later stages of Alzheimer’s.”
148. A nurse overhears two assistive personnel (AP) discussing care for a patient while in the
elevator. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Contact the patient’s family about the incident.
B. Report the incident to the AP’s charge nurse.
C. File a complaint with the facility’s ethics committee.
D. Notify the patient’s provider about the incident.
Answer: B. Report the incident to the AP’s charge nurse.
149. A nurse is teaching a patient who has AIDS and is immunosuppressed about food safety.
Which of following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Plan to eat poultry within 3 days of refrigeration.
B. Store perishable foods in the refrigerator at 8.9 degrees C (48 F)
C. Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator before preparation.
D. Eat leftover foods within 5 to 7 days of preparation.
Answer: C. Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator before preparation.
150. A nurse is teaching a patient about do-not resuscitate (DNR) orders. Which of the
following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. The presence of a DNR order indicates that there is no conflict between the patient and the
family’s wishes.
B. A patient can verbally request a DNR order from the provider.
C. A DNR order indicates that the patient cannot be prescribed new medications or treatments.
D. Once a DNR order has been implemented, it cannot be changed.
Answer: B. A patient can verbally request a DNR order from the provider.
151. A nurse is teaching a group of patients who are planning to have bariatric surgery. Which
of the following statements by the patient indicates an understanding of the teaching?
A. “I will need to lose 25 percent of my excess body weight prior to surgery.”
B. “I should reduce my daily caloric intake by 250 calories to lose 2 pounds each week after
surgery.”
C. “I will consume 48 ounces of carbonated beverages daily prior to the surgery.”
D. “I should wait 30 minutes after eating solid foods to drink beverages following surgery.”
Answer: A. “I will need to lose 25 percent of my excess body weight prior to surgery.”
152. A director of nursing in a rehabilitation facility is planning to measure the quality of care
provided. Which of the following audits should the director plan to use after patients are
discharged to gather information about quality of care?
A. Structure audit
B. Concurrent audit
C. Outcome audit
D. Prospective audit
Answer: C. Outcome audit
153. A charge nurse is assessing patient care tasks for the upcoming shift. Which of the
following tasks should the charge nurse assign to an RN?
A. Obtaining blood cultures from a central catheter
B. Inserting an endotracheal tube
C. Inserting an epidural catheter
D. Performing a thoracentesis
Answer: A. Obtaining blood cultures from a central catheter
154. A nurse is caring for a patient who has diabetes mellitus and is receiving long-acting
insulin for blood glucose management. The nurse should anticipate administering which of the
following types of insulin?
A. Glargine insulin
B. Insulin as part
C. NPH insulin
D. Regular insulin
Answer: A. Glargine insulin
155. A nurse who is trained as an interpreter has agreed to translate for an older adult patient
who is assigned to another nurse. Which of the following statements by the nurse who is
translating indicates understanding of this role?
A. “I will let the patient know that I am available as the interpreter.”
B. “I will receive a small fee for interpreting for this patient.”
C. “I will let the patient know that an interpreter is unavailable during the night shift.”
D. “I am glad I am available today, but when I’m not, you can use a family member.”
Answer: A. “I will let the patient know that I am available as the interpreter.”
156. A nurse on an inpatient eating disorder unit is assessing an adolescent patient who has
anorexia nervosa and a BMI of 16.5. Which of the following findings should the nurse
expect?
A. Menorrhagia
B. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
C. Blood pressure 132/86 mm Hg
D. Lanugo
Answer: A. Menorrhagia
157. A patient is requesting information from a nurse about a nitrazine test. Which of the
following statements should the nurse make?
A. “Your bladder should be full prior to me performing this test.”
B. “I will be taking a blood sample to test for changes in your hormone levels.”
C. “This test will determine if there is leaking amniotic fluid.”
D. “If this test is positive you will be required to have a non-stress test.”
Answer: C. “This test will determine if there is leaking amniotic fluid.”
158. A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a patient who had an exacerbation of COPD.
Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. “You should eat hot foods to reduce your sense of fullness during a meal.”
B. “Lunch should be your largest meal of the day.”
C. “During meals, you should eat foods with a high-calorie content first.”
D. “While eating, you should drink liquids frequently.”
Answer: C. “During meals, you should eat foods with a high-calorie content first.”
159. A nurse is teaching a patient who has GERD and a new prescription for omeprazole
delayed-release capsules. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates an
understanding of the teaching?
A. “I can expect my hands to have tremors while taking this medication.”
B. “I should take this medication before my first meal of the day.”
C. “I should decrease my calcium intake while taking this medication.”
D. “I can expect to have black, tarry stools while taking this medication.”
Answer: B. “I should take this medication before my first meal of the day.”
160. A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old toddler. Which of the following findings should the
nurse expect?
A. Head circumference exceeds chest circumference.
B. Nontender, protruding abdomen
C. Natural loss of deciduous teeth.
D. Palpable fontanels.
Answer: B. Nontender, protruding abdomen
161. A charge nurse is observing a newly licensed nurse insert an indwelling urinary catheter
for a female patient. Which of the following actions by the nurse requires intervention by the
charge nurse?
A. Places the sterile field on a table that remains within her site.
B. Opens the sterile kit by unfolding the flap closest to her first.
C. Provides perineal care prior to opening the catheter kit using clean gloves.
D. Uses nondominant hand to expose urethral meatus by spreading the labia.
Answer: B. Opens the sterile kit by unfolding the flap closest to her first.
162. A nurse is assessing a patient who is on bed rest and notes on calf is 2.5 cm (1 inch)
larger in diameter than the other calf. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Place the patient’s legs in a dependent position.
B. Apply a warm, moist soak to the larger calf.
C. Massage the larger calf.
D. Restrict the patient’s fluid intake.
Answer: A. Place the patient’s legs in a dependent position.
163. A nurse is caring for a patient who is in labor and is receiving oxytocin. Which of the
following findings indicates that the nurse should increase the rate of infusion?
A. Contractions every 5 min that last 30 seconds
B. Montevideo units consistently 300 mm Hg
C. Urine output of 20mL/hr
D. FHR pattern with absent variability
Answer: D. FHR pattern with absent variability
164. A nurse is screening food brought in by a family member for a patient who takes
phenelzine. The nurse should instruct the family member that which of the following food
scan cause an interaction with this medication?
A. Cottage cheese
B. Iceberg lettuce salad
C. Orange gelatin
D. Bologna sandwich
Answer: D. Bologna sandwich
165. A quality control nurse is reviewing medication prescriptions for a group of patients.
Which of the following medication prescriptions should the nurse identify as being complete?
A. Digoxin 0.25mg PO daily
B. Cimetidine PO twice daily
C. Epoetin alfa 150 units/kg three times weekly
D. Tetracycline 200mg PO
Answer: A. Digoxin 0.25mg PO daily
166. A nurse is collecting a medication history from a patient who reports taking aspirin 81
mg daily. Which of the following medications places the patient at increased risk for bleeding?
A. Potassium chloride
B. Gabapentin
C. Dabigatran
D. Pioglitazone
Answer: C. Dabigatran
167. A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving oxytocin IV for augmentation of labor.
The patient’s contractions are occurring every 1 min with a 45-second duration, and the fetal
heart rate is 170 to 180/min. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Relieve pressure on the umbilical cord.
B. Discontinue the oxytocin infusion.
C. Apply an internal fetal monitor.
D. Administer calcium gluconate.
Answer: B. Discontinue the oxytocin infusion.
168. A nurse is preparing to obtain a patient’s signature on an informed consent form. Which
of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Inform the patient of his right to change his mind.
B. Witness the patient signing the informed consent form.
C. Notify the provider if the patient has questions about the procedure.
D. Ask the patient to explain his understanding of the procedure.
Answer: D. Ask the patient to explain his understanding of the procedure.
169. A nurse is planning care for a patient who has terminal cancer and is nearing the end of
life. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
A. Speak in a loud tone when addressing the patient.
B. Remind the patient to eat scheduled meals daily.
C. Place the patient in a supine position.
D. Offer the patient a blanket to keep warm.
Answer: D. Offer the patient a blanket to keep warm.
170. A nurse is assessing a 5-year-old child who has diabetes insipidus and is receiving
desmopressin. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication that
the medication is effective?
A. Heart rate 140/min
B. Capillary refill 3 seconds
C. Cessation of nocturnal enuresis
D. Absence of hypoglycemic episodes
Answer: C. Cessation of nocturnal enuresis
171. A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a patient who has received a dose of
penicillin and is now anxious, flushing, tachycardic, and having difficulty swallowing. Which
of the following actions is the nurse’s priority?
A. Take the patient’s vital signs.
B. Administer oxygen.
C. Insert an IV line.
D. Monitor the patient’s ECG.
Answer: A. Take the patient’s vital signs.
172. A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has ADHD. Which of the following findings
should the nurse report to the provider? (EXHIBIT)
A. WBC count
B. Oxygen saturation
C. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
D. Weight
Answer: C. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
173. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a patient who is postoperative following a
total hip arthroplasty. For which of the following findings should the nurse contact the
provider?
A. Temperature 37.8 degrees (100 F)
B. Heart rate 100/min
C. Albumin level 4.0 g/dL
D. WBC count 14,000 mm
Answer: D. WBC count 14,000 mm
174. A nurse is teaching a patient who has chronic pain about avoiding constipation from
opioid medications. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the
teaching?
A. Drink 1.5 L of fluids each day.
B. Take mineral oil at bedtime.
C. Increase exercise activity.
D. Decrease insoluble fiber intake.
Answer: C. Increase exercise activity.
