Nursing Exam Prep: Practice Questions & Answers
Section 1: Fundamentals of Nursing
Question 1: A nurse is assessing a patient's vital signs. Which of the following values falls within the
normal range for an adult?
- A) Blood pressure: 150/90 mmHg
- B) Respiratory rate: 10 breaths per minute
- C) Heart rate: 80 beats per minute
- D) Temperature: 96.0°F (35.5°C)
Answer: C) Heart rate: 80 beats per minute
- Rationale: The normal adult heart rate is 60-100 beats per minute. The other values fall outside
the normal range.
Section 2: Medical-Surgical Nursing
Question 2: A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing shortness
of breath. What is the best nursing intervention?
- A) Place the patient in a supine position
- B) Administer oxygen at 6L/min via nasal cannula
- C) Encourage pursed-lip breathing
- D) Restrict fluid intake
Answer: C) Encourage pursed-lip breathing
- Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps control shortness of breath by promoting carbon dioxide
elimination. High oxygen levels can be dangerous for COPD patients.
Section 3: Pharmacology in Nursing
Question 3: A nurse is administering digoxin to a patient. Which of the following findings would
require the nurse to hold the medication?
- A) Blood pressure: 130/80 mmHg
- B) Respiratory rate: 18 breaths per minute
- C) Heart rate: 50 beats per minute
- D) Temperature: 98.6°F (37°C)
