Nursing & Patient Care — Past Papers — Part 1 MCQs with Explanations

Urine output of approximately 30 mL/hour or more in an adult generally suggests adequate renal perfusion, although clinical context matters.

These findings suggest possible shock. Immediate assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation is the priority before definitive treatment.

Left ventricular failure causes pulmonary venous congestion, commonly producing dyspnea, orthopnea, and pulmonary crackles.

Sweating, tremor, and confusion are classic manifestations of hypoglycemia. Blood glucose should be checked promptly and treatment given according to the patient's condition.

Frequent repositioning and pressure redistribution reduce prolonged tissue compression and are central to pressure-injury prevention.

Upright positioning improves lung expansion and reduces diaphragmatic pressure, often easing acute dyspnea.

Increasing drowsiness may indicate worsening hypoventilation or carbon dioxide retention, particularly in susceptible patients. Respiratory assessment is essential.

Iron deficiency classically produces microcytic, hypochromic red cells with reduced hemoglobin synthesis.

Medication safety requires verification of the patient, medication, dose, route, timing, allergies, and relevant compatibility considerations.

Hypovolemia reduces circulating volume, producing compensatory tachycardia, vasoconstriction, weak pulses, and eventually hypotension.

Upright positioning during and after feeding helps reduce aspiration risk. Feeding should also be slow and appropriately modified.

A declining level of consciousness may indicate increasing intracranial pressure or intracranial bleeding and requires urgent evaluation.

Pursed-lip breathing prolongs expiration and can reduce air trapping. Oxygen should be administered according to the prescribed target and clinical assessment.

Warfarin therapy is monitored primarily with PT and INR. Excessive anticoagulation increases bleeding risk.

Both severe hypokalemia and hyperkalemia can disturb cardiac conduction and produce potentially life-threatening dysrhythmias.

Peripheral arterial disease reduces arterial blood flow and may produce weak or absent distal pulses.

Deep breathing and incentive spirometry promote alveolar expansion and help prevent postoperative atelectasis.

Fever and chills may indicate a transfusion reaction. The transfusion should be stopped immediately and the patient assessed according to transfusion-reaction protocol.

Dehydration commonly causes concentrated urine, thirst, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, and orthostatic symptoms.

Pulmonary tuberculosis is transmitted through airborne particles; appropriate airborne precautions and respiratory protection are required.

Catheterization should have an appropriate indication and be performed using aseptic technique to reduce infection risk.

Acute asthma causes reversible bronchoconstriction, often producing expiratory wheezing and prolonged expiration.

Excessive sodium can contribute to fluid retention and elevated blood pressure; sodium reduction is an important dietary measure.

Persistent vomiting and declining consciousness can occur with increased intracranial pressure and require urgent assessment.

Creatinine rises when renal filtration declines, although interpretation should consider baseline values and clinical context.

Elevating the head of the bed reduces aspiration risk during enteral feeding. Tube placement and tolerance should also be assessed according to protocol.

Rapid weight gain in heart failure usually indicates fluid accumulation rather than true tissue gain.

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and often hyperlipidemia.

Opioids can cause respiratory depression and excessive sedation, making respiratory and neurological assessment essential.

Hypokalemia may cause muscle weakness, cramps, constipation, and potentially serious cardiac dysrhythmias.

Appendicitis commonly causes abdominal pain that localizes toward the right lower quadrant, often with nausea, vomiting, or fever.

Parkinson disease can impair gait and balance. Safe mobility, environmental modification, and fall prevention help maintain independence.

Vitamin B12 deficiency impairs DNA synthesis and commonly causes megaloblastic anemia; neurological manifestations may also occur.

Chemotherapy can suppress bone marrow and damage rapidly dividing tissues, requiring monitoring for infection, bleeding, mucositis, and other adverse effects.

Improved urine output, mental status, peripheral perfusion, and vital signs suggest restoration of circulating volume.

Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic activity and sympathetic effects, commonly causing heat intolerance, weight loss, tremor, and tachycardia.

Competent patients have the right to make informed decisions. The nurse should assess understanding, explain consequences, and communicate concerns to the appropriate team.

Sweating and altered consciousness can indicate severe hypoglycemia, which requires prompt recognition and treatment.

Post-lumbar-puncture care varies by protocol; monitoring for headache, neurological changes, and other complications is essential. Routine prolonged flat bed rest is not universally required.

DVT may present with unilateral swelling, warmth, tenderness, and sometimes redness. Suspected DVT requires prompt clinical evaluation.