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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

ADPIE Practice Questions to Sharpen Your Nursing Process Skills

Quick, free quiz to test your knowledge of the nursing process ADPIE. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Jackson ClarkUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for nursing ADPIE quiz on a sky blue background

This quiz helps you apply the ADPIE nursing process with ADPIE practice questions that check each step and give instant scoring. If you want a quick refresher first, try the nursing assessment test, then deepen your understanding with an adpie nursing process quiz or round out basics with a nursing fundamentals quiz.

In the nursing process, what is the correct order of ADPIE steps?
Assessment, Diagnosis, Implementation, Planning, Evaluation
Assessment, Planning, Diagnosis, Implementation, Evaluation
Diagnosis, Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation
The nursing process is a systematic method that follows the sequence Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation. This order ensures comprehensive data collection, accurate identification of issues, goal setting, action, and outcome review. Skipping or misplacing a step can compromise patient care.
Which action is part of the Assessment phase of the nursing process?
Evaluating patient outcomes
Administering prescribed medication
Establishing measurable goals
Collecting a patient's health history
During Assessment, the nurse gathers subjective and objective data, such as health history, vital signs, and patient observations. This foundational step informs accurate diagnosis and care planning. Administering medications and setting goals are later phases.
Which statement represents a properly written nursing diagnosis?
Deficient fluid volume related to vomiting
Infection risk with compromised immune function
Hyperglycemia due to insufficient insulin
Diabetes mellitus type 2
A nursing diagnosis follows NANDA format: problem (Deficient fluid volume) related to etiology (vomiting). Medical diagnoses like hyperglycemia are not nursing diagnoses. Proper format guides targeted interventions.
Which of the following best illustrates a SMART planning goal?
Patient will feel better soon
Patient will ambulate 50 feet with a walker by end of shift
Patient will increase activity
Patient will try to walk more
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Ambulating 50 feet with a walker by end of shift meets all criteria. Vague statements lack measurable or time-related details.
Which activity falls under the Implementation phase of ADPIE?
Collecting vital signs
Administering prescribed insulin
Writing a nursing diagnosis
Evaluating lab results after intervention
Implementation involves carrying out nursing interventions like administering medication. Diagnosis and planning occur earlier, while evaluation follows implementation. Accurate execution is essential for expected outcomes.
Which finding indicates that a pain management goal has been met during Evaluation?
Patient reports pain level of 2 on a 0 - 10 scale
Patient still refuses to move
Physician orders a new pain protocol
Nurse administers another dose of analgesic
Evaluation measures goal attainment; a pain score reduction to 2 demonstrates effectiveness. Continuing refusal or additional orders suggest goals were unmet. Consistent reassessment ensures optimal care.
Which tool is commonly used for systematic data collection in the Assessment phase?
SBAR report
SOAP note
Head-to-toe assessment
Kardex
A head-to-toe assessment ensures comprehensive data collection across body systems. SBAR is a communication tool, SOAP is documentation style, and Kardex is a summary. Proper assessment leads to accurate diagnosis.
What type of nursing diagnosis describes a potential problem that may develop?
Actual nursing diagnosis
Wellness nursing diagnosis
Syndrome nursing diagnosis
Risk nursing diagnosis
Risk diagnoses identify vulnerabilities before a problem develops. Actual diagnoses are present conditions; wellness diagnoses describe a desire for higher health level. Early identification allows preventive interventions.
Which element is NOT part of a SMART goal?
Time-bound
Measurable
Sustainable
Achievable
SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. 'Sustainable' is not included in the official acronym. Including all five ensures clear, attainable goals.
At which step of the nursing process does the nurse determine if interventions need adjustment?
Assessment
Evaluation
Diagnosis
Planning
Evaluation assesses whether goals have been met and whether interventions should be continued, modified, or terminated. It closes the feedback loop of the nursing process. Accurate evaluation optimizes patient outcomes.
Which finding is considered subjective data during an assessment?
Skin warm and dry to touch
Blood pressure 130/80 mmHg
Patient reports feeling nauseated
Respirations 18 breaths per minute
Subjective data are what the patient experiences and reports, such as nausea or pain. Objective data are measurable findings collected by the nurse. Accurate distinction guides appropriate diagnosis.
A patient expresses fear before surgery. Which nursing diagnosis is appropriate?
Anxiety related to unfamiliar surgical experience as evidenced by apprehension
Fear related to loss of autonomy
Risk for impaired coping
Deficient knowledge about surgery
Anxiety is identified by apprehension and relates to the unknown aspects of surgery. The diagnosis specifies etiology and defining characteristic. Precise wording directs targeted interventions.
Which outcome demonstrates proper evaluation of airway clearance interventions?
Patient used incentive spirometer correctly
Patient's breath sounds clear bilaterally after chest physiotherapy
Respiratory rate remained unchanged
Patient reports feeling better
Evaluation measures whether an intervention met its goal: clear breath sounds indicate improved airway clearance. Proper use of equipment or subjective feeling does not directly confirm the goal. Objective post-intervention data are key.
Which component is essential when drafting an actual nursing diagnosis statement?
Physician's order
Medication dosage
Etiology linked by 'related to'
Expected date for outcome
Actual nursing diagnoses require a problem statement and related factors connected by 'related to.' This format clarifies what the nurse can address. Medication dosages and physician orders are not part of the diagnosis statement.
A plan to reduce fall risk includes placing the call bell within reach. Which ADPIE step does this represent?
Assessment
Implementation
Evaluation
Planning
Implementation is the execution of planned interventions, such as positioning call bells. Planning identifies which interventions are needed, but placing the call bell is the actual action.
Which type of nursing diagnosis uses risk factors but has no defining characteristics?
Risk nursing diagnosis
Syndrome nursing diagnosis
Actual nursing diagnosis
Wellness nursing diagnosis
Risk diagnoses identify potential issues based on risk factors alone. They lack present defining characteristics, which appear in actual diagnoses. Correct identification enables preventive care.
A patient with COPD should maintain PaO? above 80 mm Hg by discharge. This goal is categorized as:
Short-term outcome
Long-term outcome
Process evaluation
Risk management
A goal set for discharge is long-term. Short-term outcomes occur within hours or a day. PaO? targets at discharge guide extended care planning.
Which documentation reflects accurate assessment of blood pressure?
BP 142/88 mmHg, left arm, patient resting supine
BP high; patient anxious
Systolic in 140s and diastolic late 80s
BP 140/90 measured
Precise documentation includes numeric values, site, and patient position. Vague terms or missing context lack reliability. Detailed notes support accurate diagnosis and treatment.
A nurse reviews whether the patient met weight gain targets after nutritional supplements. What ADPIE step is this?
Planning
Assessment
Evaluation
Diagnosis
Evaluation involves determining if established goals, such as weight gain, have been achieved. Assessment and planning occur before the intervention. Ongoing evaluation drives care modifications.
Which nursing diagnosis follows the PES format correctly?
Fluid overload manifested by edema
Excess fluid volume related to decreased cardiac output as evidenced by peripheral edema and crackles
Decreased cardiac output related to excess fluid volume
Peripheral edema and crackles related to CHF
The PES format includes Problem, Etiology, and Signs/Evidence: Excess fluid volume (P) related to decreased cardiac output (E) as evidenced by edema and crackles (S). Clear structure guides targeted interventions.
Which outcome is cognitive in nature?
Patient will demonstrate proper foot care
Patient will list three signs of hypoglycemia by end of day
Patient's serum glucose will be between 80 - 120 mg/dL
Patient will ambulate 100 feet
Cognitive outcomes focus on knowledge and understanding (listing signs). Physiological and psychomotor outcomes differ. Identifying domain ensures proper intervention planning.
A patient with shortness of breath requires immediate intervention. According to Maslow's hierarchy, which diagnosis takes priority?
Social isolation
Deficient knowledge
Anxiety
Ineffective airway clearance
Prioritization follows ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation). Ineffective airway clearance directly jeopardizes breathing. Social and psychological needs rank lower until physiological stability is achieved.
Which intervention is an independent nursing action?
Referring to a dietitian
Administering prescribed antibiotics
Ordering a chest X-ray
Positioning a client to promote lung expansion
Independent interventions are within the nurse's scope and require no provider order, such as positioning. Administering drugs and ordering tests require provider authorization. Referrals are collaborative.
Which is an example of a collaborative intervention?
Repositioning to prevent pressure ulcers
Providing patient education on medication side effects
Assisting with activities of daily living
Consulting a physical therapist for ambulation training
Collaborative interventions require combined expertise, such as PT involvement. Patient education and repositioning are independent nursing interventions. Collaboration enhances comprehensive care.
A nursing diagnosis states 'Acute pain related to tissue trauma.' What is missing if the defining characteristics are absent?
Patient demographics
Risk factor data
As evidenced by statements of pain intensity
Etiology
An actual nursing diagnosis requires the defining characteristics introduced by 'as evidenced by.' Statements of pain intensity validate the presence of acute pain. Without them, the diagnosis lacks required data.
After interventions fail to meet a patient's goal, what is the nurse's next step?
Discontinue the nursing process
Increase medication dosage without review
Reassess and revise the care plan
Document only that goals were unmet
Unmet goals require the nurse to reassess data and modify the plan, starting a new ADPIE cycle. Simply documenting or making unauthorized changes bypasses safe practice. Continuous evaluation and revision ensure quality care.
Which long-term goal is most appropriate for a client with chronic heart failure?
Maintain fluid balance with weight gain less than 1 kg per week by discharge
Feel less fatigued soon
Reduce salt intake if possible
Drink more fluids daily
A measurable, time-bound goal (weight gain <1 kg/week by discharge) fits long-term planning. Vague directives lack specificity and timeframe. Clear goals guide evaluation and patient teaching.
Using SBAR for handoff communication aligns with which nursing process step?
Assessment
Planning
Evaluation
Implementation
SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) conveys collected assessment data. It supports accurate information transfer prior to planning and implementation. Effective handoffs improve continuity of care.
When using concept mapping to link multiple nursing diagnoses and interventions, which ADPIE phase is most emphasized?
Assessment
Planning
Diagnosis
Evaluation
Concept mapping visually organizes diagnoses, goals, and interventions, emphasizing the Planning phase. It helps prioritize and integrate complex care activities. Mapping supports clear, patient-centered plan development.
A patient's condition worsens despite interventions and goals are unmet. What is the best next step in the nursing process?
Reassess client status and modify the diagnosis
Discontinue the nursing care plan
Document that goals were not achieved
Continue current interventions longer
When goals fail and patient declines, the nurse must reassess data, possibly identify new issues, and revise the diagnosis. This may restart the ADPIE cycle for accurate care. Merely extending or halting care plans risks patient safety.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Subjective and Objective Data -

    Recognize and distinguish between patient-reported symptoms and observable findings to accurately gather nursing subjective and objective data in assessment.

  2. Analyze Assessment Findings -

    Interpret and prioritize information from nursing process practice questions to detect key patterns and clinical concerns during the assessment phase.

  3. Formulate Accurate Nursing Diagnoses -

    Apply critical-thinking strategies to develop precise NCLEX-style nursing process nclex questions diagnoses based on assessment outcomes.

  4. Develop Evidence-Based Care Plans -

    Construct comprehensive ADPIE nursing process examples plans by setting measurable goals and selecting appropriate interventions from nursing process samples.

  5. Implement Targeted Interventions -

    Execute and adapt nursing interventions aligned with patient needs, using insights gained from ADPIE nursing process examples.

  6. Evaluate Patient Outcomes and Adjust Care -

    Assess the effectiveness of implemented care, refine strategies, and reinforce confidence in decision-making through targeted evaluation techniques.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Thorough Data Assessment -

    Begin by collecting comprehensive nursing subjective and objective data using structured frameworks like COLDSPA (Characteristics, Onset, Location, Duration, Severity, Pattern, Associated factors) and SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation). This approach follows nursing process sample guidelines from the American Nurses Association and enhances accuracy in nursing process practice questions. Consistent, detailed assessment is the cornerstone of any strong nursing ADPIE example scenario.

  2. Precision in Nursing Diagnosis -

    Use the NANDA-approved PES format (Problem, Etiology, Signs/Symptoms) to develop clear, testable diagnoses. For instance, "Impaired Gas Exchange related to alveolar collapse as evidenced by O2 saturation of 88% and dyspnea at rest." This method is frequently tested in nursing process NCLEX questions and helps ensure diagnoses are evidence-based and measurable.

  3. SMART Care Planning -

    Create goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound - e.g., "Patient will ambulate 50 feet in the hall without shortness of breath within 48 hours." Drawing from ADPIE nursing process examples in reputable textbooks (e.g., Potter & Perry), SMART goals focus interventions and sharpen critical thinking in nursing process practice questions.

  4. Evidence-Based Implementation -

    Implement nursing interventions grounded in current best-practice guidelines, such as those from the CDC or professional specialty organizations. For example, follow a validated fall-prevention protocol that includes hourly rounding and bed exit alarms. This strategy aligns with a strong nursing ADPIE example and boosts success rates in NCLEX-style testing scenarios.

  5. Rigorous Evaluation and Adjustment -

    Regularly compare patient outcomes against established goals and use Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles to refine your plan of care. Document progress quantitatively - like tracking pain scores or wound measurements - and adjust interventions promptly based on data. Mastery of this evaluation step is critical for excellence in nursing process NCLEX questions and real-world practice.

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