AMSN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield AMSN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. A patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is starting rituximab infusion. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor for MOST closely during the infusion? → Infusion-related reaction including fever, chills, and hypotension
2. In patients with Addison's disease, which hormone is deficient? → Cortisol
3. Which medication is commonly prescribed to manage chronic heart failure by reducing fluid overload? → Diuretics
4. A patient with leukemia is being discharged after chemotherapy. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for FURTHER teaching? → 'I can visit my grandchildren even if they have a cold; they need me.'
5. Which of the following dietary recommendations is most appropriate for a patient with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? → Low-FODMAP diet
6. Which laboratory value requires IMMEDIATE intervention in a patient with multiple myeloma? → Serum calcium 13.8 mg/dL
7. A patient with a spinal compression fracture related to osteoporosis reports sudden severe back pain. The nurse's priority action is to: → Assess neurological function of the lower extremities
8. Which Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score indicates a severe traumatic brain injury? → 3–8
9. A patient in skeletal traction requires nursing care. Which action is correct? → Ensure weights hang freely and do not rest on the floor
10. What is the recommended lifestyle modification for a patient with hypertension to reduce cardiovascular risk? → Engaging in regular physical activity
11. A patient passes a kidney stone. The nurse correctly instructs the patient to: → Strain all urine and save the stone for laboratory analysis
12. A patient with hemophilia A is scheduled for surgery. Which factor replacement therapy would the nurse anticipate administering? → Factor VIII concentrate
13. A patient asks the nurse why ice packs are applied to a sprained ankle in the first 48 hours. The best response is: → 'Cold reduces blood flow and decreases inflammation and swelling.'
14. Which assessment finding in a post-stroke patient indicates a deteriorating neurological status requiring immediate notification of the provider? → New onset confusion and unequal pupils
15. Which patient position is safest for a patient who had a lumbar puncture (LP) 30 minutes ago? → Flat or prone for 1–4 hours per facility protocol
16. Which dietary restriction is essential for a patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis? → Restrict potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and fluid intake
17. Which tool is most appropriate for assessing pain in a non-verbal patient with dementia on a medical-surgical unit? → PAINAD (Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia) scale
18. In the WHO analgesic ladder, which step represents the use of strong opioids for severe pain? → Step 3 — strong opioids such as morphine or oxycodone
19. A patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is prescribed oral chlorambucil. What priority teaching should the nurse provide? → Monitor for signs of infection due to immunosuppression
20. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is prescribed methotrexate. The nurse should teach the patient to avoid: → Alcohol and NSAIDs
21. Which diagnostic test is most commonly used to confirm the presence of a myocardial infarction? → Electrocardiogram (ECG)
22. A patient in hospice care becomes increasingly confused, restless, and distressed in the final days of life. The nurse recognizes this as: → Terminal restlessness (terminal delirium), a common end-of-life phenomenon
23. A patient with a peritoneal dialysis catheter reports cloudy dialysate effluent and abdominal pain. The nurse should suspect: → Peritonitis — a serious infection complication
24. A patient on loop diuretic therapy for fluid overload should be monitored for: → Hypokalemia, hyponatremia, and metabolic alkalosis
25. After a total knee replacement, which assessment finding requires the most immediate nursing action? → Sudden onset of calf pain, redness, and warmth
26. A nurse is educating a patient about acetaminophen (Tylenol) use. The maximum recommended daily dose for a healthy adult is: → 4 grams per day
27. A patient receiving radiation therapy to the abdomen reports severe diarrhea and rectal bleeding. Which nursing action is the PRIORITY? → Assess the frequency, character, and volume of stool and notify the provider
28. Which of the following is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism? → Heat intolerance
29. A patient with a fractured hip is placed in Buck's traction pre-operatively. The PRIMARY purpose is to: → Reduce muscle spasm and pain while maintaining alignment
30. A patient with a hip replacement is being repositioned by the nurse. Which action should be AVOIDED to prevent hip dislocation? → Adducting the leg across the midline