ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES GRADED A+ LATEST
GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient admitted with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) who is experiencing worsening dyspnea and a productive cough. Which
assessment finding indicates the patient is experiencing a COPD exacerbation?
A. Decreased respiratory rate
B. Increased sputum production and wheezing
C. Bradycardia and hypotension
D. Clear lung sounds bilaterally
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
COPD exacerbations commonly present with increased sputum production,
worsening cough, wheezing, and dyspnea. These symptoms indicate airway
inflammation and obstruction. Decreased respiratory rate and clear lung sounds
would not suggest worsening COPD, and bradycardia is not typically associated
with exacerbation.
Question 2
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory value
should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Potassium
B. Sodium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Correct Answer: A
,Rationale:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion. Hypokalemia is a
significant risk and may lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. Monitoring potassium levels
helps prevent complications.
Question 3
A patient is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which intervention should the nurse
anticipate?
A. Initiating a high-fat diet
B. Maintaining the patient NPO
C. Encouraging oral fluids immediately
D. Administering laxatives
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Patients with acute pancreatitis are typically kept NPO to reduce pancreatic
stimulation and allow the pancreas to rest. Oral intake can stimulate enzyme
secretion and worsen inflammation.
Question 4
A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which
clinical finding is most concerning?
A. Localized warmth and swelling in the calf
B. Decreased appetite
C. Mild headache
D. Dry skin
Correct Answer: A
,Rationale:
DVT commonly presents with localized warmth, swelling, tenderness, and
erythema in the affected extremity. These findings indicate venous obstruction and
inflammation.
Question 5
A patient with type 2 diabetes reports dizziness and sweating before lunch. The
nurse checks the blood glucose level and finds it is 58 mg/dL. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Provide a rapid-acting carbohydrate
C. Encourage physical activity
D. Delay treatment and recheck glucose in 1 hour
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A blood glucose level of 58 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia. Immediate treatment
with a rapid-acting carbohydrate such as juice or glucose tablets is necessary to
restore glucose levels and prevent complications.
Question 6
A nurse is educating a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension. Which
statement by the patient indicates understanding of lifestyle modifications?
A. “I should reduce sodium intake in my diet.”
B. “I should increase processed foods.”
C. “I should stop exercising.”
D. “I should drink more caffeinated beverages.”
Correct Answer: A
, Rationale:
Reducing sodium intake is a key lifestyle modification for managing hypertension
because excessive sodium contributes to fluid retention and increased blood
pressure.
Question 7
A patient with chronic kidney disease has a potassium level of 6.1 mEq/L. Which
clinical manifestation should the nurse expect?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Hyperactivity
C. Tachycardia
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Hyperkalemia often causes muscle weakness, fatigue, and potentially dangerous
cardiac dysrhythmias due to the effects of potassium on neuromuscular and cardiac
conduction.
Question 8
A nurse is caring for a patient with pneumonia. Which assessment finding indicates
the treatment is effective?
A. Oxygen saturation increasing to 95%
B. Persistent fever
C. Increased respiratory distress
D. Decreased appetite
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Improving oxygen saturation indicates better gas exchange and suggests that
treatment is effectively managing the infection and inflammation in the lungs.