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Chamberlain NR 283 Pathophysiology Exam 3
Practice Test | Verified Questions & Detailed
Rationales | 2026–2027 Updated Nursing Exam
Prep | Grade A
1. A nurse is teaching about pulmonary embolism. What is a pulmonary embolus?
A. A blockage in the pulmonary artery by a blood clot
B. Inflammation of the lung tissue
C. Collapse of alveoli
D. Fluid in the pleural space
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: A pulmonary embolus (PE) is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, usually
caused by a blood clot (thrombus) that travels from elsewhere, typically from deep veins
in the legs.
2. A nurse is teaching about pulmonary embolism. Which phrase accurately describes
a pulmonary embolus?
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A. A blood clot that obstructs the pulmonary artery
B. Air in the pleural space
C. Infection of the lung parenchyma
D. Narrowing of the bronchi
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: A pulmonary embolus is a blood clot (or other debris) that travels through
the bloodstream and lodges in the pulmonary artery, obstructing blood flow to lung
tissue.
3. A nurse is identifying risk factors for pulmonary embolism. Which is a risk factor for
developing a pulmonary embolus?
A. Regular exercise
B. Prolonged sitting
C. High-fiber diet
D. Adequate hydration
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Prolonged sitting or immobility causes venous stasis, increasing the risk of
deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which can lead to pulmonary embolism.
4. A nurse is teaching about PE prevention. What action should a person take to
prevent the development of a pulmonary embolism?
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A. Sleep on the stomach
B. Perform leg exercises during plane trips
C. Avoid all physical activity
D. Drink caffeinated beverages
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Leg exercises during prolonged travel (plane trips) promote venous return
and prevent venous stasis, reducing the risk of DVT and subsequent PE.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient with a pulmonary embolus. Which manifestations are
expected? (Select all that apply.)
A. Lightheadedness
B. Low oxygen saturation
C. Shortness of breath
D. Excessive sweating (diaphoresis)
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C, D
Rationale: PE manifestations include lightheadedness/dizziness, hypoxemia (low SpO2),
dyspnea (shortness of breath), and diaphoresis from sympathetic activation.
6. A nurse is assessing a patient with a pulmonary embolus. Which manifestations are
expected? (Select all that apply.)
A. Hypoxia
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B. Dizziness
C. Chest pain
D. Tachypnea
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C, D
Rationale: PE manifestations include hypoxia, dizziness, chest pain (often pleuritic), and
tachypnea (rapid breathing) as the body attempts to compensate for impaired gas
exchange.
7. A nurse is teaching about PE prevention. What should a person do to prevent a
pulmonary embolus from occurring?
A. Wear compression stockings
B. Remain immobile
C. Elevate legs without movement
D. Avoid fluids
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Compression stockings promote venous return, reduce venous stasis, and
help prevent DVT, which can lead to PE.
8. A nurse is teaching about compensation for impaired gas exchange. When a person
experiences impaired gas exchange, how does the body compensate to maintain
homeostasis?
Chamberlain NR 283 Pathophysiology Exam 3
Practice Test | Verified Questions & Detailed
Rationales | 2026–2027 Updated Nursing Exam
Prep | Grade A
1. A nurse is teaching about pulmonary embolism. What is a pulmonary embolus?
A. A blockage in the pulmonary artery by a blood clot
B. Inflammation of the lung tissue
C. Collapse of alveoli
D. Fluid in the pleural space
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: A pulmonary embolus (PE) is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, usually
caused by a blood clot (thrombus) that travels from elsewhere, typically from deep veins
in the legs.
2. A nurse is teaching about pulmonary embolism. Which phrase accurately describes
a pulmonary embolus?
,2|Page
A. A blood clot that obstructs the pulmonary artery
B. Air in the pleural space
C. Infection of the lung parenchyma
D. Narrowing of the bronchi
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: A pulmonary embolus is a blood clot (or other debris) that travels through
the bloodstream and lodges in the pulmonary artery, obstructing blood flow to lung
tissue.
3. A nurse is identifying risk factors for pulmonary embolism. Which is a risk factor for
developing a pulmonary embolus?
A. Regular exercise
B. Prolonged sitting
C. High-fiber diet
D. Adequate hydration
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Prolonged sitting or immobility causes venous stasis, increasing the risk of
deep vein thrombosis (DVT) which can lead to pulmonary embolism.
4. A nurse is teaching about PE prevention. What action should a person take to
prevent the development of a pulmonary embolism?
,3|Page
A. Sleep on the stomach
B. Perform leg exercises during plane trips
C. Avoid all physical activity
D. Drink caffeinated beverages
CORRECT ANSWER: B
Rationale: Leg exercises during prolonged travel (plane trips) promote venous return
and prevent venous stasis, reducing the risk of DVT and subsequent PE.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient with a pulmonary embolus. Which manifestations are
expected? (Select all that apply.)
A. Lightheadedness
B. Low oxygen saturation
C. Shortness of breath
D. Excessive sweating (diaphoresis)
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C, D
Rationale: PE manifestations include lightheadedness/dizziness, hypoxemia (low SpO2),
dyspnea (shortness of breath), and diaphoresis from sympathetic activation.
6. A nurse is assessing a patient with a pulmonary embolus. Which manifestations are
expected? (Select all that apply.)
A. Hypoxia
, 4|Page
B. Dizziness
C. Chest pain
D. Tachypnea
CORRECT ANSWER: A, B, C, D
Rationale: PE manifestations include hypoxia, dizziness, chest pain (often pleuritic), and
tachypnea (rapid breathing) as the body attempts to compensate for impaired gas
exchange.
7. A nurse is teaching about PE prevention. What should a person do to prevent a
pulmonary embolus from occurring?
A. Wear compression stockings
B. Remain immobile
C. Elevate legs without movement
D. Avoid fluids
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale: Compression stockings promote venous return, reduce venous stasis, and
help prevent DVT, which can lead to PE.
8. A nurse is teaching about compensation for impaired gas exchange. When a person
experiences impaired gas exchange, how does the body compensate to maintain
homeostasis?
