BSNC 2055 Final Review
Questions With Complete
Solutions
Course
BSNC 2055
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who suddenly develops shortness of breath,
chest pain, and oxygen saturation of 86%. Which action should the nurse take FIRST?
A. Notify the healthcare provider.
B. Apply oxygen and assess the patient.
C. Document the findings.
D. Encourage the patient to ambulate.
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. Apply oxygen and assess the patient.
Explanation:
The ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) guide nursing priorities. The patient's symptoms
suggest a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism or respiratory compromise.
Immediate oxygen administration and assessment take priority before notifying the provider.
Question 2
Which patient is at the greatest risk for developing a pressure injury?
A. A healthy adolescent recovering from an appendectomy
B. An older adult with limited mobility and poor nutrition
C. A middle-aged patient with seasonal allergies
D. A young adult with a minor ankle sprain
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. An older adult with limited mobility and poor nutrition
Explanation:
Major risk factors for pressure injuries include:
, Immobility
Advanced age
Malnutrition
Moisture exposure
Poor circulation
Decreased sensation
Frequent repositioning and skin assessment are essential preventive measures.
Question 3
Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with muscle weakness, cardiac
dysrhythmias, and flattened T waves on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. Hypokalemia
Explanation:
Hypokalemia (low serum potassium) can cause:
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Constipation
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Flattened T waves
Presence of U waves on ECG
Severe hypokalemia requires prompt treatment.
Question 4
,A patient asks why hand hygiene is performed before every patient interaction. What is the
nurse's best response?
A. "It is required only for legal reasons."
B. "It is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection."
C. "It prevents medication errors."
D. "It replaces the need for gloves."
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. It is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection.
Explanation:
Proper hand hygiene significantly reduces healthcare-associated infections by removing transient
microorganisms before and after patient contact.
Question 5
Which assessment finding requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. Blood pressure of 126/78 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
C. Temperature of 99°F (37.2°C)
D. Heart rate of 82 beats per minute
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
Explanation:
A respiratory rate of 8 indicates respiratory depression and inadequate ventilation. The nurse
should assess airway patency, administer oxygen if indicated, stimulate the patient if appropriate,
and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Question 6
Which nursing action best demonstrates patient advocacy?
A. Making healthcare decisions without consulting the patient
B. Supporting the patient's right to make informed decisions
, C. Sharing confidential information with family members
D. Following physician orders without question
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. Supporting the patient's right to make informed decisions
Explanation:
Patient advocacy includes:
Protecting patient rights
Respecting autonomy
Promoting informed consent
Maintaining confidentiality
Ensuring safe, ethical care
Question 7
Which laboratory value is most important to monitor before administering warfarin?
A. Hemoglobin A1C
B. INR (International Normalized Ratio)
C. White blood cell count
D. Serum sodium
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. INR (International Normalized Ratio)
Explanation:
Warfarin therapy is monitored using the INR to assess blood clotting. Therapeutic ranges vary by
indication but are commonly between 2.0 and 3.0 for many conditions. Elevated INR increases
bleeding risk.
Question 8
A patient with diabetes reports sweating, confusion, and shakiness. Which complication is
most likely occurring?
A. Hyperglycemia
Questions With Complete
Solutions
Course
BSNC 2055
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who suddenly develops shortness of breath,
chest pain, and oxygen saturation of 86%. Which action should the nurse take FIRST?
A. Notify the healthcare provider.
B. Apply oxygen and assess the patient.
C. Document the findings.
D. Encourage the patient to ambulate.
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. Apply oxygen and assess the patient.
Explanation:
The ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) guide nursing priorities. The patient's symptoms
suggest a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism or respiratory compromise.
Immediate oxygen administration and assessment take priority before notifying the provider.
Question 2
Which patient is at the greatest risk for developing a pressure injury?
A. A healthy adolescent recovering from an appendectomy
B. An older adult with limited mobility and poor nutrition
C. A middle-aged patient with seasonal allergies
D. A young adult with a minor ankle sprain
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. An older adult with limited mobility and poor nutrition
Explanation:
Major risk factors for pressure injuries include:
, Immobility
Advanced age
Malnutrition
Moisture exposure
Poor circulation
Decreased sensation
Frequent repositioning and skin assessment are essential preventive measures.
Question 3
Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly associated with muscle weakness, cardiac
dysrhythmias, and flattened T waves on an electrocardiogram (ECG)?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. Hypokalemia
Explanation:
Hypokalemia (low serum potassium) can cause:
Muscle weakness
Fatigue
Constipation
Cardiac dysrhythmias
Flattened T waves
Presence of U waves on ECG
Severe hypokalemia requires prompt treatment.
Question 4
,A patient asks why hand hygiene is performed before every patient interaction. What is the
nurse's best response?
A. "It is required only for legal reasons."
B. "It is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection."
C. "It prevents medication errors."
D. "It replaces the need for gloves."
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. It is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection.
Explanation:
Proper hand hygiene significantly reduces healthcare-associated infections by removing transient
microorganisms before and after patient contact.
Question 5
Which assessment finding requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. Blood pressure of 126/78 mmHg
B. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
C. Temperature of 99°F (37.2°C)
D. Heart rate of 82 beats per minute
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute
Explanation:
A respiratory rate of 8 indicates respiratory depression and inadequate ventilation. The nurse
should assess airway patency, administer oxygen if indicated, stimulate the patient if appropriate,
and notify the healthcare provider immediately.
Question 6
Which nursing action best demonstrates patient advocacy?
A. Making healthcare decisions without consulting the patient
B. Supporting the patient's right to make informed decisions
, C. Sharing confidential information with family members
D. Following physician orders without question
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. Supporting the patient's right to make informed decisions
Explanation:
Patient advocacy includes:
Protecting patient rights
Respecting autonomy
Promoting informed consent
Maintaining confidentiality
Ensuring safe, ethical care
Question 7
Which laboratory value is most important to monitor before administering warfarin?
A. Hemoglobin A1C
B. INR (International Normalized Ratio)
C. White blood cell count
D. Serum sodium
Complete Solution
Correct Answer: B. INR (International Normalized Ratio)
Explanation:
Warfarin therapy is monitored using the INR to assess blood clotting. Therapeutic ranges vary by
indication but are commonly between 2.0 and 3.0 for many conditions. Elevated INR increases
bleeding risk.
Question 8
A patient with diabetes reports sweating, confusion, and shakiness. Which complication is
most likely occurring?
A. Hyperglycemia