NUR 283 COMPREHENSIVE EXAM 1-3
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 50 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis), and the PaCO2 is high (respiratory
component), indicating respiratory acidosis without compensation as the bicarbonate is
normal.
2. Which clinical finding is most indicative of Cushing’s Triad in a patient with increasing
intracranial pressure?
A. Bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, and irregular respirations
B. Tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea
C. Hypertension, tachycardia, and Cheyne-Stokes breathing
,D. Hypotension, bradycardia, and shallow respirations
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s Triad consists of bradycardia, hypertension with a
widening pulse pressure, and irregular respiratory patterns, signaling late-stage increased
ICP.
3. A patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen via a
nasal cannula at 2L/min. The nurse notes a pulse oximetry of 89%. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Increase oxygen flow to 6L/min immediately
B. Notify the physician to request an intubation kit
C. Continue to monitor as this is an expected finding for COPD
D. Place the patient in a supine position to improve blood flow
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In patients with COPD, an oxygen saturation of 88-92% is often
the target range to prevent the suppression of the hypoxic drive to breathe.
4. Which medication is considered the gold standard for treating an acute exacerbation of
asthma?
A. Albuterol
B. Salmeterol
, C. Fluticasone
D. Montelukast
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used for rapid
bronchodilation during acute asthma attacks.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient with a Suspected Pulmonary Embolism. Which diagnostic
test is most definitive for confirmation?
A. D-dimer assay
B. Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA)
C. Chest X-ray
D. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CTPA is the preferred and most definitive imaging modality for
diagnosing a pulmonary embolism.
6. When assessing a patient for a suspected Pheochromocytoma, which symptom is most
characteristic?
A. Hypoglycemia and hypotension
B. Bradycardia and weight gain
C. Profuse sweating and severe headache
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 50 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis), and the PaCO2 is high (respiratory
component), indicating respiratory acidosis without compensation as the bicarbonate is
normal.
2. Which clinical finding is most indicative of Cushing’s Triad in a patient with increasing
intracranial pressure?
A. Bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, and irregular respirations
B. Tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea
C. Hypertension, tachycardia, and Cheyne-Stokes breathing
,D. Hypotension, bradycardia, and shallow respirations
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s Triad consists of bradycardia, hypertension with a
widening pulse pressure, and irregular respiratory patterns, signaling late-stage increased
ICP.
3. A patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen via a
nasal cannula at 2L/min. The nurse notes a pulse oximetry of 89%. What is the priority
nursing action?
A. Increase oxygen flow to 6L/min immediately
B. Notify the physician to request an intubation kit
C. Continue to monitor as this is an expected finding for COPD
D. Place the patient in a supine position to improve blood flow
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: In patients with COPD, an oxygen saturation of 88-92% is often
the target range to prevent the suppression of the hypoxic drive to breathe.
4. Which medication is considered the gold standard for treating an acute exacerbation of
asthma?
A. Albuterol
B. Salmeterol
, C. Fluticasone
D. Montelukast
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used for rapid
bronchodilation during acute asthma attacks.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient with a Suspected Pulmonary Embolism. Which diagnostic
test is most definitive for confirmation?
A. D-dimer assay
B. Computed Tomography Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA)
C. Chest X-ray
D. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: CTPA is the preferred and most definitive imaging modality for
diagnosing a pulmonary embolism.
6. When assessing a patient for a suspected Pheochromocytoma, which symptom is most
characteristic?
A. Hypoglycemia and hypotension
B. Bradycardia and weight gain
C. Profuse sweating and severe headache
