NUR 2502 MULTIDIMENSIONAL CARE I
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Administer a potassium supplement as ordered.
B. Initiate continuous cardiac monitoring.
C. Encourage the consumption of bananas and orange juice.
D. Assess the patient for Chvostek’s sign.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) can cause life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Establishing cardiac monitoring is the priority to detect
changes like peaked T-waves or QRS widening.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result would the nurse expect in a patient with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
A. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
,B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 40, HCO3 30
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 55, HCO3 28
D. pH 7.32, PaCO2 38, HCO3 18
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: COPD patients typically experience respiratory acidosis due to
CO2 retention. This is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and an elevated PaCO2 (>45).
3. During the preoperative assessment, a patient mentions a family history of a ‘bad reaction’
to anesthesia involving a high fever. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Document the statement and continue the assessment.
B. Administer acetaminophen to prevent fever.
C. Instruct the patient to drink plenty of fluids after surgery.
D. Notify the anesthesiologist and surgeon immediately.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A family history of high fever during anesthesia is a primary
indicator of Malignant Hyperthermia risk, a life-threatening genetic condition triggered by
certain anesthetic agents.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 24 hours post-abdominal surgery. The nurse notes the
wound has dehisced and a loop of bowel is protruding. What is the immediate action?
A. Cover the protruding organ with sterile gauze moistened with sterile normal saline.
, B. Push the bowel back into the abdominal cavity gently.
C. Leave the wound open to air to prevent infection.
D. Apply a tight abdominal binder to provide support.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Evisceration is a medical emergency. The nurse must cover the
area with sterile, saline-moistened dressings to prevent the tissue from drying out or
becoming necrotic while waiting for surgery.
5. A patient with hypervolemia is prescribed furosemide. Which assessment finding indicates
the medication is effective?
A. Increased weight gain
B. Increased peripheral edema
C. Decreased urine output
D. Clear breath sounds upon auscultation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to reduce fluid volume
excess. Clear breath sounds indicate that pulmonary congestion/edema is resolving.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with a positive Trousseau’s
sign?
A. Hypocalcemia
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following is the
priority nursing intervention?
A. Administer a potassium supplement as ordered.
B. Initiate continuous cardiac monitoring.
C. Encourage the consumption of bananas and orange juice.
D. Assess the patient for Chvostek’s sign.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) can cause life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Establishing cardiac monitoring is the priority to detect
changes like peaked T-waves or QRS widening.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result would the nurse expect in a patient with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
A. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
,B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 40, HCO3 30
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 55, HCO3 28
D. pH 7.32, PaCO2 38, HCO3 18
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: COPD patients typically experience respiratory acidosis due to
CO2 retention. This is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and an elevated PaCO2 (>45).
3. During the preoperative assessment, a patient mentions a family history of a ‘bad reaction’
to anesthesia involving a high fever. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Document the statement and continue the assessment.
B. Administer acetaminophen to prevent fever.
C. Instruct the patient to drink plenty of fluids after surgery.
D. Notify the anesthesiologist and surgeon immediately.
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A family history of high fever during anesthesia is a primary
indicator of Malignant Hyperthermia risk, a life-threatening genetic condition triggered by
certain anesthetic agents.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 24 hours post-abdominal surgery. The nurse notes the
wound has dehisced and a loop of bowel is protruding. What is the immediate action?
A. Cover the protruding organ with sterile gauze moistened with sterile normal saline.
, B. Push the bowel back into the abdominal cavity gently.
C. Leave the wound open to air to prevent infection.
D. Apply a tight abdominal binder to provide support.
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Evisceration is a medical emergency. The nurse must cover the
area with sterile, saline-moistened dressings to prevent the tissue from drying out or
becoming necrotic while waiting for surgery.
5. A patient with hypervolemia is prescribed furosemide. Which assessment finding indicates
the medication is effective?
A. Increased weight gain
B. Increased peripheral edema
C. Decreased urine output
D. Clear breath sounds upon auscultation
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to reduce fluid volume
excess. Clear breath sounds indicate that pulmonary congestion/edema is resolving.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with a positive Trousseau’s
sign?
A. Hypocalcemia
