NUR 2502 MULTIDIMENSIONAL CARE
EXAM PREPARATION QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A client is admitted with a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which EKG change is the
nurse most likely to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Shortened PR interval
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes tall,
peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest.
2. A patient presents with pH 7.31, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 25 mEq/L. Which acid-base
imbalance does this represent?
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
cause), while the bicarbonate is within the normal range, indicating respiratory acidosis.
3. Which assessment finding is a classic sign of right-sided heart failure?
A. Orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
B. Crackles in the lung bases and dyspnea
C. Frothy pink-tinged sputum
D. Peripheral edema and jugular venous distention
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Right-sided heart failure leads to systemic congestion, resulting
in peripheral edema, JVD, and hepatomegaly, whereas left-sided failure causes pulmonary
symptoms.
4. The nurse is caring for a client with COPD. What is the most appropriate goal for oxygen
saturation for this patient?
A. 95-100%
B. 92-96%
C. 85-88%
, D. 88-92%
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In COPD patients, the drive to breathe is often triggered by low
oxygen levels (hypoxic drive). Keeping SpO2 between 88-92% prevents suppression of the
respiratory drive.
5. Which medication is considered the ‘gold standard’ for the immediate treatment of an
acute asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Albuterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Ipratropium
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) that provides
rapid bronchodilation during acute respiratory distress.
6. A client with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 45 mg/dL. The
client has no IV access. What is the priority action?
A. Administer 15g of oral glucose gel
B. Administer Glucagon intramuscularly
C. Start a peripheral IV line
EXAM PREPARATION QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A client is admitted with a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which EKG change is the
nurse most likely to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Shortened PR interval
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes tall,
peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest.
2. A patient presents with pH 7.31, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 25 mEq/L. Which acid-base
imbalance does this represent?
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
cause), while the bicarbonate is within the normal range, indicating respiratory acidosis.
3. Which assessment finding is a classic sign of right-sided heart failure?
A. Orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
B. Crackles in the lung bases and dyspnea
C. Frothy pink-tinged sputum
D. Peripheral edema and jugular venous distention
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Right-sided heart failure leads to systemic congestion, resulting
in peripheral edema, JVD, and hepatomegaly, whereas left-sided failure causes pulmonary
symptoms.
4. The nurse is caring for a client with COPD. What is the most appropriate goal for oxygen
saturation for this patient?
A. 95-100%
B. 92-96%
C. 85-88%
, D. 88-92%
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In COPD patients, the drive to breathe is often triggered by low
oxygen levels (hypoxic drive). Keeping SpO2 between 88-92% prevents suppression of the
respiratory drive.
5. Which medication is considered the ‘gold standard’ for the immediate treatment of an
acute asthma attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Albuterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Ipratropium
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) that provides
rapid bronchodilation during acute respiratory distress.
6. A client with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 45 mg/dL. The
client has no IV access. What is the priority action?
A. Administer 15g of oral glucose gel
B. Administer Glucagon intramuscularly
C. Start a peripheral IV line
