NU 155 EXAM 2: MEDICAL-SURGICAL
NURSING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
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COLLEGE OF NURSING
1. A patient is admitted with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 50 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
clinical condition most likely accounts for these findings?
A. Excessive vomiting
B. Hyperventilation due to anxiety
C. Hypoventilation related to opioid overdose
D. Diabetic ketoacidosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A pH of 7.25 and PaCO2 of 50 indicates respiratory acidosis.
Hypoventilation (as seen in opioid overdose) causes CO2 retention, leading to acidosis.
Excessive vomiting causes metabolic alkalosis, hyperventilation causes respiratory
alkalosis, and DKA causes metabolic acidosis.
2. Which nursing intervention is a priority when caring for a patient who just arrived in the
PACU following general anesthesia?
A. Assess the surgical site for drainage
,B. Assess the patient’s level of pain
C. Maintain airway patency and oxygenation
D. Monitor urine output
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: According to the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) priority
framework, maintaining a patent airway is the highest priority for a post-operative patient
recovering from general anesthesia.
3. A patient with heart failure has an Ejection Fraction (EF) of 25%. What is the primary
pathophysiology associated with this finding?
A. Impaired filling of the ventricles during diastole
B. Regurgitation of blood through the mitral valve
C. Increased pulmonary vascular resistance
D. Decreased contractility of the left ventricle
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A normal ejection fraction is 55-70%. An EF of 25% indicates
systolic heart failure, where the left ventricle is unable to contract effectively to pump
blood out to the body.
, 4. During a pre-operative assessment, a patient reports a severe allergy to avocados and
bananas. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Document the allergy and proceed with standard care
B. Notify the kitchen to remove these items from the patient’s diet
C. Ensure the surgical team is notified of a potential latex allergy
D. Administer an antihistamine before the patient goes to surgery
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cross-sensitivity exists between certain foods (avocados,
bananas, chestnuts, kiwis) and latex. Patients with these food allergies are at high risk for a
latex allergy reaction in the OR.
5. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix) for the management of peripheral edema. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Sodium
C. Serum Calcium
D. Serum Magnesium
Answer: A
NURSING QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
100% GUARANTEE PASS | GALEN
COLLEGE OF NURSING
1. A patient is admitted with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 50 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which
clinical condition most likely accounts for these findings?
A. Excessive vomiting
B. Hyperventilation due to anxiety
C. Hypoventilation related to opioid overdose
D. Diabetic ketoacidosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A pH of 7.25 and PaCO2 of 50 indicates respiratory acidosis.
Hypoventilation (as seen in opioid overdose) causes CO2 retention, leading to acidosis.
Excessive vomiting causes metabolic alkalosis, hyperventilation causes respiratory
alkalosis, and DKA causes metabolic acidosis.
2. Which nursing intervention is a priority when caring for a patient who just arrived in the
PACU following general anesthesia?
A. Assess the surgical site for drainage
,B. Assess the patient’s level of pain
C. Maintain airway patency and oxygenation
D. Monitor urine output
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: According to the ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation) priority
framework, maintaining a patent airway is the highest priority for a post-operative patient
recovering from general anesthesia.
3. A patient with heart failure has an Ejection Fraction (EF) of 25%. What is the primary
pathophysiology associated with this finding?
A. Impaired filling of the ventricles during diastole
B. Regurgitation of blood through the mitral valve
C. Increased pulmonary vascular resistance
D. Decreased contractility of the left ventricle
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A normal ejection fraction is 55-70%. An EF of 25% indicates
systolic heart failure, where the left ventricle is unable to contract effectively to pump
blood out to the body.
, 4. During a pre-operative assessment, a patient reports a severe allergy to avocados and
bananas. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. Document the allergy and proceed with standard care
B. Notify the kitchen to remove these items from the patient’s diet
C. Ensure the surgical team is notified of a potential latex allergy
D. Administer an antihistamine before the patient goes to surgery
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Cross-sensitivity exists between certain foods (avocados,
bananas, chestnuts, kiwis) and latex. Patients with these food allergies are at high risk for a
latex allergy reaction in the OR.
5. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix) for the management of peripheral edema. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Serum Sodium
C. Serum Calcium
D. Serum Magnesium
Answer: A
