BSN HESI 266 MED SURG EXAM V2
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(LATEST ), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. A patient with heart failure is receiving digoxin. Which laboratory result should the nurse
prioritize reviewing before administering the next dose?
A. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
B. Serum calcium level of 9.5 mg/dL
C. Serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL
D. Serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L) significantly
increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, even if the digoxin level is within the therapeutic
range.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most indicative of a patient in uncompensated
respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 32, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.25, PaCO2 40, HCO3 18
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 55, HCO3 26
,D. pH 7.35, PaCO2 48, HCO3 28
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Uncompensated respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low
pH (<7.35) and a high PaCO2 (>45) with a normal bicarbonate level.
3. A patient with a sustained high fever is at risk for which type of shock due to fluid loss?
A. Septic shock
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Hypovolemic shock
D. Anaphylactic shock
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Fever leads to increased insensible water loss through
perspiration and respiration, which can lead to hypovolemia and subsequent shock.
4. Upon assessment of a patient 2 days post-abdominal surgery, the nurse notes the wound
has separated and loops of bowel are protruding. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Push the bowel back into the abdomen gently
B. Cover the area with sterile saline-soaked dressings
C. Apply a tight abdominal binder immediately
D. Document the findings and check vital signs
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: This is wound evisceration, a surgical emergency. The nurse
must cover the protruding organs with sterile, saline-soaked gauze to keep them moist and
prevent infection, then notify the surgeon.
5. A patient is admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which clinical manifestation is
most characteristic of this condition?
A. Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath odor
B. Bradycardia and hypertension
C. Excessive weight gain and peripheral edema
D. Hypoglycemia and tremors
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths the body uses to
blow off CO2 to compensate for metabolic acidosis. The fruity odor comes from ketone
production.
6. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has a serum potassium of 6.8 mEq/L. Which
medication should the nurse expect to administer to rapidly shift potassium into the cells?
A. Intravenous Regular Insulin and Dextrose
B. Intravenous Calcium Gluconate
C. Oral Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)
QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
(LATEST ), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. A patient with heart failure is receiving digoxin. Which laboratory result should the nurse
prioritize reviewing before administering the next dose?
A. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
B. Serum calcium level of 9.5 mg/dL
C. Serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL
D. Serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L) significantly
increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, even if the digoxin level is within the therapeutic
range.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most indicative of a patient in uncompensated
respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 32, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.25, PaCO2 40, HCO3 18
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 55, HCO3 26
,D. pH 7.35, PaCO2 48, HCO3 28
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Uncompensated respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low
pH (<7.35) and a high PaCO2 (>45) with a normal bicarbonate level.
3. A patient with a sustained high fever is at risk for which type of shock due to fluid loss?
A. Septic shock
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Hypovolemic shock
D. Anaphylactic shock
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Fever leads to increased insensible water loss through
perspiration and respiration, which can lead to hypovolemia and subsequent shock.
4. Upon assessment of a patient 2 days post-abdominal surgery, the nurse notes the wound
has separated and loops of bowel are protruding. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Push the bowel back into the abdomen gently
B. Cover the area with sterile saline-soaked dressings
C. Apply a tight abdominal binder immediately
D. Document the findings and check vital signs
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: This is wound evisceration, a surgical emergency. The nurse
must cover the protruding organs with sterile, saline-soaked gauze to keep them moist and
prevent infection, then notify the surgeon.
5. A patient is admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which clinical manifestation is
most characteristic of this condition?
A. Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath odor
B. Bradycardia and hypertension
C. Excessive weight gain and peripheral edema
D. Hypoglycemia and tremors
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths the body uses to
blow off CO2 to compensate for metabolic acidosis. The fruity odor comes from ketone
production.
6. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has a serum potassium of 6.8 mEq/L. Which
medication should the nurse expect to administer to rapidly shift potassium into the cells?
A. Intravenous Regular Insulin and Dextrose
B. Intravenous Calcium Gluconate
C. Oral Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)
