NUR 2356: MULTIDIMENSIONAL CARE I
- EXAM 3 COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
|GRADE A+| JUST RELEASED
1. A patient is admitted with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which cardiac monitor
finding is the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Shortened PR interval
C. Tall, peaked T waves
D. ST segment depression
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) causes characteristic
EKG changes, most notably tall, peaked T waves and a widened QRS complex. U waves and
ST depression are associated with hypokalemia.
2. During the intraoperative phase, the circulating nurse notices a sudden rise in the patient’s
end-tidal CO2 and muscle rigidity. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Apply cooling blankets immediately
B. Administer IV Dantrolene Sodium
,C. Notify the surgeon and anesthesiologist to stop the procedure
D. Obtain an arterial blood gas sample
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: These are early signs of Malignant Hyperthermia. The very first
action is to alert the surgical team to stop the trigger (anesthesia) and surgery.
Administering Dantrolene and cooling follow immediately after.
3. A patient has the following ABG results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L.
How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Uncompensated Respiratory Acidosis
B. Compensated Metabolic Acidosis
C. Partially Compensated Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Uncompensated Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis), the PaCO2 is high (respiratory), and the
HCO3 is within the normal range (uncompensated). Therefore, it is uncompensated
respiratory acidosis.
4. Which intravenous solution is considered hypotonic and would be appropriate for a patient
experiencing cellular dehydration?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
, B. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. Lactated Ringer’s
D. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: 0.45% NaCl (Half Normal Saline) is hypotonic, meaning it shifts
fluid from the intravascular space into the cells. 0.9% NaCl and LR are isotonic, while D5NS
is hypertonic.
5. A postoperative patient reports sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. The nurse
notes a heart rate of 110 bpm and oxygen saturation of 88%. What is the nurse’s first
priority?
A. Assess the surgical incision site
B. Apply supplemental oxygen and elevate the head of the bed
C. Prepare to administer an anticoagulant
D. Notify the Rapid Response Team
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The symptoms suggest a Pulmonary Embolism (PE). Immediate
stabilization involves providing oxygen and positioning to optimize ventilation before
calling for help or definitive treatment.
- EXAM 3 COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED ANSWERS
|GRADE A+| JUST RELEASED
1. A patient is admitted with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which cardiac monitor
finding is the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Shortened PR interval
C. Tall, peaked T waves
D. ST segment depression
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) causes characteristic
EKG changes, most notably tall, peaked T waves and a widened QRS complex. U waves and
ST depression are associated with hypokalemia.
2. During the intraoperative phase, the circulating nurse notices a sudden rise in the patient’s
end-tidal CO2 and muscle rigidity. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Apply cooling blankets immediately
B. Administer IV Dantrolene Sodium
,C. Notify the surgeon and anesthesiologist to stop the procedure
D. Obtain an arterial blood gas sample
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: These are early signs of Malignant Hyperthermia. The very first
action is to alert the surgical team to stop the trigger (anesthesia) and surgery.
Administering Dantrolene and cooling follow immediately after.
3. A patient has the following ABG results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L.
How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Uncompensated Respiratory Acidosis
B. Compensated Metabolic Acidosis
C. Partially Compensated Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Uncompensated Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis), the PaCO2 is high (respiratory), and the
HCO3 is within the normal range (uncompensated). Therefore, it is uncompensated
respiratory acidosis.
4. Which intravenous solution is considered hypotonic and would be appropriate for a patient
experiencing cellular dehydration?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
, B. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. Lactated Ringer’s
D. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: 0.45% NaCl (Half Normal Saline) is hypotonic, meaning it shifts
fluid from the intravascular space into the cells. 0.9% NaCl and LR are isotonic, while D5NS
is hypertonic.
5. A postoperative patient reports sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. The nurse
notes a heart rate of 110 bpm and oxygen saturation of 88%. What is the nurse’s first
priority?
A. Assess the surgical incision site
B. Apply supplemental oxygen and elevate the head of the bed
C. Prepare to administer an anticoagulant
D. Notify the Rapid Response Team
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The symptoms suggest a Pulmonary Embolism (PE). Immediate
stabilization involves providing oxygen and positioning to optimize ventilation before
calling for help or definitive treatment.
