NUR 2356: MULTIDIMENSIONAL CARE
II - EXAM 1 PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS |GRADE A+| JUST
RELEASED
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.28, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is the patient experiencing?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis), the PaCO2 is high (respiratory), and the
HCO3 is normal, indicating uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient with a serum potassium
level of 6.2 mEq/L?
A. T-wave depression on ECG
B. Muscle weakness in lower extremities
C. Tall, peaked T-waves on ECG
,D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0) can lead to life-threatening
cardiac arrhythmias; tall, peaked T-waves are a classic early sign.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 12 hours post-abdominal surgery. The patient’s BP is
90/58, heart rate is 112 bpm, and urine output is 20 mL/hr. What is the priority action?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate as per standing orders
B. Notify the surgeon immediately
C. Encourage the patient to drink oral fluids
D. Document the findings as normal post-op changes
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: These are signs of hypovolemia or potential hemorrhage
(hypotension, tachycardia, oliguria) and require immediate medical intervention.
4. During a pre-operative assessment, a patient reports an allergy to bananas and avocados.
Which action is most appropriate?
A. Administer an antihistamine before surgery
B. Document the allergy and notify the surgical team of a potential latex allergy
C. Ask the patient if they are also allergic to iodine
D. Inform the patient that these food allergies are irrelevant to surgery
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cross-sensitivity exists between certain foods (bananas,
avocados, kiwis) and latex; the surgical team must be prepared for a latex-free
environment.
5. A patient with heart failure reports a weight gain of 3 lbs in 24 hours. Which additional
assessment finding would the nurse expect?
A. Flattened neck veins
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Crackles upon lung auscultation
D. Increased hematocrit levels
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Rapid weight gain in heart failure typically indicates fluid
volume excess, which often leads to pulmonary edema and crackles.
6. What is the primary purpose of a ‘time-out’ in the operating room immediately before the
incision is made?
A. To allow the surgeon to review the surgical steps
B. To ensure the anesthesia provider is ready
C. To verify the correct patient, site, and procedure
D. To count the sponges and instruments
II - EXAM 1 PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND
VERIFIED ANSWERS |GRADE A+| JUST
RELEASED
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.28, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is the patient experiencing?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis), the PaCO2 is high (respiratory), and the
HCO3 is normal, indicating uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient with a serum potassium
level of 6.2 mEq/L?
A. T-wave depression on ECG
B. Muscle weakness in lower extremities
C. Tall, peaked T-waves on ECG
,D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0) can lead to life-threatening
cardiac arrhythmias; tall, peaked T-waves are a classic early sign.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 12 hours post-abdominal surgery. The patient’s BP is
90/58, heart rate is 112 bpm, and urine output is 20 mL/hr. What is the priority action?
A. Increase the IV fluid rate as per standing orders
B. Notify the surgeon immediately
C. Encourage the patient to drink oral fluids
D. Document the findings as normal post-op changes
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: These are signs of hypovolemia or potential hemorrhage
(hypotension, tachycardia, oliguria) and require immediate medical intervention.
4. During a pre-operative assessment, a patient reports an allergy to bananas and avocados.
Which action is most appropriate?
A. Administer an antihistamine before surgery
B. Document the allergy and notify the surgical team of a potential latex allergy
C. Ask the patient if they are also allergic to iodine
D. Inform the patient that these food allergies are irrelevant to surgery
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cross-sensitivity exists between certain foods (bananas,
avocados, kiwis) and latex; the surgical team must be prepared for a latex-free
environment.
5. A patient with heart failure reports a weight gain of 3 lbs in 24 hours. Which additional
assessment finding would the nurse expect?
A. Flattened neck veins
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Crackles upon lung auscultation
D. Increased hematocrit levels
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Rapid weight gain in heart failure typically indicates fluid
volume excess, which often leads to pulmonary edema and crackles.
6. What is the primary purpose of a ‘time-out’ in the operating room immediately before the
incision is made?
A. To allow the surgeon to review the surgical steps
B. To ensure the anesthesia provider is ready
C. To verify the correct patient, site, and procedure
D. To count the sponges and instruments
