NR 341 – Complex Adult Health Midterm
Exam (Exam 1) Questions and Answers
with Rationales 2025
• Hemodynamics
• Shock (Septic, Hypovolemic, Cardiogenic)
• Burns
• Respiratory Failure
• Mechanical Ventilation
• MODS (Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome)
• Dysrhythmias
• Cardiovascular emergencies
1. A nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). Which of the following oxygen delivery methods is appropriate to
administer low-flow oxygen therapy?
A. Non-rebreather mask
B. Venturi mask
,C. Simple face mask
D. Nasal cannula
Answer: D. Nasal cannula
Rationale: The nasal cannula is appropriate for delivering low-flow oxygen (1–6
L/min), which is essential in COPD patients to prevent suppression of the hypoxic
drive.
2. A client with heart failure has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which
medication should the nurse question?
A. Lisinopril
B. Furosemide
C. Spironolactone
D. Metoprolol
Answer: B. Furosemide
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss. Administering
it with a potassium of 2.9 mEq/L could worsen hypokalemia and cause
arrhythmias.
3. A client is in respiratory acidosis. Which of the following values would the
nurse expect on the ABG report?
A. pH 7.50, PaCO₂ 30 mmHg
B. pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg
, C. pH 7.45, PaCO₂ 35 mmHg
D. pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 25 mmHg
Answer: B. pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low pH and elevated PaCO₂
due to inadequate ventilation.
4. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a client with pulmonary
embolism?
A. Productive cough
B. Sudden-onset dyspnea
C. Low-grade fever
D. Mild leg swelling
Answer: B. Sudden-onset dyspnea
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea is a hallmark symptom of pulmonary embolism and
may indicate impaired gas exchange and hypoxia.
5. A client with chest pain is diagnosed with a STEMI. Which medication should
the nurse expect to administer first?
A. Beta-blocker
B. Statin
C. Aspirin
D. Heparin
Exam (Exam 1) Questions and Answers
with Rationales 2025
• Hemodynamics
• Shock (Septic, Hypovolemic, Cardiogenic)
• Burns
• Respiratory Failure
• Mechanical Ventilation
• MODS (Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome)
• Dysrhythmias
• Cardiovascular emergencies
1. A nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). Which of the following oxygen delivery methods is appropriate to
administer low-flow oxygen therapy?
A. Non-rebreather mask
B. Venturi mask
,C. Simple face mask
D. Nasal cannula
Answer: D. Nasal cannula
Rationale: The nasal cannula is appropriate for delivering low-flow oxygen (1–6
L/min), which is essential in COPD patients to prevent suppression of the hypoxic
drive.
2. A client with heart failure has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which
medication should the nurse question?
A. Lisinopril
B. Furosemide
C. Spironolactone
D. Metoprolol
Answer: B. Furosemide
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium loss. Administering
it with a potassium of 2.9 mEq/L could worsen hypokalemia and cause
arrhythmias.
3. A client is in respiratory acidosis. Which of the following values would the
nurse expect on the ABG report?
A. pH 7.50, PaCO₂ 30 mmHg
B. pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg
, C. pH 7.45, PaCO₂ 35 mmHg
D. pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 25 mmHg
Answer: B. pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low pH and elevated PaCO₂
due to inadequate ventilation.
4. Which assessment finding is most concerning in a client with pulmonary
embolism?
A. Productive cough
B. Sudden-onset dyspnea
C. Low-grade fever
D. Mild leg swelling
Answer: B. Sudden-onset dyspnea
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea is a hallmark symptom of pulmonary embolism and
may indicate impaired gas exchange and hypoxia.
5. A client with chest pain is diagnosed with a STEMI. Which medication should
the nurse expect to administer first?
A. Beta-blocker
B. Statin
C. Aspirin
D. Heparin
