NR 341 Complex Adult Health Exam 2
Questions and Answers with Rationales|
Updated 2026
1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving
oxygen therapy. Which oxygen delivery device is most appropriate for this
client?
A. Non-rebreather mask
B. Simple face mask
C. Nasal cannula
D. Venturi mask
Correct Answer: D. Venturi mask
Rationale: The Venturi mask delivers precise oxygen concentrations and is ideal
for COPD clients to avoid suppressing the respiratory drive.
2. A client with heart failure is receiving furosemide IV. What is the priority
assessment?
A. Blood glucose
B. Apical pulse
C. Serum potassium
D. Bowel sounds
,Correct Answer: C. Serum potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia. Monitor
potassium to prevent dysrhythmias.
3. Which ECG change is associated with hypokalemia?
A. Peaked T waves
B. Prolonged PR interval
C. ST depression
D. Wide QRS complex
Correct Answer: C. ST depression
Rationale: Hypokalemia commonly causes ST depression, flattened T waves, and
the appearance of U waves.
4. A nurse finds a patient post-op with a sudden onset of dyspnea, tachycardia,
and sharp chest pain. What is the most likely cause?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Myocardial infarction
C. Pneumonia
D. Pleural effusion
Correct Answer: A. Pulmonary embolism
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea, chest pain, and tachycardia post-op suggest a PE, a
critical complication of immobility or DVT.
5. Which sign is an early indicator of hypovolemic shock?
A. Bradycardia
B. Cold, mottled skin
, C. Increased urine output
D. Restlessness
Correct Answer: D. Restlessness
Rationale: Early hypoxia from shock affects the brain first, leading to restlessness
and anxiety.
6. A client with a chest tube for pneumothorax has no tidaling in the water seal
chamber. What should the nurse do first?
A. Clamp the chest tube
B. Check for kinks in the tubing
C. Increase suction
D. Notify the provider
Correct Answer: B. Check for kinks in the tubing
Rationale: Absence of tidaling may indicate a blockage. Always assess for tubing
issues first.
7. A client is in septic shock. Which of the following orders should the nurse
anticipate?
A. Anticoagulant therapy
B. Broad-spectrum antibiotics
C. Beta-blocker administration
D. Low-protein diet
Correct Answer: B. Broad-spectrum antibiotics
Rationale: Early and aggressive antibiotic therapy is crucial to control infection in
septic shock.
8. Which electrolyte imbalance is most associated with digoxin toxicity?
Questions and Answers with Rationales|
Updated 2026
1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving
oxygen therapy. Which oxygen delivery device is most appropriate for this
client?
A. Non-rebreather mask
B. Simple face mask
C. Nasal cannula
D. Venturi mask
Correct Answer: D. Venturi mask
Rationale: The Venturi mask delivers precise oxygen concentrations and is ideal
for COPD clients to avoid suppressing the respiratory drive.
2. A client with heart failure is receiving furosemide IV. What is the priority
assessment?
A. Blood glucose
B. Apical pulse
C. Serum potassium
D. Bowel sounds
,Correct Answer: C. Serum potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia. Monitor
potassium to prevent dysrhythmias.
3. Which ECG change is associated with hypokalemia?
A. Peaked T waves
B. Prolonged PR interval
C. ST depression
D. Wide QRS complex
Correct Answer: C. ST depression
Rationale: Hypokalemia commonly causes ST depression, flattened T waves, and
the appearance of U waves.
4. A nurse finds a patient post-op with a sudden onset of dyspnea, tachycardia,
and sharp chest pain. What is the most likely cause?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Myocardial infarction
C. Pneumonia
D. Pleural effusion
Correct Answer: A. Pulmonary embolism
Rationale: Sudden dyspnea, chest pain, and tachycardia post-op suggest a PE, a
critical complication of immobility or DVT.
5. Which sign is an early indicator of hypovolemic shock?
A. Bradycardia
B. Cold, mottled skin
, C. Increased urine output
D. Restlessness
Correct Answer: D. Restlessness
Rationale: Early hypoxia from shock affects the brain first, leading to restlessness
and anxiety.
6. A client with a chest tube for pneumothorax has no tidaling in the water seal
chamber. What should the nurse do first?
A. Clamp the chest tube
B. Check for kinks in the tubing
C. Increase suction
D. Notify the provider
Correct Answer: B. Check for kinks in the tubing
Rationale: Absence of tidaling may indicate a blockage. Always assess for tubing
issues first.
7. A client is in septic shock. Which of the following orders should the nurse
anticipate?
A. Anticoagulant therapy
B. Broad-spectrum antibiotics
C. Beta-blocker administration
D. Low-protein diet
Correct Answer: B. Broad-spectrum antibiotics
Rationale: Early and aggressive antibiotic therapy is crucial to control infection in
septic shock.
8. Which electrolyte imbalance is most associated with digoxin toxicity?
