Capstone Practice Exam 2 Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers)
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1. A client with chronic kidney disease has a serum potassium level of 6.2
mEq/L. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate?
a. Encourage increased potassium intake
b. Administer furosemide
c. Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate
d. Restrict sodium intake
Hyperkalemia is treated with sodium polystyrene sulfonate,
insulin/glucose, or dialysis. Increasing potassium or sodium would
worsen the imbalance.
,2. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen at 4 L/min via nasal cannula.
The nurse notes increasing somnolence and decreased respiratory
rate. What is the priority action?
a. Increase oxygen to 6 L/min
b. Call the provider immediately
c. Lower oxygen flow rate
d. Place the patient in Trendelenburg
COPD patients rely on hypoxic drive; too much oxygen can depress
respirations. Oxygen should be reduced safely and monitored.
3. A client recovering from thyroidectomy suddenly develops stridor and
difficulty breathing. What is the nurse’s first action?
a. Call a rapid response team
b. Prepare to administer oxygen and maintain airway
c. Check for Chvostek’s sign
d. Suction oral secretions
Airway obstruction from swelling or hemorrhage is a life-threatening
emergency. Securing the airway and oxygen is priority.
4. A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which assessment
finding would make the nurse question giving the dose?
a. HR 88 bpm
b. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L
c. HR 48 bpm
d. BP 130/70 mmHg
, Digoxin should be withheld if heart rate is <60 bpm due to risk of
bradycardia and toxicity.
5. Which dietary recommendation is most appropriate for a patient with
cirrhosis and ascites?
a. High sodium, high protein
b. Low sodium, adequate protein
c. High fat, low sodium
d. Low protein, high sodium
Sodium restriction reduces fluid retention. Protein should be adequate
unless encephalopathy worsens.
6. A client with diabetes mellitus is diaphoretic, shaky, and anxious.
Blood glucose is 52 mg/dL. Which intervention is appropriate?
a. Administer insulin
b. Call the physician
c. Give 15 g of carbohydrates
d. Encourage fluid restriction
Hypoglycemia is treated immediately with 15 g of rapid-acting
carbohydrates (e.g., juice, glucose tabs).
7. A patient with multiple sclerosis reports fatigue. Which nursing
intervention is most helpful?
a. Encourage bed rest throughout the day
b. Encourage frequent rest periods between activities
c. Promote strenuous daily exercise
, d. Restrict fluid intake
Energy conservation is key in MS—rest between activities preserves
strength without worsening fatigue.
8. Which finding indicates peritoneal dialysis is effective?
a. Fluid return is cloudy
b. Weight decreases
c. Potassium level increases
d. Abdominal girth increases
Successful dialysis removes excess fluid, reflected in weight loss and
clear effluent.
9. A patient with a DVT is receiving heparin infusion. Which lab value is
most important to monitor?
a. Hemoglobin
b. aPTT
c. PT/INR
d. Platelets only
Heparin is monitored with aPTT; warfarin is monitored with PT/INR.
10. Which intervention should be prioritized for a patient admitted
with sickle cell crisis?
a. Restrict fluids
b. Administer IV opioids and hydration
c. Provide cold compresses
d. Give iron supplements