NURS 320
EXAM 1
Verified Questions & Answers
(Health and Illness Concepts I)
Drexel University
This Document Description:
This document contains a collection of Verified
questions with accurate Answers with Rationales from
Exam 1 of NURS 320 at Drexel University. It covers core
topics assessed in the course and reflects the actual exam
format and question style. Ideal for exam preparation and concept
reinforcement.
,A client who has been suffering from severe diarrhea has developed hypokalemia
and cardiac arrhythmias as a result. Which of the following treatments would
mostlikely be ordered for this client to correct the situation?
a. IV administration of potassium
b. Oral intake of potassium by electrolyte preparations
c. Encouraged intake of potassium-rich foods, such as bananas
d. No intervention but continue to monitor the client's hemodynamic status
a. IV administration of potassium
Expert Rationale:
Hypokalemia occurs when there is not enough potassium in the body. The decrease in
potassium can cause life-threatening arrhythmias. Although hypokalemia may be
treated in various ways by adding potassium to the diet, if the condition is severe
enough that it is causing heart conduction changes, the client should receive
potassium as soon as possible to correct the situation, preferably through an IV.
A client is being seen for care after developing abdominal distention, cramping,
and hypotension. The client is diagnosed with hypokalemia secondary to
excessive use of diuretics. Which of the following nursing interventions is most
appropriate for this client?
a. Arrange for an ECG as ordered and report the findings to the provider
b. Administer an IV push of potassium as ordered
c. Prepare to set up for dialysis treatment
d. Administer sodium bicarbonate as ordered
a. Arrange for an ECG as ordered and report the findings to the provider
Expert Rationale:
A client who has developed hypokalemia is at risk of harmful cardiac dysrhythmias. If
the client is experiencing symptoms of hypokalemia, the nurse should set up for an
ECG to assess the client's heart rhythm and ensure that dysrhythmias are not present
as a result of the electrolyte imbalance.
,A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client and notes that the client
has hyperkalemia. Which of the following EKG abnormalities would be consistent
with this finding? Select all that apply.
a. Peaked T waves
b. Wide QRS
c. Prolonged QT interval
d. Atrial fibrillation
e. U wave
a and b
A client with magnesium depletion has laboratory testing which showed a
calcium level of 7.9 mg/dL. Which nursing interventions are most appropriate in
this situation? Select all that apply.
a. Increase intake of dairy products and leafy green vegetables
b. Include vitamin D supplements with calcium
c. Perform laboratory testing for vitamin K levels
d. Monitor intake and output
e. Encourage bed rest and frequent naps
a, b, and d
Expert Rationale:
Monitoring overall intake and output is going to help the nurse address the client's
calcium issue, as calcium can be affected by diarrhea, some diuretics, and intake of
calcium rich and vitamin D rich foods.
A nurse is caring for a client who has had thyroid surgery. The client's calcium
result has returned at 7.5 mg/dL. Which nursing interventions are the most
appropriate based on this calcium level? Select all that apply.
a. Implement seizure precautions
b. Assess for signs of hypocalcemia
c. Assess for signs of hypercalcemia
, d. Administer intravenous furosemide
e. Administer intravenous calcium gluconate
a, b, and e
A nurse is caring for a client who is recovering from surgery. The client has
developed a headache, muscle weakness, and mental status changes. The nurse
notes that the client's glucose level is 85 mg/dL, sodium is 126 mEq/L, potassium
is 4.8 mEq/L and calcium is 8.6 mg/dL. What intervention is most appropriate
for the nurse to perform in this situation?
a. Administer 3% sodium chloride solution
b. Give potassium chloride in 5% dextrose
c. Offer the client a drink containing glucose
d. Administer calcium supplements orally
a. Administer 3% sodium chloride solution
Expert Rationale:
This client is showing signs of hyponatremia, as well as lab values that reflect a low
sodium level. A client with hyponatremia can develop symptoms that include skeletal
muscle weakness, headache, confusion, hyperactive bowel sounds, nausea, abdominal
cramping, increased urinary output, and dry mucous membranes. The nurse would
most likely administer a hypertonic solution that contains extra sodium, such as 3%
sodium chloride.
A triage nurse, working in the Emergency Room received four admissions. Which
patient should the nurse see first?
a. A 40 year old client who is diaphoretic and complains of chest pain after
mowing the lawn
b. An 18 year old client who thinks he might have a fracture arm while playing
football. Arm is swollen and painful
c. A 35 year old client who has a leg laceration from construction work after a
metal pole fell on upper thigh
EXAM 1
Verified Questions & Answers
(Health and Illness Concepts I)
Drexel University
This Document Description:
This document contains a collection of Verified
questions with accurate Answers with Rationales from
Exam 1 of NURS 320 at Drexel University. It covers core
topics assessed in the course and reflects the actual exam
format and question style. Ideal for exam preparation and concept
reinforcement.
,A client who has been suffering from severe diarrhea has developed hypokalemia
and cardiac arrhythmias as a result. Which of the following treatments would
mostlikely be ordered for this client to correct the situation?
a. IV administration of potassium
b. Oral intake of potassium by electrolyte preparations
c. Encouraged intake of potassium-rich foods, such as bananas
d. No intervention but continue to monitor the client's hemodynamic status
a. IV administration of potassium
Expert Rationale:
Hypokalemia occurs when there is not enough potassium in the body. The decrease in
potassium can cause life-threatening arrhythmias. Although hypokalemia may be
treated in various ways by adding potassium to the diet, if the condition is severe
enough that it is causing heart conduction changes, the client should receive
potassium as soon as possible to correct the situation, preferably through an IV.
A client is being seen for care after developing abdominal distention, cramping,
and hypotension. The client is diagnosed with hypokalemia secondary to
excessive use of diuretics. Which of the following nursing interventions is most
appropriate for this client?
a. Arrange for an ECG as ordered and report the findings to the provider
b. Administer an IV push of potassium as ordered
c. Prepare to set up for dialysis treatment
d. Administer sodium bicarbonate as ordered
a. Arrange for an ECG as ordered and report the findings to the provider
Expert Rationale:
A client who has developed hypokalemia is at risk of harmful cardiac dysrhythmias. If
the client is experiencing symptoms of hypokalemia, the nurse should set up for an
ECG to assess the client's heart rhythm and ensure that dysrhythmias are not present
as a result of the electrolyte imbalance.
,A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client and notes that the client
has hyperkalemia. Which of the following EKG abnormalities would be consistent
with this finding? Select all that apply.
a. Peaked T waves
b. Wide QRS
c. Prolonged QT interval
d. Atrial fibrillation
e. U wave
a and b
A client with magnesium depletion has laboratory testing which showed a
calcium level of 7.9 mg/dL. Which nursing interventions are most appropriate in
this situation? Select all that apply.
a. Increase intake of dairy products and leafy green vegetables
b. Include vitamin D supplements with calcium
c. Perform laboratory testing for vitamin K levels
d. Monitor intake and output
e. Encourage bed rest and frequent naps
a, b, and d
Expert Rationale:
Monitoring overall intake and output is going to help the nurse address the client's
calcium issue, as calcium can be affected by diarrhea, some diuretics, and intake of
calcium rich and vitamin D rich foods.
A nurse is caring for a client who has had thyroid surgery. The client's calcium
result has returned at 7.5 mg/dL. Which nursing interventions are the most
appropriate based on this calcium level? Select all that apply.
a. Implement seizure precautions
b. Assess for signs of hypocalcemia
c. Assess for signs of hypercalcemia
, d. Administer intravenous furosemide
e. Administer intravenous calcium gluconate
a, b, and e
A nurse is caring for a client who is recovering from surgery. The client has
developed a headache, muscle weakness, and mental status changes. The nurse
notes that the client's glucose level is 85 mg/dL, sodium is 126 mEq/L, potassium
is 4.8 mEq/L and calcium is 8.6 mg/dL. What intervention is most appropriate
for the nurse to perform in this situation?
a. Administer 3% sodium chloride solution
b. Give potassium chloride in 5% dextrose
c. Offer the client a drink containing glucose
d. Administer calcium supplements orally
a. Administer 3% sodium chloride solution
Expert Rationale:
This client is showing signs of hyponatremia, as well as lab values that reflect a low
sodium level. A client with hyponatremia can develop symptoms that include skeletal
muscle weakness, headache, confusion, hyperactive bowel sounds, nausea, abdominal
cramping, increased urinary output, and dry mucous membranes. The nurse would
most likely administer a hypertonic solution that contains extra sodium, such as 3%
sodium chloride.
A triage nurse, working in the Emergency Room received four admissions. Which
patient should the nurse see first?
a. A 40 year old client who is diaphoretic and complains of chest pain after
mowing the lawn
b. An 18 year old client who thinks he might have a fracture arm while playing
football. Arm is swollen and painful
c. A 35 year old client who has a leg laceration from construction work after a
metal pole fell on upper thigh
