NRSG 201 Exam 3 V3 | NRSG 201 Med
Surg 1 | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NRSG201 Exam 3) | Ivy Tech
1. A nurse is teaching a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) about the
purpose of pursed-lip breathing. Which statement should the nurse include?
A. It increases the respiratory rate to improve oxygenation.
B. It prevents airway collapse by maintaining positive pressure during expiration.
C. It helps to strengthen the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
D. It reduces the amount of sputum produced in the lower airways.
Correct Answer: B
Pursed-lip breathing is a technique used to keep the airways open longer by creating
back-pressure. This positive pressure prevents the smaller bronchioles from collapsing
during exhalation, which allows for more effective removal of carbon dioxide. Clients are
taught to breathe in through the nose and out slowly through puckered lips as if they are
whistling.
2. A client is admitted with an exacerbation of heart failure. Which clinical finding is most
indicative of right-sided heart failure?
A. Jugular venous distention when the head of the bed is elevated.
B. Shortness of breath while lying flat.
,C. Crackles heard upon lung auscultation.
D. Productive cough with pink, frothy sputum.
Correct Answer: A
Right-sided heart failure results in the backup of blood into the systemic venous
circulation. This leads to systemic symptoms such as jugular venous distention, peripheral
edema, and hepatomegaly. Left-sided heart failure, conversely, causes pulmonary
congestion leading to crackles and orthpnea.
3. The nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving a loop diuretic for hypertension. Which
electrolyte imbalance is the priority concern?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: D
Loop diuretics such as furosemide promote the excretion of potassium in the urine along
with water and sodium. Low potassium levels can lead to life-threatening cardiac
dysrhythmias and muscle weakness. The nurse must monitor the client’s potassium levels
closely and encourage intake of potassium-rich foods.
, 4. A client with asthma is prescribed albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). What is the
primary purpose of this medication?
A. To reduce long-term airway inflammation.
B. To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm when taken daily.
C. To provide rapid bronchodilation during an acute attack.
D. To thin out thick mucus secretions in the lungs.
Correct Answer: C
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used as a rescue medication for acute
bronchospasm. It works quickly to relax the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchi to
improve airflow. It does not address the underlying inflammation, which is managed by
corticosteroids.
5. Which intervention is most effective in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a
postoperative client?
A. Encouraging early and frequent ambulation.
B. Massaging the legs daily to improve circulation.
C. Placing a pillow under the client’s knees.
D. Restricting fluid intake to prevent venous congestion.
Correct Answer: A
Surg 1 | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NRSG201 Exam 3) | Ivy Tech
1. A nurse is teaching a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) about the
purpose of pursed-lip breathing. Which statement should the nurse include?
A. It increases the respiratory rate to improve oxygenation.
B. It prevents airway collapse by maintaining positive pressure during expiration.
C. It helps to strengthen the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
D. It reduces the amount of sputum produced in the lower airways.
Correct Answer: B
Pursed-lip breathing is a technique used to keep the airways open longer by creating
back-pressure. This positive pressure prevents the smaller bronchioles from collapsing
during exhalation, which allows for more effective removal of carbon dioxide. Clients are
taught to breathe in through the nose and out slowly through puckered lips as if they are
whistling.
2. A client is admitted with an exacerbation of heart failure. Which clinical finding is most
indicative of right-sided heart failure?
A. Jugular venous distention when the head of the bed is elevated.
B. Shortness of breath while lying flat.
,C. Crackles heard upon lung auscultation.
D. Productive cough with pink, frothy sputum.
Correct Answer: A
Right-sided heart failure results in the backup of blood into the systemic venous
circulation. This leads to systemic symptoms such as jugular venous distention, peripheral
edema, and hepatomegaly. Left-sided heart failure, conversely, causes pulmonary
congestion leading to crackles and orthpnea.
3. The nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving a loop diuretic for hypertension. Which
electrolyte imbalance is the priority concern?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: D
Loop diuretics such as furosemide promote the excretion of potassium in the urine along
with water and sodium. Low potassium levels can lead to life-threatening cardiac
dysrhythmias and muscle weakness. The nurse must monitor the client’s potassium levels
closely and encourage intake of potassium-rich foods.
, 4. A client with asthma is prescribed albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). What is the
primary purpose of this medication?
A. To reduce long-term airway inflammation.
B. To prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm when taken daily.
C. To provide rapid bronchodilation during an acute attack.
D. To thin out thick mucus secretions in the lungs.
Correct Answer: C
Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) used as a rescue medication for acute
bronchospasm. It works quickly to relax the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchi to
improve airflow. It does not address the underlying inflammation, which is managed by
corticosteroids.
5. Which intervention is most effective in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in a
postoperative client?
A. Encouraging early and frequent ambulation.
B. Massaging the legs daily to improve circulation.
C. Placing a pillow under the client’s knees.
D. Restricting fluid intake to prevent venous congestion.
Correct Answer: A
