NSG 2610 Exam 1 Practice Questions and
Correct Answers with Rationale | Latest Update
2026/2027 | Graded A+
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client with heart failure who is prescribed furosemide
(Lasix) and digoxin (Lanoxin). Which laboratory value is most important for
the nurse to monitor before administering these medications?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum potassium
C. Serum calcium
D. Serum magnesium
Correct Answer: B. Serum potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia
(potassium loss). Low potassium levels increase the risk of digoxin toxicity
because digoxin and potassium compete for binding sites on the cardiac cell
membrane. Hypokalemia potentiates digoxin's effects and can lead to serious
cardiac dysrhythmias . The nurse should monitor potassium levels and report
values below 3.5 mEq/L.
Question 2
Which finding is the EARLIEST indicator of decreased cardiac output in a
client with heart failure?
A. Crackles in the lung bases
B. Jugular vein distention
C. Increased heart rate
D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: C. Increased heart rate
, Rationale: The earliest indicator of decreased cardiac output is an increased
heart rate (tachycardia), as the body attempts to compensate for reduced
stroke volume by increasing cardiac output through rate. Crackles, jugular
vein distention, and peripheral edema are later signs of fluid overload and
heart failure progression .
Question 3
A client with chronic bronchitis is experiencing thickened copious sputum
production. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to mobilize
secretions?
A. Restrict fluid intake to 1 L/day
B. Position the client flat in bed
C. Encourage coughing, turning, and deep breathing
D. Administer sedatives to promote rest
Correct Answer: C. Encourage coughing, turning, and deep breathing
Rationale: To mobilize secretions in chronic bronchitis, the nurse should
implement airway clearance techniques including coughing, turning, deep
breathing, hydration, and nebulizing treatments. These interventions help thin
secretions and promote expectoration . Fluid restriction and sedation would
worsen secretion retention.
Question 4
Which of the following is a risk factor for developing atelectasis
postoperatively?
A. Early ambulation
B. Use of incentive spirometry
C. Prolonged immobility and shallow breathing
D. Frequent position changes
Correct Answer: C. Prolonged immobility and shallow breathing
Rationale: Atelectasis (collapse of alveoli) occurs when ventilation is
inadequate. Risk factors include postoperative patients, patients with
Correct Answers with Rationale | Latest Update
2026/2027 | Graded A+
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client with heart failure who is prescribed furosemide
(Lasix) and digoxin (Lanoxin). Which laboratory value is most important for
the nurse to monitor before administering these medications?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum potassium
C. Serum calcium
D. Serum magnesium
Correct Answer: B. Serum potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia
(potassium loss). Low potassium levels increase the risk of digoxin toxicity
because digoxin and potassium compete for binding sites on the cardiac cell
membrane. Hypokalemia potentiates digoxin's effects and can lead to serious
cardiac dysrhythmias . The nurse should monitor potassium levels and report
values below 3.5 mEq/L.
Question 2
Which finding is the EARLIEST indicator of decreased cardiac output in a
client with heart failure?
A. Crackles in the lung bases
B. Jugular vein distention
C. Increased heart rate
D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: C. Increased heart rate
, Rationale: The earliest indicator of decreased cardiac output is an increased
heart rate (tachycardia), as the body attempts to compensate for reduced
stroke volume by increasing cardiac output through rate. Crackles, jugular
vein distention, and peripheral edema are later signs of fluid overload and
heart failure progression .
Question 3
A client with chronic bronchitis is experiencing thickened copious sputum
production. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate to mobilize
secretions?
A. Restrict fluid intake to 1 L/day
B. Position the client flat in bed
C. Encourage coughing, turning, and deep breathing
D. Administer sedatives to promote rest
Correct Answer: C. Encourage coughing, turning, and deep breathing
Rationale: To mobilize secretions in chronic bronchitis, the nurse should
implement airway clearance techniques including coughing, turning, deep
breathing, hydration, and nebulizing treatments. These interventions help thin
secretions and promote expectoration . Fluid restriction and sedation would
worsen secretion retention.
Question 4
Which of the following is a risk factor for developing atelectasis
postoperatively?
A. Early ambulation
B. Use of incentive spirometry
C. Prolonged immobility and shallow breathing
D. Frequent position changes
Correct Answer: C. Prolonged immobility and shallow breathing
Rationale: Atelectasis (collapse of alveoli) occurs when ventilation is
inadequate. Risk factors include postoperative patients, patients with
