NUR 2502 MULTIDIMENSIONAL CARE
III EXAM 1 REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 50 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Metabolic Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range (22-26), it is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. In the emergent phase of a burn injury, which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly
expected?
A. Hypokalemia
,B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: During the emergent phase, cell destruction releases
intracellular potassium into the extracellular space, leading to hyperkalemia.
3. Using the Parkland formula, calculate the fluid resuscitation volume for the first 24 hours
for a 70 kg patient with 40% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burns.
A. 11,200 mL
B. 5,600 mL
C. 2,800 mL
D. 14,000 mL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Parkland Formula: 4 mL x kg x % TBSA. So, 4 x 70 x 40 = 11,200
mL.
4. A patient in the ICU has a high-pressure alarm sounding on the mechanical ventilator.
What is the most appropriate initial nursing action?
A. Assess the patient and suction if necessary
B. Increase the oxygen concentration
, C. Check for a leak in the circuit
D. Silence the alarm and monitor
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: High-pressure alarms are often caused by secretions, biting the
tube, or coughing. The nurse should first assess the patient and clear the airway.
5. During a mass casualty incident, a patient with a sucking chest wound is breathing but has
a high heart rate. What color triage tag should they receive?
A. Red
B. Yellow
C. Green
D. Black
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Red tags are for ‘Immediate’ life-threatening injuries that are
treatable, such as airway or breathing emergencies (e.g., tension pneumothorax or sucking
chest wound).
6. Which hemodynamic parameter is most characteristic of Septic Shock?
A. Increased Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
B. Decreased Cardiac Output
C. Decreased Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
III EXAM 1 REVIEW QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.25, PaCO2 of 50 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Metabolic Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range (22-26), it is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. In the emergent phase of a burn injury, which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly
expected?
A. Hypokalemia
,B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: During the emergent phase, cell destruction releases
intracellular potassium into the extracellular space, leading to hyperkalemia.
3. Using the Parkland formula, calculate the fluid resuscitation volume for the first 24 hours
for a 70 kg patient with 40% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burns.
A. 11,200 mL
B. 5,600 mL
C. 2,800 mL
D. 14,000 mL
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Parkland Formula: 4 mL x kg x % TBSA. So, 4 x 70 x 40 = 11,200
mL.
4. A patient in the ICU has a high-pressure alarm sounding on the mechanical ventilator.
What is the most appropriate initial nursing action?
A. Assess the patient and suction if necessary
B. Increase the oxygen concentration
, C. Check for a leak in the circuit
D. Silence the alarm and monitor
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: High-pressure alarms are often caused by secretions, biting the
tube, or coughing. The nurse should first assess the patient and clear the airway.
5. During a mass casualty incident, a patient with a sucking chest wound is breathing but has
a high heart rate. What color triage tag should they receive?
A. Red
B. Yellow
C. Green
D. Black
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Red tags are for ‘Immediate’ life-threatening injuries that are
treatable, such as airway or breathing emergencies (e.g., tension pneumothorax or sucking
chest wound).
6. Which hemodynamic parameter is most characteristic of Septic Shock?
A. Increased Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
B. Decreased Cardiac Output
C. Decreased Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
