NRSG 201 Exam 1 V1 | NRSG 201 Med Surg 1 |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NRSG201 Exam 1) | Ivy
Tech
1. A nurse is reviewing the lab results for a patient and notes a serum potassium level of 2.8
mEq/L. Which EKG change should the nurse expect to see?
A. Peaked T waves
B. Presence of U waves
C. Widened QRS complex
D. Shortened PR interval
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can
cause significant cardiac rhythm changes. The presence of a U wave is a characteristic EKG
finding for patients with low potassium levels. The nurse must monitor the patient closely
for other signs such as muscle weakness and potential respiratory failure.
2. Which medication is the primary treatment for a patient experiencing malignant
hyperthermia during surgery?
A. Atropine sulfate
B. Succinylcholine
C. Dantrolene sodium
,D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening pharmacogenetic disorder
triggered by certain anesthetic agents. Dantrolene sodium is the specific skeletal muscle
relaxant used to reverse the hypermetabolic state by inhibiting calcium release. Prompt
administration along with cooling measures is essential for patient survival.
3. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is at risk for which acid-base
imbalance?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: COPD causes chronic air trapping and hypoventilation, leading to the
retention of carbon dioxide (CO2). As CO2 levels rise, the blood pH drops, resulting in
respiratory acidosis. The nurse should monitor arterial blood gas levels to evaluate the
severity of the imbalance.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient who has just undergone abdominal surgery. Which
intervention is most effective in preventing postoperative atelectasis?
A. Incentive spirometry every hour while awake
, B. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
C. Restricting fluid intake to 1000 mL daily
D. Maintaining the patient in a supine position
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Incentive spirometry encourages deep breathing and lung expansion, which
helps prevent the collapse of alveoli. Using the device frequently is a standard nursing
intervention for postoperative patients to improve oxygenation. The nurse should also
encourage early ambulation to further reduce respiratory complications.
5. Who is ultimately responsible for obtaining the patient’s informed consent for a surgical
procedure?
A. The circulating nurse
B. The surgeon
C. The charge nurse
D. The scrub technician
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The surgeon is legally responsible for explaining the procedure, risks,
benefits, and alternatives to the patient. While the nurse may witness the patient’s
signature, they are not responsible for providing the primary education. If the patient does
not understand the procedure, the nurse must notify the surgeon to revisit the patient.
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NRSG201 Exam 1) | Ivy
Tech
1. A nurse is reviewing the lab results for a patient and notes a serum potassium level of 2.8
mEq/L. Which EKG change should the nurse expect to see?
A. Peaked T waves
B. Presence of U waves
C. Widened QRS complex
D. Shortened PR interval
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can
cause significant cardiac rhythm changes. The presence of a U wave is a characteristic EKG
finding for patients with low potassium levels. The nurse must monitor the patient closely
for other signs such as muscle weakness and potential respiratory failure.
2. Which medication is the primary treatment for a patient experiencing malignant
hyperthermia during surgery?
A. Atropine sulfate
B. Succinylcholine
C. Dantrolene sodium
,D. Epinephrine
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Malignant hyperthermia is a life-threatening pharmacogenetic disorder
triggered by certain anesthetic agents. Dantrolene sodium is the specific skeletal muscle
relaxant used to reverse the hypermetabolic state by inhibiting calcium release. Prompt
administration along with cooling measures is essential for patient survival.
3. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is at risk for which acid-base
imbalance?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: COPD causes chronic air trapping and hypoventilation, leading to the
retention of carbon dioxide (CO2). As CO2 levels rise, the blood pH drops, resulting in
respiratory acidosis. The nurse should monitor arterial blood gas levels to evaluate the
severity of the imbalance.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient who has just undergone abdominal surgery. Which
intervention is most effective in preventing postoperative atelectasis?
A. Incentive spirometry every hour while awake
, B. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
C. Restricting fluid intake to 1000 mL daily
D. Maintaining the patient in a supine position
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Incentive spirometry encourages deep breathing and lung expansion, which
helps prevent the collapse of alveoli. Using the device frequently is a standard nursing
intervention for postoperative patients to improve oxygenation. The nurse should also
encourage early ambulation to further reduce respiratory complications.
5. Who is ultimately responsible for obtaining the patient’s informed consent for a surgical
procedure?
A. The circulating nurse
B. The surgeon
C. The charge nurse
D. The scrub technician
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The surgeon is legally responsible for explaining the procedure, risks,
benefits, and alternatives to the patient. While the nurse may witness the patient’s
signature, they are not responsible for providing the primary education. If the patient does
not understand the procedure, the nurse must notify the surgeon to revisit the patient.
