NRSG 201 Exam 2 V1 | NRSG 201 Med Surg 1 |
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NRSG201 Exam 2) | Ivy
Tech
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect to see on the EKG?
A. Presence of U waves
B. Peaked T waves
C. Shortened QT interval
D. Widened QRS complex
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Hypokalemia is characterized by a serum potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L.
Clinical manifestations on an EKG often include the presence of U waves, ST-segment
depression, and flattened T waves. The nurse must prioritize cardiac monitoring because
low potassium levels affect the electrical conduction system of the heart.
2. A patient has a pH of 7.32, a PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and an HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. How should
the nurse interpret these arterial blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
,D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The pH of 7.32 indicates acidosis since it is below the normal range of 7.35 to
7.45. The PaCO2 is elevated at 52 mmHg, which points to a respiratory cause for the low
pH. Since the bicarbonate level is within the normal range, the imbalance is categorized as
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
3. Which of the following interventions is the priority for a nurse when a patient is
experiencing a suspected transfusion reaction?
A. Slow the infusion rate to a keep-open rate
B. Administer diphenhydramine as ordered
C. Stop the infusion immediately
D. Notify the healthcare provider before taking action
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The first and most critical action when a transfusion reaction is suspected is
to stop the infusion of blood products immediately. This prevents further exposure to the
potentially harmful antigen and minimizes the severity of the reaction. The nurse should
then disconnect the blood tubing and initiate normal saline through new tubing to maintain
intravenous access.
, 4. A patient with hypernatremia is being treated with intravenous fluids. Which type of IV
solution is most commonly used to move water back into the cells?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
C. Lactated Ringer’s
D. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Hypernatremia indicates an excess of sodium relative to water in the
extracellular fluid. A hypotonic solution, such as 0.45% Sodium Chloride, is used to lower
the serum sodium concentration by providing more water than electrolytes. This allows
water to move by osmosis from the vascular space back into the dehydrated cells.
5. During the preoperative phase, who is ultimately responsible for obtaining the patient’s
informed consent for a surgical procedure?
A. The circulating nurse
B. The anesthesiologist
C. The surgeon
D. The charge nurse
Correct Answer: C
Actual Q&A with Rationale (NRSG201 Exam 2) | Ivy
Tech
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which of the
following findings should the nurse expect to see on the EKG?
A. Presence of U waves
B. Peaked T waves
C. Shortened QT interval
D. Widened QRS complex
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Hypokalemia is characterized by a serum potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L.
Clinical manifestations on an EKG often include the presence of U waves, ST-segment
depression, and flattened T waves. The nurse must prioritize cardiac monitoring because
low potassium levels affect the electrical conduction system of the heart.
2. A patient has a pH of 7.32, a PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and an HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. How should
the nurse interpret these arterial blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
,D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The pH of 7.32 indicates acidosis since it is below the normal range of 7.35 to
7.45. The PaCO2 is elevated at 52 mmHg, which points to a respiratory cause for the low
pH. Since the bicarbonate level is within the normal range, the imbalance is categorized as
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
3. Which of the following interventions is the priority for a nurse when a patient is
experiencing a suspected transfusion reaction?
A. Slow the infusion rate to a keep-open rate
B. Administer diphenhydramine as ordered
C. Stop the infusion immediately
D. Notify the healthcare provider before taking action
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The first and most critical action when a transfusion reaction is suspected is
to stop the infusion of blood products immediately. This prevents further exposure to the
potentially harmful antigen and minimizes the severity of the reaction. The nurse should
then disconnect the blood tubing and initiate normal saline through new tubing to maintain
intravenous access.
, 4. A patient with hypernatremia is being treated with intravenous fluids. Which type of IV
solution is most commonly used to move water back into the cells?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
C. Lactated Ringer’s
D. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Hypernatremia indicates an excess of sodium relative to water in the
extracellular fluid. A hypotonic solution, such as 0.45% Sodium Chloride, is used to lower
the serum sodium concentration by providing more water than electrolytes. This allows
water to move by osmosis from the vascular space back into the dehydrated cells.
5. During the preoperative phase, who is ultimately responsible for obtaining the patient’s
informed consent for a surgical procedure?
A. The circulating nurse
B. The anesthesiologist
C. The surgeon
D. The charge nurse
Correct Answer: C
