NURS 488 Final Practice Questions With
Correct Answers
The nurse is planning to transfuse a patient with a unit of packed red blood
cells (PRBCs). Which is the only solution with which PRBCs can be
administered?
a) 5% dextrose in lactated Ringer's solution
b) 0.9% sodium chloride
c) 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride
d) 5% dextrose in water - ANSWER B - Rationale: Blood products should be
given only with 0.9% sodium chloride. A solution of 5% dextrose in water will
cause hemolysis of the blood product.
A patient requires transfusion with fresh frozen plasma (FFP). What condition
is noted on the patient's medical record?
a) Coagulation disorder
b) Anemia
c) Previous transfusion reaction
d) Hypovolemic shock - ANSWER A
A 78-year-old patient is in the recovery room after lengthy hip surgery. While
gradually awakening, the patient requests pain medication. Within 10
minutes after receiving a dose of morphine sulphate, the patient is very
lethargic; respiration is shallow, at a rate of nine respirations per minute.
What necessary action may the nurse need to perform?
,a) Administration of naloxone, an opioid reversal agent
b) Immediate intubation and artificial ventilation
c) Close observation for signs of opioid tolerance
d) Administration of an agonist opioid, such as fentanyl (Duragesic Mat) -
ANSWER A
Which is a true statement about the administration of potassium?
a) The concentration of potassium in intravenous solutions should not
exceed 60 mmol/L.
b) When given intravenously, potassium must always be given in diluted
form.
c) Oral forms should be given on an empty stomach to maximize absorption.
d) The intravenous rate should not exceed 30 mmol/hr. - ANSWER B
A patient has been diagnosed with shingles and is experiencing postherpetic
neuralgia. What would the nurse expect to administer for pain relief?
a) Transdermal lidocaine (EMLA®)
b) Naloxone hydrochloride
c) Tramadol hydrochloride (Ultram®)
d) Fentanyl (Duragesic MAT®) - ANSWER A
A patient recovering from an appendectomy also has asthma and allergies to
shellfish and iodine. To manage the patient's postoperative pain, the
physician has prescribed PCA with hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Which vital
sign is of greatest concern?
, a) Temperature
b) Pulse
c) Respirations
d) Blood Pressure - ANSWER C
Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients with a history of
which condition?
a) Burns
b) Cardiac Tachydysrhythmias
c) Kidney disease
d) Diarrhea - ANSWER C
A 57-year-old patient has been on a transdermal narcotic analgesic as part of
the management of pain for end-stage breast cancer. Lately, she has
experienced "breakthrough" pain. How should this pain be addressed?
a) The narcotic route should be changed to the rectal route, to increase
absorption.
b) Her current therapy should not be changed.
c) The baseline dose of the narcotic may need to be increased in increments.
d) She should be given NSAIDs. - ANSWER C
During the infusion of albumin, the nurse should monitor the patient for the
development of which event?
a) Fluid volume excess
b) Hypernatremia
Correct Answers
The nurse is planning to transfuse a patient with a unit of packed red blood
cells (PRBCs). Which is the only solution with which PRBCs can be
administered?
a) 5% dextrose in lactated Ringer's solution
b) 0.9% sodium chloride
c) 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride
d) 5% dextrose in water - ANSWER B - Rationale: Blood products should be
given only with 0.9% sodium chloride. A solution of 5% dextrose in water will
cause hemolysis of the blood product.
A patient requires transfusion with fresh frozen plasma (FFP). What condition
is noted on the patient's medical record?
a) Coagulation disorder
b) Anemia
c) Previous transfusion reaction
d) Hypovolemic shock - ANSWER A
A 78-year-old patient is in the recovery room after lengthy hip surgery. While
gradually awakening, the patient requests pain medication. Within 10
minutes after receiving a dose of morphine sulphate, the patient is very
lethargic; respiration is shallow, at a rate of nine respirations per minute.
What necessary action may the nurse need to perform?
,a) Administration of naloxone, an opioid reversal agent
b) Immediate intubation and artificial ventilation
c) Close observation for signs of opioid tolerance
d) Administration of an agonist opioid, such as fentanyl (Duragesic Mat) -
ANSWER A
Which is a true statement about the administration of potassium?
a) The concentration of potassium in intravenous solutions should not
exceed 60 mmol/L.
b) When given intravenously, potassium must always be given in diluted
form.
c) Oral forms should be given on an empty stomach to maximize absorption.
d) The intravenous rate should not exceed 30 mmol/hr. - ANSWER B
A patient has been diagnosed with shingles and is experiencing postherpetic
neuralgia. What would the nurse expect to administer for pain relief?
a) Transdermal lidocaine (EMLA®)
b) Naloxone hydrochloride
c) Tramadol hydrochloride (Ultram®)
d) Fentanyl (Duragesic MAT®) - ANSWER A
A patient recovering from an appendectomy also has asthma and allergies to
shellfish and iodine. To manage the patient's postoperative pain, the
physician has prescribed PCA with hydromorphone (Dilaudid). Which vital
sign is of greatest concern?
, a) Temperature
b) Pulse
c) Respirations
d) Blood Pressure - ANSWER C
Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients with a history of
which condition?
a) Burns
b) Cardiac Tachydysrhythmias
c) Kidney disease
d) Diarrhea - ANSWER C
A 57-year-old patient has been on a transdermal narcotic analgesic as part of
the management of pain for end-stage breast cancer. Lately, she has
experienced "breakthrough" pain. How should this pain be addressed?
a) The narcotic route should be changed to the rectal route, to increase
absorption.
b) Her current therapy should not be changed.
c) The baseline dose of the narcotic may need to be increased in increments.
d) She should be given NSAIDs. - ANSWER C
During the infusion of albumin, the nurse should monitor the patient for the
development of which event?
a) Fluid volume excess
b) Hypernatremia
