NUR242: Medical/Surgical Nursing Concepts Exam 3
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale | Newest
Update | Galen College of Nursing
1. A patient with left-sided heart failure is being assessed. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
A. Crackles in the lungs
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Peripheral edema
D. Abdominal distention
Answer: A
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes pulmonary congestion, leading to symptoms like
crackles, dyspnea, and orthopnea. Options A, C, and D are signs of right-sided heart failure.
2. Which laboratory value is most important to monitor in a patient taking
Digoxin and Furosemide?
A. Potassium
B. Calcium
C. Sodium
D. Magnesium
Answer: A
,Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia. Low potassium levels
significantly increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation. The nurse understands the
primary risk associated with this rhythm is:
A. Embolic stroke
B. Cardiac arrest
C. Ventricular tachycardia
D. Hypovolemic shock
Answer: A
Rationale: In A-fib, the atria quiver rather than contract effectively, which can lead to
blood pooling and clot formation, increasing the risk of an embolic stroke.
4. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient in Ventricular
Fibrillation?
A. Defibrillation
B. Administering Oxygen
C. Assessing blood pressure
D. Administering Epinephrine
Answer: A
Rationale: V-fib is a lethal rhythm. Immediate defibrillation is the most effective treatment
to restore a functional rhythm.
, 5. A patient with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) complains of leg pain while
walking. The nurse identifies this as:
A. Venous insufficiency
B. Intermittent claudication
C. Deep vein thrombosis
D. Neuropathy
Answer: B
Rationale: Intermittent claudication is ischemic muscle pain that occurs during exercise
and is relieved by rest, a classic symptom of PAD.
6. Which instruction should be included for a patient with Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to improve gas exchange?
A. Drink less fluids
B. Use pursed-lip breathing
C. Breathe in through the mouth quickly
D. Maintain a supine position
Answer: B
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps keep the airways open longer during exhalation,
allowing for more CO2 to be removed.
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale | Newest
Update | Galen College of Nursing
1. A patient with left-sided heart failure is being assessed. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
A. Crackles in the lungs
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Peripheral edema
D. Abdominal distention
Answer: A
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes pulmonary congestion, leading to symptoms like
crackles, dyspnea, and orthopnea. Options A, C, and D are signs of right-sided heart failure.
2. Which laboratory value is most important to monitor in a patient taking
Digoxin and Furosemide?
A. Potassium
B. Calcium
C. Sodium
D. Magnesium
Answer: A
,Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia. Low potassium levels
significantly increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Atrial Fibrillation. The nurse understands the
primary risk associated with this rhythm is:
A. Embolic stroke
B. Cardiac arrest
C. Ventricular tachycardia
D. Hypovolemic shock
Answer: A
Rationale: In A-fib, the atria quiver rather than contract effectively, which can lead to
blood pooling and clot formation, increasing the risk of an embolic stroke.
4. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient in Ventricular
Fibrillation?
A. Defibrillation
B. Administering Oxygen
C. Assessing blood pressure
D. Administering Epinephrine
Answer: A
Rationale: V-fib is a lethal rhythm. Immediate defibrillation is the most effective treatment
to restore a functional rhythm.
, 5. A patient with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) complains of leg pain while
walking. The nurse identifies this as:
A. Venous insufficiency
B. Intermittent claudication
C. Deep vein thrombosis
D. Neuropathy
Answer: B
Rationale: Intermittent claudication is ischemic muscle pain that occurs during exercise
and is relieved by rest, a classic symptom of PAD.
6. Which instruction should be included for a patient with Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease (COPD) to improve gas exchange?
A. Drink less fluids
B. Use pursed-lip breathing
C. Breathe in through the mouth quickly
D. Maintain a supine position
Answer: B
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps keep the airways open longer during exhalation,
allowing for more CO2 to be removed.
