PAT 201 Practice Questions &Complete
Solutions (A+ Grade, 2025/2026 Updated)
How are
secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and the perception of thirst stimulated?
Increase in plasma osmolality
The nurse is assessing a client who has been experiencing a high fever with excessive
perspiration and diarrhea, with a plasma sodium level of 150 mmol/L. Which clinical
manifestation would the nurse associate with these assessment findings?
-Oliguria
A 26-year-old client has been admitted with suspected hyponatremia after drinking
sevexral litres of tap water in a couple of hours. What would the nurse assess for?
Lethargy, headache, confusion
Apprehension, seizures, coma
When treating fluid imbalances, which is the ultimate goal of care?
-To diagnose and correct the underlying cause
The nurse is caring for a client with a serum sodium level of 110 mmol/L. Which solution
will be used to treat this condition?
-0.9% sodium chloride
Which intravenous solution ordered by the doctor replaces an intracellular fluid volume
deficit?
-isotonic
What are the processes required to move large particles and particles with electrical
charges across membranes?
-Diffusion and active transport
A nurse is scheduled to administer a potassium supplement to a client.
Which priority action should the nurse take prior to administering the drug?
-Check the client's potassium level from the morning labs.
The nurse is caring for a client with an extracellular fluid volume deficit. The nurse is
aware that which compensatory mechanism is initiated in the presence of an
extracellular fluid volume deficit?
-Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
-The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who has
polycythemia (an increased number of RBCs). What is the most likely cause of this
finding?
-Significant hypoxemia
Which client is at greatest risk for an electrolyte imbalance?
-A 77-year-old with a urinary tract infection
The nurse is caring for an orthopedic surgical client with mild intermittent asthma.
During the second postoperative day, the client has an asthma attack while eating
lunch. Which classification of drug would the nurse anticipate to administer?
-A short-acting B2-adrenergic agonist
As a consequence of long-standing lung disease, a client is in a chronic state of
hypoxia. The nurse should anticipate which conditions?
,-Hyperventilation
-Metabolic alkalosis
A client has the following arterial blood gases: pH 7.50, HCO3- 38, PCO2 50. Which
compensatory mechanism might this client exhibit?
Hyperventilation-
A client's arterial blood gases reveal the following findings: pH 7.3, HCO3- 26 mmol/L,
PCO2 58 mm Hg. What is the interpretation of these gases?
-respiratory acidosis
A major determinant of the resting membrane potential necessary for the transmission
of nerve impulses is the ratio between _____________________
-intracellular and extracellular K+
When a nurse administers a hypotonic intravenous solution to a client, how will the
water move?
-By osmosis from the plasma compartment to the intracellular compartment
A client being treated long-term with oral sodium bicarbonate should be monitored for
which acid-base imbalance?
-Metabolic alkalosis
The nurse recognizes that __________________contributes most to the development of
a barrel chest associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
-trapped air in the alveoli and lungs
An adult client has the following results from their morning blood work - Potassium 2.5
mmol/L (LOQ) Sodium 136 mmol/L (NORMAL) How should the nurse best respond to
these values?
-Inform the doctor and monitor the client's cardiac status
Long-term airway damage that is irreversible is known as airway remodeling.
-true
The nurse assesses dyspnea and pulmonary crackles bilaterally in a client admitted
with peripheral edema. What might be the cause of these assessment findings?
increased fluid volume
A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess for
hyperkalemia?
-The client in renal failure
What pathophysiological alteration contributes to bronchospasm and airflow limitation
associated with an asthma exacerbation?
Mast cell release of histamine
Why is insulin used to treat hyperkalemia?
Insulin transports potassium from the blood into the cell
What does the nurse recognize about fluid shifts that occur due to prolonged vomiting?
-Retention of interstitial fluid occurs with depletion of extracellular fluids. - maybe
-When infusing 3% NaCl solutions, - hypertonic which clinical manifestation will the
nurse monitor for?
-Signs of pulmonary edema
A nurse is educating a client about asthma. The nurse states that good control of
symptoms is necessary due to which pathophysiologic process?
,-Uncontrolled inflammation leads to increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness and eventual
scarring
The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is
preparing to administer ipratropium and salbutamol. What is true about this drug
combination?
They work together to promote bronchodilation.
A client with anemia is showing signs of acidosis. How can a decline in red blood cells
cause someone to be acidotic?
-The RBCs are potent buffers and their loss results in less HCO3- production.
The student nurse is preparing to administer salbutamol to a client newly diagnosed
with asthma. Their instructor asks them to describe how drugs influence the autonomic
nervous system (ANS) in the treatment of asthma. What is the best response by the
student?
β2-adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system are stimulated resulting in
smooth muscle relaxation
Several children with asthma are waiting in the emergency department. The nurse
prioritizes to assess which client first?
-12-month-old who has a weak cry, has diminished breath sounds, and an O2 saturation of
90%
A 77-year-old hospitalized client has been experiencing severe diarrhea for several
days. Which statement best describes a potential risk for this client?
The client is susceptible to isotonic fluid volume deficit and hypernatremia as a result of
water losses.
Which enzyme is secreted by the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney when circulating
blood volume is reduced?
renin
The nurse understands that which immunoglobulin (Ig) may contribute to the
pathophysiologic characteristics of asthma.
-igE
When changes in total body water are accompanied by proportional changes in
electrolytes, the type of alteration that occurs is ______________.
isotonic
A 77-year-old with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is
experiencing impaired gas exchange and CO2 retention, despite a rapid respiratory rate.
Which phenomenon would the nurse most realistically anticipate?
Kidneys will increase plasma HCO3-
Which client is at risk for developing metabolic alkalosis?
A client who has been admitted with salicylate toxicity
The nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who has
been diagnosed with cor pulmonale. The nurse recognizes that this is related to which
pathophysiological process?
Hypoxemia leading to pulmonary hypertension
A nurse is caring for a client with a serum potassium level of 5.9 mmol/L. When
planning care, which body system will be most profoundly affected by this value?
The cardiovascular system
Why does obesity create a greater risk for dehydration?
, Adipose cells contain little water because fat is water repelling. Could it be this?
During acidosis, the body compensates for the increase in serum hydrogen ions by
shifting hydrogen ions into the cell in exchange for which electrolyte?
Potassium
A client has a serum sodium level of 165 mmol/L. The nurse explains that the clinical
manifestations of confusion and coma are caused by what mechanism?
High sodium in the blood vessels pulls water out of the brain cells into the blood
vessels, causing brain cells to shrink
What information would be included in the discharge teaching of a
client newly diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Techniques that relieve dyspnea
Continuous oxygen therapy
Recognition of the early signs of infection
Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines
Smoking cessation
Nutritional counseling
SELECT EVERYTHING BUT EXCERSICE
Student nurses have just finished a class on electrolyte replacement. They are asked on
a quiz to identify indications for potassium chloride. What are the correct
responses? (Select all that apply)
Treatment of hypokalemia
Treatment of mild alkalosis
Which condition does the nurse recognize as one that would cause an elevated
hematocrit and an elevated serum sodium level?
Dehydration
A client arrived in the emergency room with severe diarrhea for several days and
abdominal pain. The nurse would anticipate which blood gas values? Metabolic
acidosis
pH 7.29, PCO2 37, HCO3- 10
The nurse is caring for a client with asthma who has a respiratory rate of 32
breaths/min. Which additional assessment data should the nurse bring to
the immediate attention of the doctor?
Oxygen saturation of 86%
PCO2 value greater than 70 mmHg
No audible air movement
The nurse is teaching a client with asthma about quick-relief drugs that should be used
for acute symptoms. Which drugs does the nurse discuss with this client?
Salbutamol
Ipratropium
Solutions (A+ Grade, 2025/2026 Updated)
How are
secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and the perception of thirst stimulated?
Increase in plasma osmolality
The nurse is assessing a client who has been experiencing a high fever with excessive
perspiration and diarrhea, with a plasma sodium level of 150 mmol/L. Which clinical
manifestation would the nurse associate with these assessment findings?
-Oliguria
A 26-year-old client has been admitted with suspected hyponatremia after drinking
sevexral litres of tap water in a couple of hours. What would the nurse assess for?
Lethargy, headache, confusion
Apprehension, seizures, coma
When treating fluid imbalances, which is the ultimate goal of care?
-To diagnose and correct the underlying cause
The nurse is caring for a client with a serum sodium level of 110 mmol/L. Which solution
will be used to treat this condition?
-0.9% sodium chloride
Which intravenous solution ordered by the doctor replaces an intracellular fluid volume
deficit?
-isotonic
What are the processes required to move large particles and particles with electrical
charges across membranes?
-Diffusion and active transport
A nurse is scheduled to administer a potassium supplement to a client.
Which priority action should the nurse take prior to administering the drug?
-Check the client's potassium level from the morning labs.
The nurse is caring for a client with an extracellular fluid volume deficit. The nurse is
aware that which compensatory mechanism is initiated in the presence of an
extracellular fluid volume deficit?
-Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
-The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who has
polycythemia (an increased number of RBCs). What is the most likely cause of this
finding?
-Significant hypoxemia
Which client is at greatest risk for an electrolyte imbalance?
-A 77-year-old with a urinary tract infection
The nurse is caring for an orthopedic surgical client with mild intermittent asthma.
During the second postoperative day, the client has an asthma attack while eating
lunch. Which classification of drug would the nurse anticipate to administer?
-A short-acting B2-adrenergic agonist
As a consequence of long-standing lung disease, a client is in a chronic state of
hypoxia. The nurse should anticipate which conditions?
,-Hyperventilation
-Metabolic alkalosis
A client has the following arterial blood gases: pH 7.50, HCO3- 38, PCO2 50. Which
compensatory mechanism might this client exhibit?
Hyperventilation-
A client's arterial blood gases reveal the following findings: pH 7.3, HCO3- 26 mmol/L,
PCO2 58 mm Hg. What is the interpretation of these gases?
-respiratory acidosis
A major determinant of the resting membrane potential necessary for the transmission
of nerve impulses is the ratio between _____________________
-intracellular and extracellular K+
When a nurse administers a hypotonic intravenous solution to a client, how will the
water move?
-By osmosis from the plasma compartment to the intracellular compartment
A client being treated long-term with oral sodium bicarbonate should be monitored for
which acid-base imbalance?
-Metabolic alkalosis
The nurse recognizes that __________________contributes most to the development of
a barrel chest associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
-trapped air in the alveoli and lungs
An adult client has the following results from their morning blood work - Potassium 2.5
mmol/L (LOQ) Sodium 136 mmol/L (NORMAL) How should the nurse best respond to
these values?
-Inform the doctor and monitor the client's cardiac status
Long-term airway damage that is irreversible is known as airway remodeling.
-true
The nurse assesses dyspnea and pulmonary crackles bilaterally in a client admitted
with peripheral edema. What might be the cause of these assessment findings?
increased fluid volume
A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess for
hyperkalemia?
-The client in renal failure
What pathophysiological alteration contributes to bronchospasm and airflow limitation
associated with an asthma exacerbation?
Mast cell release of histamine
Why is insulin used to treat hyperkalemia?
Insulin transports potassium from the blood into the cell
What does the nurse recognize about fluid shifts that occur due to prolonged vomiting?
-Retention of interstitial fluid occurs with depletion of extracellular fluids. - maybe
-When infusing 3% NaCl solutions, - hypertonic which clinical manifestation will the
nurse monitor for?
-Signs of pulmonary edema
A nurse is educating a client about asthma. The nurse states that good control of
symptoms is necessary due to which pathophysiologic process?
,-Uncontrolled inflammation leads to increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness and eventual
scarring
The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is
preparing to administer ipratropium and salbutamol. What is true about this drug
combination?
They work together to promote bronchodilation.
A client with anemia is showing signs of acidosis. How can a decline in red blood cells
cause someone to be acidotic?
-The RBCs are potent buffers and their loss results in less HCO3- production.
The student nurse is preparing to administer salbutamol to a client newly diagnosed
with asthma. Their instructor asks them to describe how drugs influence the autonomic
nervous system (ANS) in the treatment of asthma. What is the best response by the
student?
β2-adrenergic receptors in the sympathetic nervous system are stimulated resulting in
smooth muscle relaxation
Several children with asthma are waiting in the emergency department. The nurse
prioritizes to assess which client first?
-12-month-old who has a weak cry, has diminished breath sounds, and an O2 saturation of
90%
A 77-year-old hospitalized client has been experiencing severe diarrhea for several
days. Which statement best describes a potential risk for this client?
The client is susceptible to isotonic fluid volume deficit and hypernatremia as a result of
water losses.
Which enzyme is secreted by the juxtaglomerular cells of the kidney when circulating
blood volume is reduced?
renin
The nurse understands that which immunoglobulin (Ig) may contribute to the
pathophysiologic characteristics of asthma.
-igE
When changes in total body water are accompanied by proportional changes in
electrolytes, the type of alteration that occurs is ______________.
isotonic
A 77-year-old with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is
experiencing impaired gas exchange and CO2 retention, despite a rapid respiratory rate.
Which phenomenon would the nurse most realistically anticipate?
Kidneys will increase plasma HCO3-
Which client is at risk for developing metabolic alkalosis?
A client who has been admitted with salicylate toxicity
The nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who has
been diagnosed with cor pulmonale. The nurse recognizes that this is related to which
pathophysiological process?
Hypoxemia leading to pulmonary hypertension
A nurse is caring for a client with a serum potassium level of 5.9 mmol/L. When
planning care, which body system will be most profoundly affected by this value?
The cardiovascular system
Why does obesity create a greater risk for dehydration?
, Adipose cells contain little water because fat is water repelling. Could it be this?
During acidosis, the body compensates for the increase in serum hydrogen ions by
shifting hydrogen ions into the cell in exchange for which electrolyte?
Potassium
A client has a serum sodium level of 165 mmol/L. The nurse explains that the clinical
manifestations of confusion and coma are caused by what mechanism?
High sodium in the blood vessels pulls water out of the brain cells into the blood
vessels, causing brain cells to shrink
What information would be included in the discharge teaching of a
client newly diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Techniques that relieve dyspnea
Continuous oxygen therapy
Recognition of the early signs of infection
Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines
Smoking cessation
Nutritional counseling
SELECT EVERYTHING BUT EXCERSICE
Student nurses have just finished a class on electrolyte replacement. They are asked on
a quiz to identify indications for potassium chloride. What are the correct
responses? (Select all that apply)
Treatment of hypokalemia
Treatment of mild alkalosis
Which condition does the nurse recognize as one that would cause an elevated
hematocrit and an elevated serum sodium level?
Dehydration
A client arrived in the emergency room with severe diarrhea for several days and
abdominal pain. The nurse would anticipate which blood gas values? Metabolic
acidosis
pH 7.29, PCO2 37, HCO3- 10
The nurse is caring for a client with asthma who has a respiratory rate of 32
breaths/min. Which additional assessment data should the nurse bring to
the immediate attention of the doctor?
Oxygen saturation of 86%
PCO2 value greater than 70 mmHg
No audible air movement
The nurse is teaching a client with asthma about quick-relief drugs that should be used
for acute symptoms. Which drugs does the nurse discuss with this client?
Salbutamol
Ipratropium
