NUR 355 Exam 2: Acute & Chronic Health Disruptions In
Adults I V1 - Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions
and Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A patient with COPD is experiencing shortness of breath. Which position should the nurse encourage to
improve breathing?
A. Prone position
B. Tripod position
C. Supine position
D. Trendelenburg position
Ans: B
Explanation: The tripod position helps patients with COPD maximize their accessory muscle use. It
facilitates better chest expansion and air exchange during respiratory distress. This position is a common
non-pharmacological intervention for chronic lung disease. Nurses should instruct the patient to lean
forward on a table or their knees. Monitoring oxygen saturation remains a priority during these episodes
of dyspnea.
2. What is the primary goal of using an incentive spirometer after surgery?
A. To increase heart rate
B. To monitor blood pressure
C. To reduce surgical pain
D. To prevent atelectasis
Ans: D
,Explanation: Incentive spirometry encourages deep breathing to keep the alveoli open and functional.
Preventing atelectasis is crucial for reducing the risk of postoperative pneumonia. The nurse must teach
the patient to inhale slowly and deeply through the device. This intervention should be performed at least
ten times every hour while awake. Consistent use significantly improves pulmonary outcomes for
surgical patients in recovery.
3. Which dietary modification is most important for a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension?
A. Increased protein intake
B. Decreased vitamin C intake
C. Increased carbohydrate intake
D. Decreased sodium intake
Ans: D
Explanation: Reducing sodium intake helps lower blood pressure by decreasing fluid retention in the
body. Excessive salt leads to increased vascular resistance and higher cardiac workload. Patients are
often encouraged to follow the DASH diet for optimal heart health. The nurse should teach the patient
how to read food labels for sodium content. Lifestyle changes are a cornerstone of managing chronic
hypertension effectively in adults.
4. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is feeling shaky and sweaty. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Administer a dose of insulin
B. Offer the patient a high-fat snack
C. Call the healthcare provider immediately
D. Check the patient’s blood glucose level
Ans: D
, Explanation: Shakiness and diaphoresis are classic signs of hypoglycemia that require immediate
assessment. Checking blood glucose confirms whether the symptoms are related to low blood sugar. If
the level is low, the nurse should follow the 15-15 rule for treatment. It is important to treat
hypoglycemia quickly to prevent neurological complications or coma. Documentation of the event and
the patient’s response is essential for care planning.
5. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of right-sided heart failure?
A. Crackles in the lungs
B. Shortness of breath
C. Peripheral edema
D. Frothy pink sputum
Ans: C
Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the systemic venous circulation. This
results in fluid accumulation in the lower extremities, known as peripheral edema. Other signs may
include jugular venous distention and an enlarged liver or spleen. The nurse should monitor daily
weights to track fluid status changes accurately. Understanding the difference between right and left
heart failure helps guide nursing interventions.
6. A patient with GERD should be advised to avoid which of the following before bedtime?
A. Drinking plain water
B. Wearing loose clothing
C. Reading a book
D. Eating large meals
Ans: D
Adults I V1 - Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions
and Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A patient with COPD is experiencing shortness of breath. Which position should the nurse encourage to
improve breathing?
A. Prone position
B. Tripod position
C. Supine position
D. Trendelenburg position
Ans: B
Explanation: The tripod position helps patients with COPD maximize their accessory muscle use. It
facilitates better chest expansion and air exchange during respiratory distress. This position is a common
non-pharmacological intervention for chronic lung disease. Nurses should instruct the patient to lean
forward on a table or their knees. Monitoring oxygen saturation remains a priority during these episodes
of dyspnea.
2. What is the primary goal of using an incentive spirometer after surgery?
A. To increase heart rate
B. To monitor blood pressure
C. To reduce surgical pain
D. To prevent atelectasis
Ans: D
,Explanation: Incentive spirometry encourages deep breathing to keep the alveoli open and functional.
Preventing atelectasis is crucial for reducing the risk of postoperative pneumonia. The nurse must teach
the patient to inhale slowly and deeply through the device. This intervention should be performed at least
ten times every hour while awake. Consistent use significantly improves pulmonary outcomes for
surgical patients in recovery.
3. Which dietary modification is most important for a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension?
A. Increased protein intake
B. Decreased vitamin C intake
C. Increased carbohydrate intake
D. Decreased sodium intake
Ans: D
Explanation: Reducing sodium intake helps lower blood pressure by decreasing fluid retention in the
body. Excessive salt leads to increased vascular resistance and higher cardiac workload. Patients are
often encouraged to follow the DASH diet for optimal heart health. The nurse should teach the patient
how to read food labels for sodium content. Lifestyle changes are a cornerstone of managing chronic
hypertension effectively in adults.
4. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is feeling shaky and sweaty. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Administer a dose of insulin
B. Offer the patient a high-fat snack
C. Call the healthcare provider immediately
D. Check the patient’s blood glucose level
Ans: D
, Explanation: Shakiness and diaphoresis are classic signs of hypoglycemia that require immediate
assessment. Checking blood glucose confirms whether the symptoms are related to low blood sugar. If
the level is low, the nurse should follow the 15-15 rule for treatment. It is important to treat
hypoglycemia quickly to prevent neurological complications or coma. Documentation of the event and
the patient’s response is essential for care planning.
5. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of right-sided heart failure?
A. Crackles in the lungs
B. Shortness of breath
C. Peripheral edema
D. Frothy pink sputum
Ans: C
Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the systemic venous circulation. This
results in fluid accumulation in the lower extremities, known as peripheral edema. Other signs may
include jugular venous distention and an enlarged liver or spleen. The nurse should monitor daily
weights to track fluid status changes accurately. Understanding the difference between right and left
heart failure helps guide nursing interventions.
6. A patient with GERD should be advised to avoid which of the following before bedtime?
A. Drinking plain water
B. Wearing loose clothing
C. Reading a book
D. Eating large meals
Ans: D
