NUR 355 Exam 3: Acute & Chronic Health Disruptions In
Adults I V1 - Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions
and Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A patient with Type 1 diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 48 mg/dL. Which medication
should the nurse expect to administer?
A. Subcutaneous Insulin
B. Metformin
C. Oral Orange Juice
D. Intravenous Dextrose 50%
Ans: D
Explanation: The patient is unconscious and experiencing severe hypoglycemia which requires
immediate medical intervention. Intravenous Dextrose 50 percent is the fastest way to increase blood
glucose in a non-responsive patient. Oral fluids are contraindicated due to the risk of aspiration in an
unconscious individual. Insulin is never given to a patient who is already hypoglycemic as it will lower
blood sugar further. The nurse must monitor the patient closely until they regain consciousness and their
glucose stabilizes.
2. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD)?
A. Barrel chest
B. Sharp chest pain
C. High fever
D. Increased appetite
,Ans: A
Explanation: A barrel chest is a common clinical manifestation in patients with advanced COPD. This
condition occurs because the lungs are chronically overinflated with air, pushing the rib cage out.
Patients with COPD often struggle with air trapping due to damaged alveoli and airways. Other symptoms
like sharp chest pain or high fever usually indicate acute infections rather than the chronic state. The
nurse should recognize that this physical change reflects the long-term nature of the respiratory disease.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). What dietary restriction should the
nurse teach the patient?
A. Increase sodium intake
B. Unlimited fluid intake
C. High phosphorus diet
D. Limit protein intake
Ans: D
Explanation: In Stage 3 CKD, the kidneys are no longer able to effectively filter protein waste products.
Limiting protein intake helps slow the progression of the disease by reducing the workload on the
kidneys. Patients should also typically limit sodium and phosphorus to prevent further complications like
edema and bone disease. Fluid restrictions may become necessary as the disease advances to Stage 4 or
5. Education focuses on maintaining a balanced diet while protecting the remaining renal function.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Which finding is most concerning?
A. Bilateral leg cramps
B. Unilateral leg swelling and redness
C. Pale, cool skin on both legs
, D. Strong pedal pulses in both feet
Ans: B
Explanation: Unilateral swelling, warmth, and redness in one leg are classic signs of a blood clot in a
deep vein. Bilateral issues usually suggest systemic problems like heart failure or peripheral vascular
disease rather than a localized clot. The nurse must act quickly to prevent the clot from dislodging and
causing a pulmonary embolism. Strong pulses do not rule out a DVT because the clot is in the venous
system, not the arterial system. Prompt ultrasound imaging is often required to confirm the diagnosis and
start anticoagulation therapy.
5. What is the primary goal of using an incentive spirometer after surgery?
A. To reduce postoperative pain
B. To promote wound healing
C. To increase heart rate
D. To prevent atelectasis
Ans: D
Explanation: The incentive spirometer encourages deep breathing which helps keep the small air sacs in
the lungs open. This prevents atelectasis, which is the collapse of lung tissue commonly seen after general
anesthesia. Using the device helps move secretions and improves overall oxygenation during the
recovery period. While deep breathing may cause some discomfort, its primary purpose is respiratory
rather than pain management. Nurses should teach patients to use the device ten times every hour while
awake.
Adults I V1 - Arizona College Updated and Latest Questions
and Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A patient with Type 1 diabetes is found unconscious with a blood glucose of 48 mg/dL. Which medication
should the nurse expect to administer?
A. Subcutaneous Insulin
B. Metformin
C. Oral Orange Juice
D. Intravenous Dextrose 50%
Ans: D
Explanation: The patient is unconscious and experiencing severe hypoglycemia which requires
immediate medical intervention. Intravenous Dextrose 50 percent is the fastest way to increase blood
glucose in a non-responsive patient. Oral fluids are contraindicated due to the risk of aspiration in an
unconscious individual. Insulin is never given to a patient who is already hypoglycemic as it will lower
blood sugar further. The nurse must monitor the patient closely until they regain consciousness and their
glucose stabilizes.
2. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD)?
A. Barrel chest
B. Sharp chest pain
C. High fever
D. Increased appetite
,Ans: A
Explanation: A barrel chest is a common clinical manifestation in patients with advanced COPD. This
condition occurs because the lungs are chronically overinflated with air, pushing the rib cage out.
Patients with COPD often struggle with air trapping due to damaged alveoli and airways. Other symptoms
like sharp chest pain or high fever usually indicate acute infections rather than the chronic state. The
nurse should recognize that this physical change reflects the long-term nature of the respiratory disease.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). What dietary restriction should the
nurse teach the patient?
A. Increase sodium intake
B. Unlimited fluid intake
C. High phosphorus diet
D. Limit protein intake
Ans: D
Explanation: In Stage 3 CKD, the kidneys are no longer able to effectively filter protein waste products.
Limiting protein intake helps slow the progression of the disease by reducing the workload on the
kidneys. Patients should also typically limit sodium and phosphorus to prevent further complications like
edema and bone disease. Fluid restrictions may become necessary as the disease advances to Stage 4 or
5. Education focuses on maintaining a balanced diet while protecting the remaining renal function.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient for Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Which finding is most concerning?
A. Bilateral leg cramps
B. Unilateral leg swelling and redness
C. Pale, cool skin on both legs
, D. Strong pedal pulses in both feet
Ans: B
Explanation: Unilateral swelling, warmth, and redness in one leg are classic signs of a blood clot in a
deep vein. Bilateral issues usually suggest systemic problems like heart failure or peripheral vascular
disease rather than a localized clot. The nurse must act quickly to prevent the clot from dislodging and
causing a pulmonary embolism. Strong pulses do not rule out a DVT because the clot is in the venous
system, not the arterial system. Prompt ultrasound imaging is often required to confirm the diagnosis and
start anticoagulation therapy.
5. What is the primary goal of using an incentive spirometer after surgery?
A. To reduce postoperative pain
B. To promote wound healing
C. To increase heart rate
D. To prevent atelectasis
Ans: D
Explanation: The incentive spirometer encourages deep breathing which helps keep the small air sacs in
the lungs open. This prevents atelectasis, which is the collapse of lung tissue commonly seen after general
anesthesia. Using the device helps move secretions and improves overall oxygenation during the
recovery period. While deep breathing may cause some discomfort, its primary purpose is respiratory
rather than pain management. Nurses should teach patients to use the device ten times every hour while
awake.
