NUR 355 Final Exam: Acute & Chronic Health Disruptions
In Adults I V1 - Arizona College Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale
1. Which lifestyle modification is most effective in reducing blood pressure for an obese patient?
A. Reducing caffeine intake
B. Weight reduction
C. Smoking cessation
D. Taking daily vitamins
Ans: B
Explanation: Weight reduction is the primary lifestyle modification recommended to lower blood
pressure in obese individuals. Studies show that even a small weight loss can lead to significant
reductions in systemic vascular resistance. The nurse should work with the patient to establish a
sustainable diet and exercise plan. This intervention directly addresses one of the most common
modifiable risk factors for hypertension. Consistency in weight management provides long-term benefits
for cardiovascular health and reduces the need for medications.
2. What is the primary pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Absolute insulin deficiency due to beta-cell destruction
C. Excessive glucagon production
D. Chronic overconsumption of sugar
Ans: B
,Explanation: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an absolute lack of insulin secretion from the pancreas.
This occurs because the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells.
Without insulin, glucose cannot enter cells to be used for energy and accumulates in the blood. Patients
with this condition require lifelong exogenous insulin therapy to survive. Understanding this mechanism
helps the nurse explain why oral hypoglycemics are usually ineffective for these patients.
3. A patient with COPD is taught pursed-lip breathing to achieve which goal?
A. To promote carbon dioxide elimination
B. To increase the respiratory rate
C. To decrease oxygen saturation
D. To tighten the chest muscles
Ans: A
Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing helps maintain positive pressure in the airways during exhalation.
This technique prevents airway collapse and allows for more effective removal of trapped air. It
specifically assists the patient in blowing off excess carbon dioxide that often builds up in COPD. The
patient should inhale slowly through the nose and exhale through puckered lips. Nursing education on
this technique can significantly reduce the patient’s feeling of dyspnea.
4. Which medication is typically the first-line treatment for a patient experiencing fluid volume overload in
Heart Failure?
A. Beta-blockers
B. Calcium channel blockers
C. Loop diuretics
D. Aspirin
, Ans: C
Explanation: Loop diuretics like Furosemide are essential for managing acute fluid overload by
promoting diuresis. They work by inhibiting sodium and chloride reabsorption in the kidneys to increase
urine output. Reducing excess fluid volume decreases the workload on a failing heart. The nurse must
monitor the patient’s potassium levels closely while they are on this therapy. Weight monitoring is also a
critical component of assessing the effectiveness of diuretic treatment.
5. To minimize symptoms of GERD at night, the nurse should advise the patient to:
A. Lie flat on their back
B. Eat a large meal before bed
C. Elevate the head of the bed
D. Drink a glass of milk before sleeping
Ans: C
Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed uses gravity to keep stomach acid from refluxing into the
esophagus. This position is particularly helpful for patients who experience nocturnal coughing or
heartburn. The nurse should suggest using a foam wedge or blocks to raise the upper body. Avoiding
large meals close to bedtime also reduces the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. Consistent
application of these lifestyle changes can improve the patient’s quality of sleep significantly.
6. What is the most common cause of Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)?
A. Helicobacter pylori infection
B. Eating spicy foods
C. High stress levels
D. Excessive water intake
In Adults I V1 - Arizona College Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale
1. Which lifestyle modification is most effective in reducing blood pressure for an obese patient?
A. Reducing caffeine intake
B. Weight reduction
C. Smoking cessation
D. Taking daily vitamins
Ans: B
Explanation: Weight reduction is the primary lifestyle modification recommended to lower blood
pressure in obese individuals. Studies show that even a small weight loss can lead to significant
reductions in systemic vascular resistance. The nurse should work with the patient to establish a
sustainable diet and exercise plan. This intervention directly addresses one of the most common
modifiable risk factors for hypertension. Consistency in weight management provides long-term benefits
for cardiovascular health and reduces the need for medications.
2. What is the primary pathophysiology of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Insulin resistance in peripheral tissues
B. Absolute insulin deficiency due to beta-cell destruction
C. Excessive glucagon production
D. Chronic overconsumption of sugar
Ans: B
,Explanation: Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an absolute lack of insulin secretion from the pancreas.
This occurs because the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells.
Without insulin, glucose cannot enter cells to be used for energy and accumulates in the blood. Patients
with this condition require lifelong exogenous insulin therapy to survive. Understanding this mechanism
helps the nurse explain why oral hypoglycemics are usually ineffective for these patients.
3. A patient with COPD is taught pursed-lip breathing to achieve which goal?
A. To promote carbon dioxide elimination
B. To increase the respiratory rate
C. To decrease oxygen saturation
D. To tighten the chest muscles
Ans: A
Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing helps maintain positive pressure in the airways during exhalation.
This technique prevents airway collapse and allows for more effective removal of trapped air. It
specifically assists the patient in blowing off excess carbon dioxide that often builds up in COPD. The
patient should inhale slowly through the nose and exhale through puckered lips. Nursing education on
this technique can significantly reduce the patient’s feeling of dyspnea.
4. Which medication is typically the first-line treatment for a patient experiencing fluid volume overload in
Heart Failure?
A. Beta-blockers
B. Calcium channel blockers
C. Loop diuretics
D. Aspirin
, Ans: C
Explanation: Loop diuretics like Furosemide are essential for managing acute fluid overload by
promoting diuresis. They work by inhibiting sodium and chloride reabsorption in the kidneys to increase
urine output. Reducing excess fluid volume decreases the workload on a failing heart. The nurse must
monitor the patient’s potassium levels closely while they are on this therapy. Weight monitoring is also a
critical component of assessing the effectiveness of diuretic treatment.
5. To minimize symptoms of GERD at night, the nurse should advise the patient to:
A. Lie flat on their back
B. Eat a large meal before bed
C. Elevate the head of the bed
D. Drink a glass of milk before sleeping
Ans: C
Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed uses gravity to keep stomach acid from refluxing into the
esophagus. This position is particularly helpful for patients who experience nocturnal coughing or
heartburn. The nurse should suggest using a foam wedge or blocks to raise the upper body. Avoiding
large meals close to bedtime also reduces the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter. Consistent
application of these lifestyle changes can improve the patient’s quality of sleep significantly.
6. What is the most common cause of Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD)?
A. Helicobacter pylori infection
B. Eating spicy foods
C. High stress levels
D. Excessive water intake
