Complete Actual Exam QuestionsNR-574
Acute Care Practicum I NR 574 Midterm
and Finals Examplify Online Proctored
Exam Questions and Answers | 100% Pass
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1. What complication can occur if only packed red blood cells
(PRBCs) are transfused during an acute hemorrhage?
• A. Hyperkalemia due to stored RBC breakdown
• B. Iron overload leading to hemosiderosis
• C. Coagulopathy and clotting factor depletion
• D. Acute hemolytic transfusion reaction
• Correct ,,answer,,: C. Coagulopathy and clotting factor
depletion
• Rationale: PRBCs do not contain plasma or clotting factors. In a
major hemorrhage, the patient loses both red cells and plasma
components. Replacing only PRBCs dilutes the remaining clotting
factors, worsening coagulopathy. This can lead to ongoing
bleeding and a higher mortality risk. A massive transfusion
protocol typically includes PRBCs, fresh frozen plasma, and
platelets to prevent this.
2. Which of the following patients is at highest risk for developing
rhabdomyolysis?
, • A. 50-year-old with viral gastroenteritis
• B. 70-year-old with controlled hypertension
• C. 25-year-old marathon runner who collapsed at the finish line
• D. 35-year-old with a wrist fracture after a fall
• Correct ,,answer,,: C. 25-year-old marathon runner who
collapsed at the finish line
• Rationale: Exertional rhabdomyolysis occurs after extreme
physical exertion, especially when combined with dehydration or
heat illness. Marathons, high-intensity interval training, and intense
repetitive physical activity, particularly in untrained individuals or
hot conditions, are major risk factors.
3. A patient is suspected of having rhabdomyolysis. Which
diagnostic test is most reliable to confirm the diagnosis?
• A. Urinalysis for myoglobin
• B. Serum creatine kinase (CK) level
• C. Complete blood count (CBC)
• D. Serum electrolyte panel
• Correct ,,answer,,: B. Serum creatine kinase (CK) level
• Rationale: Serum CK is the most reliable laboratory test for
diagnosing rhabdomyolysis. It begins to rise within 2–12 hours,
peaks around 24–72 hours, and is typically >1,000 IU/L. A
diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis is suggested by dark urine or acute
neuromuscular symptoms PLUS an acute elevation in serum CK at
least 5 times the upper limit of normal.
4. A patient with rhabdomyolysis develops an EKG showing
markedly elevated T waves and a widening QRS complex. The
AGACNP should anticipate which electrolyte abnormality?
• A. Hypokalemia
, • B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Hypocalcemia
• Correct ,,answer,,: B. Hyperkalemia
• Rationale: In rhabdomyolysis, damaged muscle cells release large
amounts of intracellular potassium into the bloodstream, leading to
hyperkalemia. This can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias,
with EKG changes including tall peaked T waves, PR
prolongation, and QRS widening. Immediate treatment is required
to prevent cardiac arrest.
5. In addition to hyperkalemia, which electrolyte imbalances are
commonly seen in rhabdomyolysis?
• A. Hypokalemia and hypernatremia
• B. Hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia
• C. Hypophosphatemia and hypercalcemia
• D. Hyponatremia and hyperkalemia
• Correct ,,answer,,: B. Hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia
• Rationale: Muscle breakdown releases not only potassium but also
phosphate and uric acid, causing hyperphosphatemia and
hyperuricemia. Additionally, damaged tissue leads to calcium
deposition, causing hypocalcemia. The combination of
hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, and
hypocalcemia is characteristic of rhabdomyolysis.
6. How often should a creatine kinase (CK) level be drawn in a
patient with confirmed rhabdomyolysis?
• A. Once daily for three days
• B. Every 12–24 hours until a downward trend is established
• C. Every 6–12 hours to establish a peak level
, • D. Only if the patient develops oliguria
• Correct ,,answer,,: C. Every 6–12 hours to establish a peak
level
• Rationale: CK levels should be monitored every 6–12 hours until
a peak level is established and then a subsequent downward trend
is observed. This frequent monitoring helps assess the severity of
muscle injury and guides treatment decisions. Once the CK begins
to decline, the frequency of monitoring can be reduced.
7. Which of the following infections is known to directly cause
rhabdomyolysis?
• A. Bacterial infections like strep throat
• B. Viral infections such as influenza and HIV
• C. Parasitic infections like malaria
• D. Fungal infections such as candidiasis
• Correct ,,answer,,: B. Viral infections such as influenza and
HIV
• Rationale: Certain bacterial and viral infections can directly attack
muscle tissue, leading to rhabdomyolysis. These include Epstein-
Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), HIV, Coxsackie virus,
influenza, herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus
(VZV), and various bacterial pathogens like E. coli and Legionella.
Prompt recognition is essential to prevent acute kidney injury.
8. A patient with rhabdomyolysis develops dark "tea-colored"
urine. The AGACNP understands that this finding is caused by:
• A. Hematuria from renal trauma
• B. Myoglobinuria from muscle breakdown
• C. Bilirubinuria from liver injury
• D. Concentrated urine from dehydration