NUR 265 Exam 2 Practice Questions (Latest 2026/2027
Update) | Pulmonary, Respiratory, Endocrine, Electrolytes |
Grade A Q&A | 100% Verified
Pulmonary Embolism, ARDS, Chest Tubes, Mechanical Ventilation, Intubation, VAP Prevention, Tension
Pneumothorax, DKA, HHS, SIADH, Cushing's, Adrenal Insufficiency, Pheochromocytoma, Thyroid Disorders,
Hypoparathyroidism, Diabetes Insipidus
SUBJECT COURSE FOCUS
Medical-Surgical Nursing NUR 265 Exam 2 Practice Pulmonary, Respiratory,
Endocrine, Electrolytes, Critical
Care
Question 1
A patient with shortness of breath and chest pain is suspected of having a pulmonary embolism (PE).
What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor and pulse oximetry
B. Administer morphine sulfate for pain
C. Prepare the patient for a V/Q scan
D. Obtain a stat ECG
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor and pulse oximetry
RATIONALE
• Continuous cardiac and oxygen saturation monitoring is priority to detect hypoxemia and dysrhythmias.
• PE can cause sudden deterioration; early detection of oxygen desaturation is critical.
• Airway and breathing take precedence over diagnostic tests.
, Question 2
Which ABG finding would the nurse expect in a patient with a newly developed pulmonary embolism?
A. pH 7.60, PaCO2 32, HCO3 23 (Respiratory alkalosis)
B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 48, HCO3 24 (Respiratory acidosis)
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 45, HCO3 22 (Normal)
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 38, HCO3 32 (Metabolic alkalosis)
CORRECT ANSWER
A. pH 7.60, PaCO2 32, HCO3 23 (Respiratory alkalosis)
RATIONALE
• PE causes hypoxemia leading to tachypnea and hyperventilation.
• Excessive CO2 excretion results in respiratory alkalosis (low PaCO2, elevated pH).
• HCO3 remains normal in acute respiratory alkalosis.
Question 3
The nurse is caring for a patient on day 10 of heparin therapy. Which patient requires priority
assessment?
A. A patient on day 10 of heparin with blood oozing from their Foley catheter
B. A patient on heparin with a PTT of 65 seconds
C. A patient on heparin who reports mild bruising at injection sites
D. A patient on heparin with an aPTT of 2 times normal
CORRECT ANSWER
A. A patient on day 10 of heparin with blood oozing from their Foley catheter
RATIONALE
• Active bleeding (oozing blood) is a sign of heparin overdose or HIT with bleeding complication.
• This patient is at risk for hemorrhagic shock and requires immediate intervention.
• Heparin may need to be discontinued and protamine sulfate administered.
Update) | Pulmonary, Respiratory, Endocrine, Electrolytes |
Grade A Q&A | 100% Verified
Pulmonary Embolism, ARDS, Chest Tubes, Mechanical Ventilation, Intubation, VAP Prevention, Tension
Pneumothorax, DKA, HHS, SIADH, Cushing's, Adrenal Insufficiency, Pheochromocytoma, Thyroid Disorders,
Hypoparathyroidism, Diabetes Insipidus
SUBJECT COURSE FOCUS
Medical-Surgical Nursing NUR 265 Exam 2 Practice Pulmonary, Respiratory,
Endocrine, Electrolytes, Critical
Care
Question 1
A patient with shortness of breath and chest pain is suspected of having a pulmonary embolism (PE).
What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor and pulse oximetry
B. Administer morphine sulfate for pain
C. Prepare the patient for a V/Q scan
D. Obtain a stat ECG
CORRECT ANSWER
A. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor and pulse oximetry
RATIONALE
• Continuous cardiac and oxygen saturation monitoring is priority to detect hypoxemia and dysrhythmias.
• PE can cause sudden deterioration; early detection of oxygen desaturation is critical.
• Airway and breathing take precedence over diagnostic tests.
, Question 2
Which ABG finding would the nurse expect in a patient with a newly developed pulmonary embolism?
A. pH 7.60, PaCO2 32, HCO3 23 (Respiratory alkalosis)
B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 48, HCO3 24 (Respiratory acidosis)
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 45, HCO3 22 (Normal)
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 38, HCO3 32 (Metabolic alkalosis)
CORRECT ANSWER
A. pH 7.60, PaCO2 32, HCO3 23 (Respiratory alkalosis)
RATIONALE
• PE causes hypoxemia leading to tachypnea and hyperventilation.
• Excessive CO2 excretion results in respiratory alkalosis (low PaCO2, elevated pH).
• HCO3 remains normal in acute respiratory alkalosis.
Question 3
The nurse is caring for a patient on day 10 of heparin therapy. Which patient requires priority
assessment?
A. A patient on day 10 of heparin with blood oozing from their Foley catheter
B. A patient on heparin with a PTT of 65 seconds
C. A patient on heparin who reports mild bruising at injection sites
D. A patient on heparin with an aPTT of 2 times normal
CORRECT ANSWER
A. A patient on day 10 of heparin with blood oozing from their Foley catheter
RATIONALE
• Active bleeding (oozing blood) is a sign of heparin overdose or HIT with bleeding complication.
• This patient is at risk for hemorrhagic shock and requires immediate intervention.
• Heparin may need to be discontinued and protamine sulfate administered.
