NUR2790 Exam 2 V2 | NUR 2790 Professional
Nursing III / PN3 Exam Q&A | Rasmussen
University
────────────────────────────────────
This study guide is intended to help students strengthen their understanding of complex disease
processes, advanced nursing interventions, and acute patient care management. The content
reflects practical nursing concepts commonly tested in nursing examinations.
The questions are designed to simulate actual exam conditions while reinforcing nursing
prioritization, clinical assessment, and intervention planning skills. Detailed expert explanations
are included to support concept mastery and exam preparedness.
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The Exam Covers:
• Gastrointestinal disorder management
• Renal and urinary nursing care
• Endocrine system disorders
• Oxygenation and perfusion concepts
• Surgical patient care
• Infection management strategies
• Nursing interventions for chronic illness
• Therapeutic patient education
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1. A patient with cirrhosis of the liver has developed hepatic encephalopathy and is being
treated with Lactulose. Which finding indicates the medication is effective?
A. The patient has fewer than two bowel movements per day.
B. The patient’s blood pressure has stabilized within normal limits.
C. The patient’s ammonia levels are decreasing and mental status is improving.
,D. The patient’s abdominal girth has significantly decreased.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Lactulose works by promoting the excretion of ammonia through the
stool to treat hepatic encephalopathy. Success is measured by improved neurological
function and reduced serum ammonia levels. This medication is a laxative, so an increase in
bowel movements is expected rather than a decrease.
2. A client is in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI). What is the primary nursing
priority for this patient?
A. Monitoring for signs of fluid volume overload.
B. Increasing fluid intake to 3000 mL per day.
C. Administering loop diuretics every 4 hours.
D. Encouraging a high-protein diet for tissue repair.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: In the oliguric phase, the kidneys cannot effectively excrete urine,
leading to fluid retention. The nurse must prioritize monitoring for edema, crackles in the
lungs, and hypertension to prevent heart failure. Fluid restriction is typically required
rather than increased intake.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which clinical
manifestation is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Bradypnea and hypertension.
, B. Moist skin and excessive salivation.
C. Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath odor.
D. Negative ketones in the urine and metabolic alkalosis.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: DKA results in metabolic acidosis, which the body compensates for
using Kussmaul respirations (deep, rapid breathing). The breakdown of fats leads to ketone
production, causing a distinctive fruity breath odor. These signs are hallmark indicators of
severe hyperglycemia and acid-base imbalance.
4. A patient suddenly develops shortness of breath, chest pain, and a sense of impending
doom. The nurse suspects a pulmonary embolism (PE). What is the immediate priority
action?
A. Administer oral anticoagulants as ordered.
B. Prepare the patient for an immediate chest X-ray.
C. Apply oxygen and elevate the head of the bed.
D. Encourage the patient to walk to improve circulation.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: In an acute PE, oxygenation is severely compromised. Applying
oxygen and elevating the head of the bed (High Fowler’s) helps maximize gas exchange and
Nursing III / PN3 Exam Q&A | Rasmussen
University
────────────────────────────────────
This study guide is intended to help students strengthen their understanding of complex disease
processes, advanced nursing interventions, and acute patient care management. The content
reflects practical nursing concepts commonly tested in nursing examinations.
The questions are designed to simulate actual exam conditions while reinforcing nursing
prioritization, clinical assessment, and intervention planning skills. Detailed expert explanations
are included to support concept mastery and exam preparedness.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Gastrointestinal disorder management
• Renal and urinary nursing care
• Endocrine system disorders
• Oxygenation and perfusion concepts
• Surgical patient care
• Infection management strategies
• Nursing interventions for chronic illness
• Therapeutic patient education
════════════════════════════════════
1. A patient with cirrhosis of the liver has developed hepatic encephalopathy and is being
treated with Lactulose. Which finding indicates the medication is effective?
A. The patient has fewer than two bowel movements per day.
B. The patient’s blood pressure has stabilized within normal limits.
C. The patient’s ammonia levels are decreasing and mental status is improving.
,D. The patient’s abdominal girth has significantly decreased.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Lactulose works by promoting the excretion of ammonia through the
stool to treat hepatic encephalopathy. Success is measured by improved neurological
function and reduced serum ammonia levels. This medication is a laxative, so an increase in
bowel movements is expected rather than a decrease.
2. A client is in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI). What is the primary nursing
priority for this patient?
A. Monitoring for signs of fluid volume overload.
B. Increasing fluid intake to 3000 mL per day.
C. Administering loop diuretics every 4 hours.
D. Encouraging a high-protein diet for tissue repair.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: In the oliguric phase, the kidneys cannot effectively excrete urine,
leading to fluid retention. The nurse must prioritize monitoring for edema, crackles in the
lungs, and hypertension to prevent heart failure. Fluid restriction is typically required
rather than increased intake.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which clinical
manifestation is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Bradypnea and hypertension.
, B. Moist skin and excessive salivation.
C. Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath odor.
D. Negative ketones in the urine and metabolic alkalosis.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: DKA results in metabolic acidosis, which the body compensates for
using Kussmaul respirations (deep, rapid breathing). The breakdown of fats leads to ketone
production, causing a distinctive fruity breath odor. These signs are hallmark indicators of
severe hyperglycemia and acid-base imbalance.
4. A patient suddenly develops shortness of breath, chest pain, and a sense of impending
doom. The nurse suspects a pulmonary embolism (PE). What is the immediate priority
action?
A. Administer oral anticoagulants as ordered.
B. Prepare the patient for an immediate chest X-ray.
C. Apply oxygen and elevate the head of the bed.
D. Encourage the patient to walk to improve circulation.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: In an acute PE, oxygenation is severely compromised. Applying
oxygen and elevating the head of the bed (High Fowler’s) helps maximize gas exchange and
