NUR2571 Exam 1 V1 | NUR 2571 Professional
Nursing II / PN2 Exam Q&A | Rasmussen
University
────────────────────────────────────
This exam preparation resource is designed to help students strengthen their understanding of
professional nursing concepts, patient-centered care, and evidence-based clinical
interventions used in acute and chronic healthcare settings. The material emphasizes safe
nursing practices, therapeutic communication, and nursing prioritization skills.
The questions included in this version are structured to closely mirror the actual course exam
format and level of difficulty. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical
judgment, nursing reasoning, and exam readiness.
════════════════════════════════════
Why Use This Exam:
• Reinforces core professional nursing concepts
• Strengthens patient assessment skills
• Supports safe nursing interventions
• Improves nursing prioritization abilities
• Enhances understanding of clinical decision-making
• Provides realistic exam-style preparation
• Encourages evidence-based nursing practice
• Builds confidence for nursing assessments
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
,C. Peaked T waves on ECG
D. Strong, bounding pulses
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) commonly presents as muscle
weakness, leg cramps, and decreased deep tendon reflexes. Peaked T waves are associated
with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. Clinical judgment is essential for recognizing
electrolyte imbalances to prevent cardiac dysrhythmias.
2. Which intervention is the priority for a patient experiencing a transfusion reaction?
A. Send the blood bag to the lab
B. Notify the healthcare provider
C. Change the IV tubing and run normal saline
D. Stop the transfusion immediately
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The first action in any suspected blood transfusion reaction is to stop
the infusion to prevent further exposure to the antigen. After stopping the blood, the nurse
should maintain the IV line with normal saline using new tubing. Following these steps
ensures patient safety and stabilizes the clinical situation.
, 3. A patient has been NPO for 12 hours before surgery. They complain of thirst. What is the
most appropriate nursing action?
A. Provide a small sip of water
B. Allow the patient to suck on an ice chip
C. Provide mouth care or moisten the lips
D. Tell the patient it is only a few more hours
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The patient must remain strictly NPO to prevent the risk of aspiration
during anesthesia. Moistening the lips or providing mouth care helps alleviate dryness
without introducing fluid into the stomach. Prioritizing airway safety is a fundamental
nursing responsibility in the preoperative phase.
4. The nurse assesses a surgical wound and notices the protrusion of internal organs. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Call the surgeon immediately
B. Push the organs back into the abdominal cavity
C. Cover the wound with sterile dressings soaked in sterile saline
D. Place the patient in a High-Fowler’s position
Correct Answer: C
Nursing II / PN2 Exam Q&A | Rasmussen
University
────────────────────────────────────
This exam preparation resource is designed to help students strengthen their understanding of
professional nursing concepts, patient-centered care, and evidence-based clinical
interventions used in acute and chronic healthcare settings. The material emphasizes safe
nursing practices, therapeutic communication, and nursing prioritization skills.
The questions included in this version are structured to closely mirror the actual course exam
format and level of difficulty. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical
judgment, nursing reasoning, and exam readiness.
════════════════════════════════════
Why Use This Exam:
• Reinforces core professional nursing concepts
• Strengthens patient assessment skills
• Supports safe nursing interventions
• Improves nursing prioritization abilities
• Enhances understanding of clinical decision-making
• Provides realistic exam-style preparation
• Encourages evidence-based nursing practice
• Builds confidence for nursing assessments
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse monitor for?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
,C. Peaked T waves on ECG
D. Strong, bounding pulses
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) commonly presents as muscle
weakness, leg cramps, and decreased deep tendon reflexes. Peaked T waves are associated
with hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. Clinical judgment is essential for recognizing
electrolyte imbalances to prevent cardiac dysrhythmias.
2. Which intervention is the priority for a patient experiencing a transfusion reaction?
A. Send the blood bag to the lab
B. Notify the healthcare provider
C. Change the IV tubing and run normal saline
D. Stop the transfusion immediately
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The first action in any suspected blood transfusion reaction is to stop
the infusion to prevent further exposure to the antigen. After stopping the blood, the nurse
should maintain the IV line with normal saline using new tubing. Following these steps
ensures patient safety and stabilizes the clinical situation.
, 3. A patient has been NPO for 12 hours before surgery. They complain of thirst. What is the
most appropriate nursing action?
A. Provide a small sip of water
B. Allow the patient to suck on an ice chip
C. Provide mouth care or moisten the lips
D. Tell the patient it is only a few more hours
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The patient must remain strictly NPO to prevent the risk of aspiration
during anesthesia. Moistening the lips or providing mouth care helps alleviate dryness
without introducing fluid into the stomach. Prioritizing airway safety is a fundamental
nursing responsibility in the preoperative phase.
4. The nurse assesses a surgical wound and notices the protrusion of internal organs. Which
action should the nurse take first?
A. Call the surgeon immediately
B. Push the organs back into the abdominal cavity
C. Cover the wound with sterile dressings soaked in sterile saline
D. Place the patient in a High-Fowler’s position
Correct Answer: C
