NUR2571 Exam 1 V3 | NUR 2571 Professional
Nursing II / PN2 Exam Q&A | Rasmussen
University
────────────────────────────────────
This exam-style preparation material is designed to support students preparing for professional
nursing assessments involving clinical reasoning, patient management, and safe healthcare
delivery practices. The material emphasizes holistic nursing care and evidence-based nursing
interventions.
The questions are structured to closely mirror actual course assessments while reinforcing
analytical reasoning and nursing decision-making skills. Detailed expert explanations are
included to improve comprehension and academic performance.
════════════════════════════════════
Why Use This Exam:
• Improves understanding of professional nursing concepts
• Reinforces patient-centered care principles
• Supports evidence-based nursing practice
• Enhances nursing prioritization strategies
• Provides comprehensive nursing review material
• Encourages active learning and retention
• Strengthens critical thinking abilities
• Builds confidence before nursing exams
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected right-sided heart failure. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
A. Crackles in the lungs
B. Dyspnea on exertion
,C. Peripheral edema
D. Orthopnea
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Right-sided heart failure leads to systemic venous congestion
because the right ventricle is unable to pump blood effectively into the pulmonary
circulation. This causes blood to back up into the systemic veins, resulting in peripheral
edema, jugular venous distention, and hepatomegaly. Left-sided heart failure, conversely,
manifests primarily as pulmonary symptoms like crackles and dyspnea.
2. A client with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2L/min
via nasal cannula. Why is it critical to avoid high concentrations of oxygen in this patient?
A. High oxygen causes immediate pulmonary fibrosis.
B. High flow rates cause severe nasal mucosal drying.
C. It increases the risk of oxygen-induced hypertension.
D. It may suppress the hypoxic drive to breathe.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: In chronic COPD, the body often adapts to high CO2 levels, making
low oxygen levels the primary stimulus for breathing. Providing high concentrations of
oxygen can raise arterial oxygen levels enough to eliminate this ‘hypoxic drive,’ leading to
hypoventilation or respiratory arrest. The nurse must balance oxygenation with the need
to maintain the patient’s natural respiratory stimulus.
,3. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of an incentive spirometer postoperatively.
Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I should blow hard into the device to clear my lungs.
B. I will try to reach the goal volume set by the marker.
C. I should inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece.
D. I will hold my breath for 3 to 5 seconds after inhaling.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: An incentive spirometer is designed to encourage deep inhalation to
expand the alveoli and prevent atelectasis. Blowing hard into the device is incorrect
because the goal is sustained maximal inspiration, not expiration. Proper technique
involves slow inhalation, a breath hold, and frequent use (usually 10 times per hour while
awake).
4. The nurse is caring for a client with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus who is diaphoretic, shaky, and
confused. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Call the healthcare provider immediately.
B. Administer 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrates.
C. Check the client’s blood glucose level.
D. Administer the scheduled dose of regular insulin.
Correct Answer: C
, Expert Explanation: The client is exhibiting classic signs of hypoglycemia, which requires
immediate verification and intervention. Checking the blood glucose level is the first step to
confirm the condition before administering treatment according to the facility’s protocol.
Delaying assessment to call a provider could lead to further neurological decline if the
glucose is dangerously low.
5. A client is diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg. Which intervention
should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A. Elevate the affected extremity above the heart level.
B. Encourage vigorous range-of-motion exercises.
C. Massage the affected calf to improve circulation.
D. Apply cold compresses to the site of the clot.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Elevating the affected leg helps promote venous return and reduces
edema associated with DVT. Massaging the area or performing vigorous exercise is strictly
contraindicated as it can dislodge the clot, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Warm, moist
heat is typically preferred over cold to reduce inflammation and pain.
6. A nurse is evaluating a client’s understanding of dietary restrictions for a low-sodium diet.
Which food choice by the client suggests the teaching was effective?
A. Fresh grilled chicken breast
B. Frozen pepperoni pizza
Nursing II / PN2 Exam Q&A | Rasmussen
University
────────────────────────────────────
This exam-style preparation material is designed to support students preparing for professional
nursing assessments involving clinical reasoning, patient management, and safe healthcare
delivery practices. The material emphasizes holistic nursing care and evidence-based nursing
interventions.
The questions are structured to closely mirror actual course assessments while reinforcing
analytical reasoning and nursing decision-making skills. Detailed expert explanations are
included to improve comprehension and academic performance.
════════════════════════════════════
Why Use This Exam:
• Improves understanding of professional nursing concepts
• Reinforces patient-centered care principles
• Supports evidence-based nursing practice
• Enhances nursing prioritization strategies
• Provides comprehensive nursing review material
• Encourages active learning and retention
• Strengthens critical thinking abilities
• Builds confidence before nursing exams
════════════════════════════════════
1. A nurse is assessing a client with suspected right-sided heart failure. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
A. Crackles in the lungs
B. Dyspnea on exertion
,C. Peripheral edema
D. Orthopnea
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Right-sided heart failure leads to systemic venous congestion
because the right ventricle is unable to pump blood effectively into the pulmonary
circulation. This causes blood to back up into the systemic veins, resulting in peripheral
edema, jugular venous distention, and hepatomegaly. Left-sided heart failure, conversely,
manifests primarily as pulmonary symptoms like crackles and dyspnea.
2. A client with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2L/min
via nasal cannula. Why is it critical to avoid high concentrations of oxygen in this patient?
A. High oxygen causes immediate pulmonary fibrosis.
B. High flow rates cause severe nasal mucosal drying.
C. It increases the risk of oxygen-induced hypertension.
D. It may suppress the hypoxic drive to breathe.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: In chronic COPD, the body often adapts to high CO2 levels, making
low oxygen levels the primary stimulus for breathing. Providing high concentrations of
oxygen can raise arterial oxygen levels enough to eliminate this ‘hypoxic drive,’ leading to
hypoventilation or respiratory arrest. The nurse must balance oxygenation with the need
to maintain the patient’s natural respiratory stimulus.
,3. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of an incentive spirometer postoperatively.
Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I should blow hard into the device to clear my lungs.
B. I will try to reach the goal volume set by the marker.
C. I should inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece.
D. I will hold my breath for 3 to 5 seconds after inhaling.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: An incentive spirometer is designed to encourage deep inhalation to
expand the alveoli and prevent atelectasis. Blowing hard into the device is incorrect
because the goal is sustained maximal inspiration, not expiration. Proper technique
involves slow inhalation, a breath hold, and frequent use (usually 10 times per hour while
awake).
4. The nurse is caring for a client with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus who is diaphoretic, shaky, and
confused. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Call the healthcare provider immediately.
B. Administer 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrates.
C. Check the client’s blood glucose level.
D. Administer the scheduled dose of regular insulin.
Correct Answer: C
, Expert Explanation: The client is exhibiting classic signs of hypoglycemia, which requires
immediate verification and intervention. Checking the blood glucose level is the first step to
confirm the condition before administering treatment according to the facility’s protocol.
Delaying assessment to call a provider could lead to further neurological decline if the
glucose is dangerously low.
5. A client is diagnosed with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) in the left leg. Which intervention
should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A. Elevate the affected extremity above the heart level.
B. Encourage vigorous range-of-motion exercises.
C. Massage the affected calf to improve circulation.
D. Apply cold compresses to the site of the clot.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Elevating the affected leg helps promote venous return and reduces
edema associated with DVT. Massaging the area or performing vigorous exercise is strictly
contraindicated as it can dislodge the clot, leading to a pulmonary embolism. Warm, moist
heat is typically preferred over cold to reduce inflammation and pain.
6. A nurse is evaluating a client’s understanding of dietary restrictions for a low-sodium diet.
Which food choice by the client suggests the teaching was effective?
A. Fresh grilled chicken breast
B. Frozen pepperoni pizza
