NUR2571 Exam 2 V2 | NUR 2571 Professional
Nursing II / PN2 Exam Q&A | Rasmussen
University
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This study guide is intended to help students strengthen their understanding of complex disease
processes, therapeutic nursing interventions, and safe patient management strategies. The
content reflects practical nursing concepts commonly tested in professional nursing
examinations.
The questions are designed to simulate actual exam conditions while reinforcing nursing
prioritization, patient assessment, and intervention planning skills. Detailed expert explanations
are included to support concept mastery and exam preparedness.
════════════════════════════════════
Why Use This Exam:
• Improves understanding of complex nursing care
• Reinforces patient assessment findings
• Strengthens therapeutic intervention planning
• Supports clinical decision-making development
• Enhances nursing prioritization abilities
• Provides comprehensive nursing review material
• Encourages evidence-based healthcare thinking
• Builds confidence for professional nursing exams
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1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min
via nasal cannula. The nurse notes the patient’s oxygen saturation is 88%. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min immediately.
B. Assess the patient’s respiratory rate and rhythm.
,C. Notify the healthcare provider of the low saturation.
D. Change the delivery method to a non-rebreather mask.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The nurse should first assess the patient’s clinical status before
intervening. Patients with COPD often have lower baseline oxygen saturation levels,
typically between 88% and 92%. A thorough assessment ensures that the nurse has
complete data before deciding if an increase in oxygen is necessary or safe.
2. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find in a patient diagnosed with
left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema in the lower extremities.
B. Jugular venous distention (JVD).
C. Hepatomegaly and abdominal bloating.
D. Crackles upon lung auscultation.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the pulmonary system
because the left ventricle cannot pump blood efficiently to the body, causing backflow into
the lungs. This leads to pulmonary congestion and crackles. The other options are
symptoms of right-sided heart failure, where blood backs up into the systemic circulation.
, 3. A patient is admitted with suspected appendicitis. Which nursing intervention is
contraindicated for this patient?
A. Applying a warm heating pad to the abdomen.
B. Administering prescribed intravenous antibiotics.
C. Maintaining NPO status for the patient.
D. Assessing for rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Applying heat to the abdomen in a patient with suspected
appendicitis is contraindicated because it can increase blood flow and pressure in the
appendix, leading to rupture. Standard care includes NPO status to prepare for potential
surgery and IV antibiotics. Rebound tenderness is a diagnostic sign used during
assessment.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which EKG change is
most likely associated with this finding?
A. U-waves.
B. Flattened T-waves.
C. Prolonged QT interval.
D. Tall, peaked T-waves.
Correct Answer: D
Nursing II / PN2 Exam Q&A | Rasmussen
University
────────────────────────────────────
This study guide is intended to help students strengthen their understanding of complex disease
processes, therapeutic nursing interventions, and safe patient management strategies. The
content reflects practical nursing concepts commonly tested in professional nursing
examinations.
The questions are designed to simulate actual exam conditions while reinforcing nursing
prioritization, patient assessment, and intervention planning skills. Detailed expert explanations
are included to support concept mastery and exam preparedness.
════════════════════════════════════
Why Use This Exam:
• Improves understanding of complex nursing care
• Reinforces patient assessment findings
• Strengthens therapeutic intervention planning
• Supports clinical decision-making development
• Enhances nursing prioritization abilities
• Provides comprehensive nursing review material
• Encourages evidence-based healthcare thinking
• Builds confidence for professional nursing exams
════════════════════════════════════
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min
via nasal cannula. The nurse notes the patient’s oxygen saturation is 88%. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min immediately.
B. Assess the patient’s respiratory rate and rhythm.
,C. Notify the healthcare provider of the low saturation.
D. Change the delivery method to a non-rebreather mask.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The nurse should first assess the patient’s clinical status before
intervening. Patients with COPD often have lower baseline oxygen saturation levels,
typically between 88% and 92%. A thorough assessment ensures that the nurse has
complete data before deciding if an increase in oxygen is necessary or safe.
2. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find in a patient diagnosed with
left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema in the lower extremities.
B. Jugular venous distention (JVD).
C. Hepatomegaly and abdominal bloating.
D. Crackles upon lung auscultation.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Left-sided heart failure primarily affects the pulmonary system
because the left ventricle cannot pump blood efficiently to the body, causing backflow into
the lungs. This leads to pulmonary congestion and crackles. The other options are
symptoms of right-sided heart failure, where blood backs up into the systemic circulation.
, 3. A patient is admitted with suspected appendicitis. Which nursing intervention is
contraindicated for this patient?
A. Applying a warm heating pad to the abdomen.
B. Administering prescribed intravenous antibiotics.
C. Maintaining NPO status for the patient.
D. Assessing for rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Applying heat to the abdomen in a patient with suspected
appendicitis is contraindicated because it can increase blood flow and pressure in the
appendix, leading to rupture. Standard care includes NPO status to prepare for potential
surgery and IV antibiotics. Rebound tenderness is a diagnostic sign used during
assessment.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which EKG change is
most likely associated with this finding?
A. U-waves.
B. Flattened T-waves.
C. Prolonged QT interval.
D. Tall, peaked T-waves.
Correct Answer: D