NUR2790/NUR 2790 Exam 1 V2 |
Professional Nursing III / PN3 Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A patient arrives at the emergency department with full-thickness burns covering the
entire right arm and the anterior trunk. Using the Rule of Nines, what is the estimated Total
Body Surface Area (TBSA) burned?
A. 18%
B. 36%
C. 27%
D. 45%
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Rule of Nines assigns 9% to the entire arm and 18% to the
anterior trunk (chest and abdomen). Adding these together results in a total of 27% TBSA.
Accurate calculation is essential because it determines the volume of fluid resuscitation
required for the patient’s survival.
2. Which clinical finding is considered an early sign of compensatory shock?
A. Hypotension
,B. Anuria
C. Tachycardia
D. Metabolic Acidosis
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Tachycardia occurs early as the body attempts to maintain cardiac
output in response to decreased stroke volume. Hypotension is often a late sign indicating
that compensatory mechanisms are failing. Monitoring heart rate is a critical nursing
intervention for early detection of hemodynamic instability.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient in the ICU with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which
position is most appropriate for this patient?
A. Supine with the head of the bed flat
B. Trendelenburg position
C. Side-lying with knees flexed
D. Semi-Fowler’s with head midline
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees promotes venous
drainage from the brain and helps lower ICP. Keeping the head midline prevents jugular
vein compression, which could further increase pressure. Proper positioning is a non-
invasive priority in neuro-critical care management.
, 4. The nurse is evaluating a patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52,
HCO3 24. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and a PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range, the condition is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis. This state is typically caused by hypoventilation or
impaired gas exchange in the lungs.
5. During the emergent phase of a burn injury, which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly
observed?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: D
Professional Nursing III / PN3 Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A patient arrives at the emergency department with full-thickness burns covering the
entire right arm and the anterior trunk. Using the Rule of Nines, what is the estimated Total
Body Surface Area (TBSA) burned?
A. 18%
B. 36%
C. 27%
D. 45%
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The Rule of Nines assigns 9% to the entire arm and 18% to the
anterior trunk (chest and abdomen). Adding these together results in a total of 27% TBSA.
Accurate calculation is essential because it determines the volume of fluid resuscitation
required for the patient’s survival.
2. Which clinical finding is considered an early sign of compensatory shock?
A. Hypotension
,B. Anuria
C. Tachycardia
D. Metabolic Acidosis
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Tachycardia occurs early as the body attempts to maintain cardiac
output in response to decreased stroke volume. Hypotension is often a late sign indicating
that compensatory mechanisms are failing. Monitoring heart rate is a critical nursing
intervention for early detection of hemodynamic instability.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient in the ICU with increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which
position is most appropriate for this patient?
A. Supine with the head of the bed flat
B. Trendelenburg position
C. Side-lying with knees flexed
D. Semi-Fowler’s with head midline
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees promotes venous
drainage from the brain and helps lower ICP. Keeping the head midline prevents jugular
vein compression, which could further increase pressure. Proper positioning is a non-
invasive priority in neuro-critical care management.
, 4. The nurse is evaluating a patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52,
HCO3 24. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and a PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range, the condition is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis. This state is typically caused by hypoventilation or
impaired gas exchange in the lungs.
5. During the emergent phase of a burn injury, which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly
observed?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: D
