NUR2392/NUR 2392 Exam 1 V3 |
Multidimensional Care II (MDC 2) Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which EKG change should
the nurse expect to observe?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. Prominent U waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Prolonged QT interval
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hyperkalemia, defined as a potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L, directly impacts
myocardial conduction. Tall, peaked T waves are one of the earliest signs of potassium
toxicity on an electrocardiogram. The nurse must recognize this finding immediately to
prevent progression to ventricular fibrillation or asystole.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most consistent with a patient experiencing a
severe asthma attack?
A. pH 7.32, PaCO2 38, HCO3 18
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 55, HCO3 24
,D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 40, HCO3 32
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is hypoventilation leading to the
retention of carbon dioxide. In an acute asthma attack with airway obstruction, the PaCO2
rises and the pH drops below 7.35. The bicarbonate level remains normal initially as the
kidneys have not yet had time to compensate.
3. A nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. What is the nurse’s primary responsibility
regarding the surgical informed consent?
A. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure
B. Witnessing the patient’s signature on the form
C. Providing alternative treatment options
D. Performing the surgical site marking
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The physician is legally responsible for explaining the procedure and its
associated risks to the patient. The nurse’s role is limited to witnessing the signature and
ensuring the patient is competent to sign. If the patient expresses a lack of understanding,
the nurse must notify the surgeon to return and provide further education.
4. During a surgical procedure, the patient develops tachycardia, muscle rigidity, and a rapidly
rising temperature. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Epinephrine
, B. Atropine
C. Furosemide
D. Dantrolene sodium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: These symptoms are classic indicators of Malignant Hyperthermia, a life-
threatening pharmacogenetic disorder. Dantrolene sodium is the only skeletal muscle
relaxant that can reverse the hypermetabolic crisis by inhibiting calcium release.
Immediate intervention is required, including stopping the anesthetic agent and cooling the
patient.
5. A patient with prolonged nasogastric (NG) suctioning is at risk for which acid-base
imbalance?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Acidosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gastric secretions are highly acidic due to the presence of hydrochloric acid.
When these secretions are removed via suctioning, the body loses acid, leading to a relative
Multidimensional Care II (MDC 2) Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen University
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which EKG change should
the nurse expect to observe?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. Prominent U waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Prolonged QT interval
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hyperkalemia, defined as a potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L, directly impacts
myocardial conduction. Tall, peaked T waves are one of the earliest signs of potassium
toxicity on an electrocardiogram. The nurse must recognize this finding immediately to
prevent progression to ventricular fibrillation or asystole.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most consistent with a patient experiencing a
severe asthma attack?
A. pH 7.32, PaCO2 38, HCO3 18
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 55, HCO3 24
,D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 40, HCO3 32
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is hypoventilation leading to the
retention of carbon dioxide. In an acute asthma attack with airway obstruction, the PaCO2
rises and the pH drops below 7.35. The bicarbonate level remains normal initially as the
kidneys have not yet had time to compensate.
3. A nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. What is the nurse’s primary responsibility
regarding the surgical informed consent?
A. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure
B. Witnessing the patient’s signature on the form
C. Providing alternative treatment options
D. Performing the surgical site marking
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The physician is legally responsible for explaining the procedure and its
associated risks to the patient. The nurse’s role is limited to witnessing the signature and
ensuring the patient is competent to sign. If the patient expresses a lack of understanding,
the nurse must notify the surgeon to return and provide further education.
4. During a surgical procedure, the patient develops tachycardia, muscle rigidity, and a rapidly
rising temperature. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Epinephrine
, B. Atropine
C. Furosemide
D. Dantrolene sodium
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: These symptoms are classic indicators of Malignant Hyperthermia, a life-
threatening pharmacogenetic disorder. Dantrolene sodium is the only skeletal muscle
relaxant that can reverse the hypermetabolic crisis by inhibiting calcium release.
Immediate intervention is required, including stopping the anesthetic agent and cooling the
patient.
5. A patient with prolonged nasogastric (NG) suctioning is at risk for which acid-base
imbalance?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Acidosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gastric secretions are highly acidic due to the presence of hydrochloric acid.
When these secretions are removed via suctioning, the body loses acid, leading to a relative
