NUR176/NUR 176 Exam 3 V3 | Concepts
of Adult Health Nursing for the Practical
Nurse I Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which
clinical finding should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Barrel-shaped chest
B. Increased chest excursion
C. Oxygen saturation of 98% on room air
D. Bradypnea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A barrel chest is a classic finding in COPD patients due to air trapping and
hyperinflation of the lungs. The anteroposterior diameter of the chest increases, making it
equal to the lateral diameter. Patients often exhibit accessory muscle use to assist with the
increased work of breathing.
2. Which dietary instruction is most appropriate for a patient diagnosed with congestive
heart failure (CHF)?
A. Increase intake of canned soups
B. Limit fluid intake to 4 liters per day
,C. Increase intake of saturated fats
D. Follow a low-sodium diet
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A low-sodium diet is essential for CHF patients to prevent fluid retention and
exacerbation of symptoms. Excess sodium causes the body to hold onto water, which
increases the workload on an already weakened heart. Nurses should educate patients on
reading food labels to identify hidden sodium sources.
3. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix) for edema. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum potassium
C. Serum calcium
D. Serum magnesium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of potassium along with
water and sodium. Hypokalemia is a common and dangerous side effect that can lead to
cardiac arrhythmias. The nurse must monitor potassium levels and encourage the
consumption of potassium-rich foods if indicated.
, 4. A patient is being treated for a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Which symptom indicates the
development of a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
A. Increased calf circumference
B. Bradycardia
C. Sudden shortness of breath
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sudden onset of dyspnea or shortness of breath is a hallmark sign that a blood
clot has traveled to the lungs. Other symptoms may include chest pain, tachypnea, and a
feeling of impending doom. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate
notification of the healthcare provider and rapid intervention.
5. When educating a patient on the use of a Peak Flow Meter for asthma management, which
statement is correct?
A. Exhale as fast and hard as possible into the device
B. Inhale as fast and hard as possible into the device
C. Measure your peak flow once a week
D. Perform the test while lying flat in bed
Correct Answer: A
of Adult Health Nursing for the Practical
Nurse I Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is assessing a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which
clinical finding should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Barrel-shaped chest
B. Increased chest excursion
C. Oxygen saturation of 98% on room air
D. Bradypnea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A barrel chest is a classic finding in COPD patients due to air trapping and
hyperinflation of the lungs. The anteroposterior diameter of the chest increases, making it
equal to the lateral diameter. Patients often exhibit accessory muscle use to assist with the
increased work of breathing.
2. Which dietary instruction is most appropriate for a patient diagnosed with congestive
heart failure (CHF)?
A. Increase intake of canned soups
B. Limit fluid intake to 4 liters per day
,C. Increase intake of saturated fats
D. Follow a low-sodium diet
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A low-sodium diet is essential for CHF patients to prevent fluid retention and
exacerbation of symptoms. Excess sodium causes the body to hold onto water, which
increases the workload on an already weakened heart. Nurses should educate patients on
reading food labels to identify hidden sodium sources.
3. A patient is prescribed Furosemide (Lasix) for edema. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor most closely?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum potassium
C. Serum calcium
D. Serum magnesium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of potassium along with
water and sodium. Hypokalemia is a common and dangerous side effect that can lead to
cardiac arrhythmias. The nurse must monitor potassium levels and encourage the
consumption of potassium-rich foods if indicated.
, 4. A patient is being treated for a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Which symptom indicates the
development of a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
A. Increased calf circumference
B. Bradycardia
C. Sudden shortness of breath
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sudden onset of dyspnea or shortness of breath is a hallmark sign that a blood
clot has traveled to the lungs. Other symptoms may include chest pain, tachypnea, and a
feeling of impending doom. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate
notification of the healthcare provider and rapid intervention.
5. When educating a patient on the use of a Peak Flow Meter for asthma management, which
statement is correct?
A. Exhale as fast and hard as possible into the device
B. Inhale as fast and hard as possible into the device
C. Measure your peak flow once a week
D. Perform the test while lying flat in bed
Correct Answer: A
