NUR176/NUR 176 Exam 3 V2 | Concepts of
Adult Health Nursing for the Practical
Nurse I Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse prioritize during the assessment?
A. Tall, peaked T waves on the ECG
B. Increased deep tendon reflexes
C. Positive Chvostek’s sign
D. Cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which significantly
affects cardiac and muscular function. Clinical manifestations typically include muscle
weakness, leg cramps, and potentially fatal cardiac dysrhythmias. The nurse must prioritize
monitoring the patient’s heart rhythm and respiratory status to ensure safety.
2. Which intravenous fluid is considered isotonic and commonly used for initial volume
replacement in a patient with dehydration?
A. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
,C. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
D. 10% Dextrose in Water
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 0.9% Sodium Chloride, also known as Normal Saline, is an isotonic solution that
remains in the intravascular space to increase circulating volume. This fluid is the gold
standard for treating hypovolemia and fluid volume deficit. It is preferred because it does
not cause a significant shift of water between the intracellular and extracellular
compartments.
3. A patient is scheduled for surgery. Who is legally responsible for obtaining the patient’s
informed consent?
A. The scrub nurse
B. The circulating nurse
C. The nurse manager
D. The surgeon
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The surgeon or the provider performing the procedure is legally responsible for
explaining the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient. While the nurse may witness
the signing of the document, they cannot provide the primary informed consent details.
This process ensures the patient is fully aware of the medical implications before
undergoing surgery.
, 4. During the postoperative period, a patient develops a sudden onset of chest pain and
shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Paralytic ileus
D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening complication where a blood clot
travels to the lungs, often originating from a deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms like sudden
dyspnea and chest pain are classic indicators that require immediate intervention. The
nurse should stabilize the patient, provide oxygen, and notify the healthcare provider
immediately.
5. A nurse is reviewing ABG results for a patient: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 24
mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Adult Health Nursing for the Practical
Nurse I Q&A with Rationale | Hondros
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse prioritize during the assessment?
A. Tall, peaked T waves on the ECG
B. Increased deep tendon reflexes
C. Positive Chvostek’s sign
D. Cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which significantly
affects cardiac and muscular function. Clinical manifestations typically include muscle
weakness, leg cramps, and potentially fatal cardiac dysrhythmias. The nurse must prioritize
monitoring the patient’s heart rhythm and respiratory status to ensure safety.
2. Which intravenous fluid is considered isotonic and commonly used for initial volume
replacement in a patient with dehydration?
A. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
,C. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
D. 10% Dextrose in Water
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: 0.9% Sodium Chloride, also known as Normal Saline, is an isotonic solution that
remains in the intravascular space to increase circulating volume. This fluid is the gold
standard for treating hypovolemia and fluid volume deficit. It is preferred because it does
not cause a significant shift of water between the intracellular and extracellular
compartments.
3. A patient is scheduled for surgery. Who is legally responsible for obtaining the patient’s
informed consent?
A. The scrub nurse
B. The circulating nurse
C. The nurse manager
D. The surgeon
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The surgeon or the provider performing the procedure is legally responsible for
explaining the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient. While the nurse may witness
the signing of the document, they cannot provide the primary informed consent details.
This process ensures the patient is fully aware of the medical implications before
undergoing surgery.
, 4. During the postoperative period, a patient develops a sudden onset of chest pain and
shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Pulmonary embolism
C. Paralytic ileus
D. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening complication where a blood clot
travels to the lungs, often originating from a deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms like sudden
dyspnea and chest pain are classic indicators that require immediate intervention. The
nurse should stabilize the patient, provide oxygen, and notify the healthcare provider
immediately.
5. A nurse is reviewing ABG results for a patient: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 24
mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
