NUR176/NUR 176 Final Exam 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 3.1 mEq/L. Which of the following
clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Peaked T-waves on ECG
B. Positive Chvostek sign
C. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypokalemia is defined as a serum potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L. Common
symptoms include muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias such as U-
waves. The nurse must prioritize monitoring the patient’s respiratory and cardiac status
during this electrolyte imbalance.
2. Which lab value is the most accurate indicator of long-term glycemic control in a patient
with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Fasting blood glucose
B. Hemoglobin A1c
,C. Post-prandial glucose
D. Urine ketones
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hemoglobin A1c measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3
months. It provides a more comprehensive view of management compared to daily finger
sticks. Patients with diabetes typically aim for a level below 7% to prevent complications.
3. A patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is experiencing dyspnea.
Which breathing technique should the nurse instruct the patient to perform?
A. Pursed-lip breathing
B. Rapid, shallow breathing
C. Deep chest breathing
D. Valsalva maneuver
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps to maintain positive pressure in the airways,
preventing alveolar collapse during exhalation. This technique assists the patient in
expelling more carbon dioxide and reduces the work of breathing. The nurse should
demonstrate the ‘smell the roses, blow out the candle’ analogy for the patient.
, 4. A nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. What is the nurse’s primary responsibility
regarding the informed consent form?
A. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure
B. Obtaining the consent if the surgeon is unavailable
C. Determining if the surgery is necessary
D. Witnessing the patient’s signature on the form
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The surgeon is legally responsible for explaining the procedure, risks, and
benefits to the patient. The nurse’s role is to act as a witness to the patient’s signature and
verify that the patient appears competent to sign. If the patient has questions about the
procedure itself, the nurse must notify the surgeon to return and clarify.
5. A patient is admitted with suspected Left-Sided Heart Failure. Which clinical finding should
the nurse prioritize during the assessment?
A. Peripheral edema in the lower extremities
B. Jugular venous distention (JVD)
C. Liver enlargement and tenderness
D. Crackles in the lungs upon auscultation
Correct Answer: D
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 3.1 mEq/L. Which of the following
clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Peaked T-waves on ECG
B. Positive Chvostek sign
C. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypokalemia is defined as a serum potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L. Common
symptoms include muscle weakness, leg cramps, and cardiac dysrhythmias such as U-
waves. The nurse must prioritize monitoring the patient’s respiratory and cardiac status
during this electrolyte imbalance.
2. Which lab value is the most accurate indicator of long-term glycemic control in a patient
with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
A. Fasting blood glucose
B. Hemoglobin A1c
,C. Post-prandial glucose
D. Urine ketones
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hemoglobin A1c measures the average blood glucose levels over the past 2 to 3
months. It provides a more comprehensive view of management compared to daily finger
sticks. Patients with diabetes typically aim for a level below 7% to prevent complications.
3. A patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is experiencing dyspnea.
Which breathing technique should the nurse instruct the patient to perform?
A. Pursed-lip breathing
B. Rapid, shallow breathing
C. Deep chest breathing
D. Valsalva maneuver
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing helps to maintain positive pressure in the airways,
preventing alveolar collapse during exhalation. This technique assists the patient in
expelling more carbon dioxide and reduces the work of breathing. The nurse should
demonstrate the ‘smell the roses, blow out the candle’ analogy for the patient.
, 4. A nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. What is the nurse’s primary responsibility
regarding the informed consent form?
A. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure
B. Obtaining the consent if the surgeon is unavailable
C. Determining if the surgery is necessary
D. Witnessing the patient’s signature on the form
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The surgeon is legally responsible for explaining the procedure, risks, and
benefits to the patient. The nurse’s role is to act as a witness to the patient’s signature and
verify that the patient appears competent to sign. If the patient has questions about the
procedure itself, the nurse must notify the surgeon to return and clarify.
5. A patient is admitted with suspected Left-Sided Heart Failure. Which clinical finding should
the nurse prioritize during the assessment?
A. Peripheral edema in the lower extremities
B. Jugular venous distention (JVD)
C. Liver enlargement and tenderness
D. Crackles in the lungs upon auscultation
Correct Answer: D
