Adult Health II (D446) New OA 2 Final
Exam V1 | Adult Health II (D446) New OA 2
Exam Q&A | WGU
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance should
the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypomagnesemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of water, sodium, and
potassium. Hypokalemia is a common and serious side effect that can lead to cardiac
dysrhythmias. The nurse must monitor serum potassium levels and encourage the intake of
potassium-rich foods or supplements as ordered.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of a tension pneumothorax?
A. Increased breath sounds on the affected side
B. Tracheal deviation to the unaffected side
,C. Bradycardia and hypertension
D. Flattened neck veins
Answer: B
Rationale: A tension pneumothorax causes air to become trapped in the pleural space,
leading to increased intrathoracic pressure. This pressure shifts the mediastinum and
pushes the trachea toward the opposite, unaffected side. This is a medical emergency that
requires immediate needle decompression or chest tube insertion.
3. A patient is admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which IV fluid should the nurse
expect to administer first?
A. 5% Dextrose in 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
C. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
D. 3% Sodium Chloride
Answer: C
Rationale: Initial management of DKA focuses on rehydration to restore circulatory
volume. Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) is the fluid of choice for initial boluses to address
dehydration and hypotension. Once blood glucose levels drop to a certain threshold,
dextrose is added to prevent hypoglycemia.
, 4. What is the primary goal of using a PEEP (Positive End-Expiratory Pressure) setting on a
mechanical ventilator?
A. To prevent alveolar collapse at the end of expiration
B. To decrease the work of breathing during inspiration
C. To increase the respiratory rate of the patient
D. To lower the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
Answer: A
Rationale: PEEP maintains a positive pressure in the airways at the end of the exhalation
phase. This prevents the alveoli from collapsing, which improves gas exchange and
oxygenation. It is especially beneficial for patients with conditions like ARDS where lung
compliance is decreased.
5. A patient with cirrhosis presents with increased confusion and flapping tremors of the
hands (asterixis). Which lab value does the nurse anticipate being elevated?
A. Serum Albumin
B. Serum Potassium
C. Serum Ammonia
D. Serum Glucose
Answer: C
Exam V1 | Adult Health II (D446) New OA 2
Exam Q&A | WGU
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance should
the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hypomagnesemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes the excretion of water, sodium, and
potassium. Hypokalemia is a common and serious side effect that can lead to cardiac
dysrhythmias. The nurse must monitor serum potassium levels and encourage the intake of
potassium-rich foods or supplements as ordered.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of a tension pneumothorax?
A. Increased breath sounds on the affected side
B. Tracheal deviation to the unaffected side
,C. Bradycardia and hypertension
D. Flattened neck veins
Answer: B
Rationale: A tension pneumothorax causes air to become trapped in the pleural space,
leading to increased intrathoracic pressure. This pressure shifts the mediastinum and
pushes the trachea toward the opposite, unaffected side. This is a medical emergency that
requires immediate needle decompression or chest tube insertion.
3. A patient is admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which IV fluid should the nurse
expect to administer first?
A. 5% Dextrose in 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
C. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
D. 3% Sodium Chloride
Answer: C
Rationale: Initial management of DKA focuses on rehydration to restore circulatory
volume. Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl) is the fluid of choice for initial boluses to address
dehydration and hypotension. Once blood glucose levels drop to a certain threshold,
dextrose is added to prevent hypoglycemia.
, 4. What is the primary goal of using a PEEP (Positive End-Expiratory Pressure) setting on a
mechanical ventilator?
A. To prevent alveolar collapse at the end of expiration
B. To decrease the work of breathing during inspiration
C. To increase the respiratory rate of the patient
D. To lower the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
Answer: A
Rationale: PEEP maintains a positive pressure in the airways at the end of the exhalation
phase. This prevents the alveoli from collapsing, which improves gas exchange and
oxygenation. It is especially beneficial for patients with conditions like ARDS where lung
compliance is decreased.
5. A patient with cirrhosis presents with increased confusion and flapping tremors of the
hands (asterixis). Which lab value does the nurse anticipate being elevated?
A. Serum Albumin
B. Serum Potassium
C. Serum Ammonia
D. Serum Glucose
Answer: C
