NUR2063 Essentials of Pathophysiology
Exam 1 Questions and Answers 2025-2026
Rasmussen University
5. A nurse is assessing a client in postoperative recovery. The client complains of the following
symptoms. Which of the following is abnormal and should be reported immediately?
a. Emesis that is red
b. Complaint of feeling cold
c. Nausea
d. Complaint of pain
6. A client's neurological status deteriorates over hours, and a craniotomy is performed to
evacuate a hematoma. Which nursing intervention is indicated to help decrease the threat of
increased intracranial pressure?
a. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees
b. Cluster nursing interventions to provide uninterrupted periods of rest
c. Teach the client to cough and deep breathe to prevent the necessity for suctioning
d. Teach the client to hold his breath and bear down while repositioning in bed.
7. A client presents to the emergency room with complaints of bilateral lower extremity loss of
sensation that started in the feet but has now progressed to the knees and hips. The nurse
interprets these symptoms to indicate an immediate workup for which of the following diseases?
a. Myasthenia gravis
b. Simple, partial seizure
c. guillain- barre syndrome
d. Cerebrovascular accident
8. The charge nurse is obtaining the client’s signature on a surgical consent form. The client
states, I didn’t really understand what my surgeon explained, but I trust him completely, “which
response by the charge nurse is correct?
a. I need to contact your surgeon so your questions can be answered
b. I can answer any questions that you might have regarding your surgery.
c. As long as you are comfortable, then you may sign the consent form.
d. Maybe you should call your surgeon to be sure it is okay to sign the consent.
9. A client has a head injury and is presenting with signs and symptoms of increased intracranial
pressure. Which nursing intervention would be helpful in reducing this pressure?
a. Place the neck in a neutral position to promote venous drainage
b. Suction hourly to stimulate the cough reflex
c. Add extra blankets to keep the client warm.
d. Turn the client frequently to prevent skin impairment
10. A client has recently suffered a stroke with left-sided weakness. The nurse assesses for
dysphagia, especially with thin liquids. Which nursing intervention is most helpful in assisting
this patient to swallow safely?
a. The client should avoid all liquids.
b. Instructing to tuck the chin when swallowing
c. Give sips of water with each bite
d. Turn head to the left.
A client has a comminuted fracture of T6-T7, resulting in paraplegia. The nurse educates the
client on preventing autonomic dysreflexia. Which of the following is the priority intervention in
this medical eme rgency?
, e. Scheduled bladder and bowel training
f. Choosing foods to prevent nausea
g. Avoiding food allergies
h. Preventing electrolyte imbalances
11. The nurse develops a care plan for a client recovering from surgery. What nursing
interventions will the nurse include to minimize the effects of venous stasis?
a. Pillows under the knee in a position of comfort
b. Sitting with feet flat on the floor
c. Early ambulation
d. Gentle leg massage
12. The client has an order for 0.45% sodium chloride 1 liter to infuse over 15 hours.At what rate
in mL/hr would the nurse set the infusion pump? (Round to the nearest whole number, do not
use a trailing zero.) 67mL/hr
13. A client with multiple sclerosis (MS) is receiving baclofen. The nurse determines that the
drug is effective when it causes which action?
a. Induces sleep
b. Stimulates the client’s appetite
c. Relieves muscular spasticity
d. Reduces the urine bacterial count
14. Sudden chest pain combined with dyspnea, cyanosis, and tachycardia are symptoms
associated with which of the following complications of surgery?
a. Hypovolemic shock
b. Dehiscence
c. Atelectasis
d. Pulmonary embolus
15. A client presents to the emergency department with signs of a stroke. After a computed
tomography (CT) scan, which revealed a hemorrhage, the nurse anticipates directives for which
one of the following plans?
a. TPA administration
a. Call a code blue
b. Prep for a client surgery
c. Place the client in Trendelenburg
16. A client arrives in the emergency department with an ischemic stroke. Because the
healthcare team is considering tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), what should the nurse
perform FIRST?
a. Ask what medications the client is taking
b. Complete the history and health assessment
c. Identify the time of onset of the stroke
d. Determine if the client is scheduled for any surgical procedures
17. The client has presented with a basilar skull fracture. While assessing the client, the nurse
notes clear drainage from the nose with a “halo sign” and is concerned about a potential
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. What should the nurse do next?
a. Document this as serous drainage and continue to monitor the client
b. Check for the presence of glucose in the drainage and report to the provider
c. Apply an ice pack to the nasal bridge and a large, fluffy dressing.
d. Assist the client in blowing his nose to clear secretions and re-evaluate.
18. The nurse is discussing different types of anesthesia with a group of nursing students. The
student nurse correctly identifies which type of anesthesia requires both inhalation and IV
administration routes?
Exam 1 Questions and Answers 2025-2026
Rasmussen University
5. A nurse is assessing a client in postoperative recovery. The client complains of the following
symptoms. Which of the following is abnormal and should be reported immediately?
a. Emesis that is red
b. Complaint of feeling cold
c. Nausea
d. Complaint of pain
6. A client's neurological status deteriorates over hours, and a craniotomy is performed to
evacuate a hematoma. Which nursing intervention is indicated to help decrease the threat of
increased intracranial pressure?
a. Elevate the head of the bed 30 degrees
b. Cluster nursing interventions to provide uninterrupted periods of rest
c. Teach the client to cough and deep breathe to prevent the necessity for suctioning
d. Teach the client to hold his breath and bear down while repositioning in bed.
7. A client presents to the emergency room with complaints of bilateral lower extremity loss of
sensation that started in the feet but has now progressed to the knees and hips. The nurse
interprets these symptoms to indicate an immediate workup for which of the following diseases?
a. Myasthenia gravis
b. Simple, partial seizure
c. guillain- barre syndrome
d. Cerebrovascular accident
8. The charge nurse is obtaining the client’s signature on a surgical consent form. The client
states, I didn’t really understand what my surgeon explained, but I trust him completely, “which
response by the charge nurse is correct?
a. I need to contact your surgeon so your questions can be answered
b. I can answer any questions that you might have regarding your surgery.
c. As long as you are comfortable, then you may sign the consent form.
d. Maybe you should call your surgeon to be sure it is okay to sign the consent.
9. A client has a head injury and is presenting with signs and symptoms of increased intracranial
pressure. Which nursing intervention would be helpful in reducing this pressure?
a. Place the neck in a neutral position to promote venous drainage
b. Suction hourly to stimulate the cough reflex
c. Add extra blankets to keep the client warm.
d. Turn the client frequently to prevent skin impairment
10. A client has recently suffered a stroke with left-sided weakness. The nurse assesses for
dysphagia, especially with thin liquids. Which nursing intervention is most helpful in assisting
this patient to swallow safely?
a. The client should avoid all liquids.
b. Instructing to tuck the chin when swallowing
c. Give sips of water with each bite
d. Turn head to the left.
A client has a comminuted fracture of T6-T7, resulting in paraplegia. The nurse educates the
client on preventing autonomic dysreflexia. Which of the following is the priority intervention in
this medical eme rgency?
, e. Scheduled bladder and bowel training
f. Choosing foods to prevent nausea
g. Avoiding food allergies
h. Preventing electrolyte imbalances
11. The nurse develops a care plan for a client recovering from surgery. What nursing
interventions will the nurse include to minimize the effects of venous stasis?
a. Pillows under the knee in a position of comfort
b. Sitting with feet flat on the floor
c. Early ambulation
d. Gentle leg massage
12. The client has an order for 0.45% sodium chloride 1 liter to infuse over 15 hours.At what rate
in mL/hr would the nurse set the infusion pump? (Round to the nearest whole number, do not
use a trailing zero.) 67mL/hr
13. A client with multiple sclerosis (MS) is receiving baclofen. The nurse determines that the
drug is effective when it causes which action?
a. Induces sleep
b. Stimulates the client’s appetite
c. Relieves muscular spasticity
d. Reduces the urine bacterial count
14. Sudden chest pain combined with dyspnea, cyanosis, and tachycardia are symptoms
associated with which of the following complications of surgery?
a. Hypovolemic shock
b. Dehiscence
c. Atelectasis
d. Pulmonary embolus
15. A client presents to the emergency department with signs of a stroke. After a computed
tomography (CT) scan, which revealed a hemorrhage, the nurse anticipates directives for which
one of the following plans?
a. TPA administration
a. Call a code blue
b. Prep for a client surgery
c. Place the client in Trendelenburg
16. A client arrives in the emergency department with an ischemic stroke. Because the
healthcare team is considering tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), what should the nurse
perform FIRST?
a. Ask what medications the client is taking
b. Complete the history and health assessment
c. Identify the time of onset of the stroke
d. Determine if the client is scheduled for any surgical procedures
17. The client has presented with a basilar skull fracture. While assessing the client, the nurse
notes clear drainage from the nose with a “halo sign” and is concerned about a potential
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. What should the nurse do next?
a. Document this as serous drainage and continue to monitor the client
b. Check for the presence of glucose in the drainage and report to the provider
c. Apply an ice pack to the nasal bridge and a large, fluffy dressing.
d. Assist the client in blowing his nose to clear secretions and re-evaluate.
18. The nurse is discussing different types of anesthesia with a group of nursing students. The
student nurse correctly identifies which type of anesthesia requires both inhalation and IV
administration routes?
