Portage Learning Pathophysiology NURS 231 / BIOD 331
Final Exam & Modules 1–10 All Versions Latest Update
2026 | Exam Prep
1. Interpret the significance of the laboratory values provided for a patient with
a pulmonary embolism and tachypnea.
The values suggest hypercapnia due to respiratory failure.
The values indicate normal respiratory function.
The values indicate respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation,
common in pulmonary embolism.
The values suggest metabolic acidosis due to renal failure.
2. What type of IV solution would be the most appropriate for the patient
experiencing dehydration?
0.45% NaCl (half normal saline)
0.9% NaCl (normal saline)
5% dextrose in water
5% dextrose in normal saline
3. The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) tells the nurse the patient has a
blood pressure of 78/46 and a pulse of 116 using a vital signs machine. Which
action should the nurse implement first?
Notify the physician immediately.
Assess the patient's cardiovascular status.
Place the patient in Trendelenburg position.
Have the UAP re-check the patient's vital signs manually. After
determining a shock state exists by performing a cardiovascular
, assessment.
4. Describe the significance of measuring troponin levels in patients with chest
pain.
Troponin levels are used to evaluate kidney function in patients with
chest pain.
Troponin levels help determine the presence of a pulmonary
embolism.
Troponin levels are measured to assess for myocardial injury, as
elevated levels indicate damage to the heart muscle.
Troponin levels are irrelevant in the context of chest pain.
5. Describe why Lactated Ringers is preferred for treating hypovolemic shock in
burn patients during the emergent phase.
Lactated Ringers is preferred due to its ability to provide protein for
tissue repair.
Lactated Ringers is preferred because it helps restore fluid volume
and electrolyte balance, which is critical in hypovolemic shock.
Lactated Ringers is used because it contains glucose, which is
necessary for energy.
Lactated Ringers is chosen for its high potassium content, which is
beneficial in shock.
6. Describe the significance of troponin levels in the context of cardiac events.
Troponin levels only indicate heart failure.
Troponin levels are irrelevant in diagnosing heart conditions.
Troponin levels are used to assess kidney function.
Elevated troponin levels indicate myocardial injury, often associated
with conditions like myocardial infarction.
,7. The client diagnosed with pericarditis is experiencing cardiac tamponade.
Which collaborative treatment should the nurse anticipate for this client?
Request STAT cardiac enzymes
Insert a urinary catheter
Perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram
Prepare for a pericardiocentesis
8. Given the patient's elevated BUN and creatinine levels, what nursing
intervention should be prioritized to address potential renal impairment?
Administer ciprofloxacin IV
Insert foley catheter
Start norepinephrine infusion
Repeat lactate level in 4 hours
9. The pressure reading during inspiration on the ventilator of a client receiving
mechanical ventilation is fluctuating widely. What is the nurse's first action?
Have the respiratory therapist check the pressure settings.
Assess the client's oxygenation.
Manually ventilate the client with a resuscitation bag.
A widely fluctuating pressure reading is one indication of inadequate
airflow and oxygenation. The nurse's priority is to check the client's
, oxygenation status. If oxygenation is inadequate, the nurse would
assess for a cause while manually ventilating the client and calling for
assistance.
Determine whether an air leak is present in the client's endotracheal
tube cuff.
10. In a scenario where a patient with pulmonary embolism shows signs of
hypoxemia, what immediate nursing intervention should be prioritized?
Assess dietary intake for potential drug interactions.
Monitor laboratory values for leukocytosis.
Administer supplemental oxygen to improve oxygenation.
Provide education on anticoagulant therapy.
11. A nurse in a provider's clinic is assessing a client who takes sublingual
nitroglycerin for stable angina. The client reports getting a headache each
time he takes the medication. Which of the following statements should the
nurse make?
"Try taking a mild analgesic to relieve the headache."
"There's nothing that can be done to relieve the headaches that
nitroglycerin causes."
"Take only one dose of nitroglycerin to reduce the risk of getting a
headache."
"We will ask the provider to prescribe a different medication for you."
12. Describe why absent lung sounds on one side may indicate a complication
in a patient on a ventilator.
Absent lung sounds on one side may indicate a pneumothorax or
Final Exam & Modules 1–10 All Versions Latest Update
2026 | Exam Prep
1. Interpret the significance of the laboratory values provided for a patient with
a pulmonary embolism and tachypnea.
The values suggest hypercapnia due to respiratory failure.
The values indicate normal respiratory function.
The values indicate respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation,
common in pulmonary embolism.
The values suggest metabolic acidosis due to renal failure.
2. What type of IV solution would be the most appropriate for the patient
experiencing dehydration?
0.45% NaCl (half normal saline)
0.9% NaCl (normal saline)
5% dextrose in water
5% dextrose in normal saline
3. The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) tells the nurse the patient has a
blood pressure of 78/46 and a pulse of 116 using a vital signs machine. Which
action should the nurse implement first?
Notify the physician immediately.
Assess the patient's cardiovascular status.
Place the patient in Trendelenburg position.
Have the UAP re-check the patient's vital signs manually. After
determining a shock state exists by performing a cardiovascular
, assessment.
4. Describe the significance of measuring troponin levels in patients with chest
pain.
Troponin levels are used to evaluate kidney function in patients with
chest pain.
Troponin levels help determine the presence of a pulmonary
embolism.
Troponin levels are measured to assess for myocardial injury, as
elevated levels indicate damage to the heart muscle.
Troponin levels are irrelevant in the context of chest pain.
5. Describe why Lactated Ringers is preferred for treating hypovolemic shock in
burn patients during the emergent phase.
Lactated Ringers is preferred due to its ability to provide protein for
tissue repair.
Lactated Ringers is preferred because it helps restore fluid volume
and electrolyte balance, which is critical in hypovolemic shock.
Lactated Ringers is used because it contains glucose, which is
necessary for energy.
Lactated Ringers is chosen for its high potassium content, which is
beneficial in shock.
6. Describe the significance of troponin levels in the context of cardiac events.
Troponin levels only indicate heart failure.
Troponin levels are irrelevant in diagnosing heart conditions.
Troponin levels are used to assess kidney function.
Elevated troponin levels indicate myocardial injury, often associated
with conditions like myocardial infarction.
,7. The client diagnosed with pericarditis is experiencing cardiac tamponade.
Which collaborative treatment should the nurse anticipate for this client?
Request STAT cardiac enzymes
Insert a urinary catheter
Perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram
Prepare for a pericardiocentesis
8. Given the patient's elevated BUN and creatinine levels, what nursing
intervention should be prioritized to address potential renal impairment?
Administer ciprofloxacin IV
Insert foley catheter
Start norepinephrine infusion
Repeat lactate level in 4 hours
9. The pressure reading during inspiration on the ventilator of a client receiving
mechanical ventilation is fluctuating widely. What is the nurse's first action?
Have the respiratory therapist check the pressure settings.
Assess the client's oxygenation.
Manually ventilate the client with a resuscitation bag.
A widely fluctuating pressure reading is one indication of inadequate
airflow and oxygenation. The nurse's priority is to check the client's
, oxygenation status. If oxygenation is inadequate, the nurse would
assess for a cause while manually ventilating the client and calling for
assistance.
Determine whether an air leak is present in the client's endotracheal
tube cuff.
10. In a scenario where a patient with pulmonary embolism shows signs of
hypoxemia, what immediate nursing intervention should be prioritized?
Assess dietary intake for potential drug interactions.
Monitor laboratory values for leukocytosis.
Administer supplemental oxygen to improve oxygenation.
Provide education on anticoagulant therapy.
11. A nurse in a provider's clinic is assessing a client who takes sublingual
nitroglycerin for stable angina. The client reports getting a headache each
time he takes the medication. Which of the following statements should the
nurse make?
"Try taking a mild analgesic to relieve the headache."
"There's nothing that can be done to relieve the headaches that
nitroglycerin causes."
"Take only one dose of nitroglycerin to reduce the risk of getting a
headache."
"We will ask the provider to prescribe a different medication for you."
12. Describe why absent lung sounds on one side may indicate a complication
in a patient on a ventilator.
Absent lung sounds on one side may indicate a pneumothorax or
