NUR2571/NUR 2571 Exam 2 V2 |
Professional Nursing II / PN2 Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which of the following
assessment findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Peaked T waves on ECG
C. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
D. Strong, bounding pulses
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia, defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L, affects
muscle contraction and nerve conduction. Clients often present with muscle weakness, leg
cramps, and decreased deep tendon reflexes. In addition, the nurse might observe cardiac
arrhythmias such as flattened T waves or the presence of U waves.
2. The nurse is teaching a client with COPD about the benefits of pursed-lip breathing. Which
statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. It increases the respiratory rate to blow off more carbon dioxide.
,B. It prevents airway collapse by maintaining positive pressure during expiration.
C. It helps strengthen the diaphragm for better inhalation.
D. It reduces the amount of oxygen required by the tissues.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing helps to maintain positive pressure in the
airways during the expiratory phase. This pressure prevents the premature collapse of the
small airways, which is a common issue in clients with obstructive lung disease. By
prolonging exhalation, it facilitates the removal of trapped air and improves gas exchange.
3. A client is admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following laboratory
results is consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Blood glucose 450 mg/dL, pH 7.25, HCO3 14 mEq/L
B. Blood glucose 800 mg/dL, pH 7.40, HCO3 24 mEq/L
C. Blood glucose 120 mg/dL, pH 7.35, HCO3 22 mEq/L
D. Blood glucose 300 mg/dL, pH 7.50, HCO3 30 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and the
presence of ketones. A pH below 7.35 and a low bicarbonate level indicate metabolic
acidosis, while the elevated glucose level confirms hyperglycemia. In contrast, very high
glucose with a normal pH is more indicative of Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS).
, 4. Which acid-base imbalance is most likely to occur in a client who has been vomiting for the
past 24 hours?
A. Metabolic Alkalosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Prolonged vomiting leads to the loss of gastric hydrochloric acid from
the stomach. This loss of acid results in an increase in the blood’s bicarbonate
concentration, leading to metabolic alkalosis. The nurse should monitor the client for signs
of hypokalemia and compensatory hypoventilation.
5. A client with hyperthyroidism is scheduled for a thyroidectomy. Which medication should
the nurse expect to administer to decrease the vascularity of the thyroid gland
preoperatively?
A. Levothyroxine
B. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
C. Lugol’s solution (Iodine)
D. Furosemide
Correct Answer: C
Professional Nursing II / PN2 Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which of the following
assessment findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Peaked T waves on ECG
C. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
D. Strong, bounding pulses
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia, defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L, affects
muscle contraction and nerve conduction. Clients often present with muscle weakness, leg
cramps, and decreased deep tendon reflexes. In addition, the nurse might observe cardiac
arrhythmias such as flattened T waves or the presence of U waves.
2. The nurse is teaching a client with COPD about the benefits of pursed-lip breathing. Which
statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. It increases the respiratory rate to blow off more carbon dioxide.
,B. It prevents airway collapse by maintaining positive pressure during expiration.
C. It helps strengthen the diaphragm for better inhalation.
D. It reduces the amount of oxygen required by the tissues.
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing helps to maintain positive pressure in the
airways during the expiratory phase. This pressure prevents the premature collapse of the
small airways, which is a common issue in clients with obstructive lung disease. By
prolonging exhalation, it facilitates the removal of trapped air and improves gas exchange.
3. A client is admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following laboratory
results is consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Blood glucose 450 mg/dL, pH 7.25, HCO3 14 mEq/L
B. Blood glucose 800 mg/dL, pH 7.40, HCO3 24 mEq/L
C. Blood glucose 120 mg/dL, pH 7.35, HCO3 22 mEq/L
D. Blood glucose 300 mg/dL, pH 7.50, HCO3 30 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and the
presence of ketones. A pH below 7.35 and a low bicarbonate level indicate metabolic
acidosis, while the elevated glucose level confirms hyperglycemia. In contrast, very high
glucose with a normal pH is more indicative of Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS).
, 4. Which acid-base imbalance is most likely to occur in a client who has been vomiting for the
past 24 hours?
A. Metabolic Alkalosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Prolonged vomiting leads to the loss of gastric hydrochloric acid from
the stomach. This loss of acid results in an increase in the blood’s bicarbonate
concentration, leading to metabolic alkalosis. The nurse should monitor the client for signs
of hypokalemia and compensatory hypoventilation.
5. A client with hyperthyroidism is scheduled for a thyroidectomy. Which medication should
the nurse expect to administer to decrease the vascularity of the thyroid gland
preoperatively?
A. Levothyroxine
B. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
C. Lugol’s solution (Iodine)
D. Furosemide
Correct Answer: C
