NUR2571/NUR 2571 Exam 2 V3 |
Professional Nursing II / PN2 Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which of the following laboratory values
should the nurse prioritize checking before administration?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum calcium
C. Serum glucose
D. Serum potassium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia significantly increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. The
nurse must monitor potassium levels because low levels enhance the effects of the drug on
the heart. If the potassium level is low, the nurse should hold the dose and notify the
provider.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What is
the most appropriate oxygen flow rate for this patient?
A. 4-6 L/min via Venturi mask
,B. 6-10 L/min via simple mask
C. 10-15 L/min via non-rebreather mask
D. 1-2 L/min via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Patients with COPD often rely on a ‘hypoxic drive’ to breathe due to
chronic carbon dioxide retention. High levels of oxygen can suppress this drive, leading to
respiratory depression. Therefore, a low flow rate of 1-2 L/min is generally targeted to
maintain oxygen saturation between 88-92%.
3. A patient is admitted with Cushing’s syndrome. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to find during the assessment?
A. Moon face
B. Weight loss
C. Hypotension
D. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome is caused by an excess of cortisol, which leads to
fat redistribution. A ‘moon face’ and a ‘buffalo hump’ are classic signs of this condition.
Hyperpigmentation is more characteristic of Addison’s disease, which involves cortisol
deficiency.
, 4. What is the primary medication used for the emergency treatment of an acute asthma
attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Montelukast
C. Fluticasone
D. Albuterol
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides rapid
bronchodilation during an acute attack. It is considered a ‘rescue’ inhaler because of its
quick onset of action. Long-acting agonists and corticosteroids are used for maintenance
therapy rather than acute symptoms.
5. A patient is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. The nurse finds the patient conscious
and able to swallow. What should be the first intervention?
A. Administer 15 grams of simple carbohydrates
B. Administer 1 mg of glucagon IM
C. Administer 50% dextrose IV push
D. Provide a complex carbohydrate and protein snack
Correct Answer: A
Professional Nursing II / PN2 Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which of the following laboratory values
should the nurse prioritize checking before administration?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum calcium
C. Serum glucose
D. Serum potassium
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia significantly increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. The
nurse must monitor potassium levels because low levels enhance the effects of the drug on
the heart. If the potassium level is low, the nurse should hold the dose and notify the
provider.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). What is
the most appropriate oxygen flow rate for this patient?
A. 4-6 L/min via Venturi mask
,B. 6-10 L/min via simple mask
C. 10-15 L/min via non-rebreather mask
D. 1-2 L/min via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Patients with COPD often rely on a ‘hypoxic drive’ to breathe due to
chronic carbon dioxide retention. High levels of oxygen can suppress this drive, leading to
respiratory depression. Therefore, a low flow rate of 1-2 L/min is generally targeted to
maintain oxygen saturation between 88-92%.
3. A patient is admitted with Cushing’s syndrome. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to find during the assessment?
A. Moon face
B. Weight loss
C. Hypotension
D. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome is caused by an excess of cortisol, which leads to
fat redistribution. A ‘moon face’ and a ‘buffalo hump’ are classic signs of this condition.
Hyperpigmentation is more characteristic of Addison’s disease, which involves cortisol
deficiency.
, 4. What is the primary medication used for the emergency treatment of an acute asthma
attack?
A. Salmeterol
B. Montelukast
C. Fluticasone
D. Albuterol
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides rapid
bronchodilation during an acute attack. It is considered a ‘rescue’ inhaler because of its
quick onset of action. Long-acting agonists and corticosteroids are used for maintenance
therapy rather than acute symptoms.
5. A patient is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. The nurse finds the patient conscious
and able to swallow. What should be the first intervention?
A. Administer 15 grams of simple carbohydrates
B. Administer 1 mg of glucagon IM
C. Administer 50% dextrose IV push
D. Provide a complex carbohydrate and protein snack
Correct Answer: A
