Professional Nursing II / PN2 Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A nurse is assessing a patient with right-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect?
A. Pulmonary crackles
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Dyspnea on exertion
D. Dry, hacking cough
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Right-sided heart failure leads to systemic venous congestion
because the right ventricle fails to pump blood effectively into the pulmonary artery. This
results in signs such as jugular venous distention, peripheral edema, and hepatomegaly.
Left-sided heart failure, conversely, is characterized by pulmonary symptoms like crackles
and cough.
2. Which medication is considered the first-line treatment for a patient experiencing an acute
asthma attack?
A. Albuterol
,B. Salmeterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Montelukast
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta-2 agonist (SABA) that provides rapid
bronchodilation during an acute exacerbation. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of
the airway to improve airflow immediately. Medications like Salmeterol or Fluticasone are
intended for long-term maintenance and are not effective in emergencies.
3. A patient is prescribed Furosemide 40mg IV daily. Which laboratory value is the most
important for the nurse to monitor?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum potassium
C. Serum calcium
D. Serum magnesium
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of water along
with potassium and sodium. Hypokalemia is a frequent and potentially dangerous side
effect that can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias. The nurse must check potassium levels
regularly to ensure they remain within the therapeutic range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L.
, 4. A nurse is teaching a patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) about
pursed-lip breathing. What is the primary purpose of this technique?
A. To decrease the effort of breathing
B. To increase the rate of respirations
C. To strengthen the diaphragm muscles
D. To prevent airway collapse during expiration
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing helps maintain positive pressure in the airways,
which prevents them from collapsing during exhalation. This technique allows for more
effective CO2 removal and reduces the sensation of dyspnea. Patients are taught to inhale
through the nose and exhale slowly through puckered lips.
5. A patient with a history of Atrial Fibrillation is prescribed Warfarin. Which lab test is used
to monitor the effectiveness of this therapy?
A. aPTT
B. Platelet count
C. INR
D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: C