NUR2790/NUR 2790 Exam 2 V3 |
Professional Nursing III / PN3 Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the
following laboratory values would the nurse most likely expect to find?
A. Blood glucose 450 mg/dL and pH 7.20
B. Blood glucose 150 mg/dL and pH 7.45
C. Blood glucose 900 mg/dL and pH 7.35
D. Blood glucose 300 mg/dL and Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: In DKA, the blood glucose levels are typically significantly elevated
above 250 mg/dL. Metabolic acidosis occurs as a result of ketone production, leading to a
blood pH lower than 7.35. Bicarbonate levels are also typically low, usually less than 18
mEq/L, indicating a compensatory attempt or depletion from buffering acid.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient who is being treated for Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State
(HHS). What is the primary priority in the initial management of this patient?
A. Initiating a high-dose insulin bolus
,B. Replacing potassium levels immediately
C. Administering IV fluid resuscitation with normal saline
D. Monitoring for ketone bodies in the urine
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The primary goal in treating HHS is rapid rehydration to correct the
severe dehydration caused by osmotic diuresis. While insulin is necessary, fluid
resuscitation must begin first to restore circulatory volume and improve renal perfusion.
Insulin is typically started after some fluid volume has been restored to avoid a rapid shift
of water into the cells which could worsen hypotension.
3. Which cardiac rhythm is characterized by the absence of P waves and an irregularly
irregular QRS complex?
A. Atrial Fibrillation
B. Ventricular Tachycardia
C. Atrial Flutter
D. Sinus Bradycardia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Atrial fibrillation is defined by the loss of organized atrial activity,
resulting in no identifiable P waves. Instead, the baseline appears wavy or chaotic with ‘f’
, waves. The conduction through the AV node is random, which produces an irregularly
irregular ventricular response.
4. A patient’s cardiac monitor shows Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib). What is the nurse’s
immediate priority action?
A. Initiating CPR and preparing for defibrillation
B. Performing synchronized cardioversion
C. Administering a dose of Amiodarone IV push
D. Assessing the patient for a pulse
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Ventricular fibrillation is a pulseless, life-threatening emergency that
requires immediate intervention. The nurse should immediately start CPR to maintain
perfusion while a defibrillator is being brought to the bedside. Early defibrillation is the
most effective treatment for terminating V-fib and restoring a perfusing rhythm.
5. A patient with a history of cirrhosis presents with new-onset confusion and asterixis.
Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Spironolactone
B. Lactulose
C. Propranolol
D. Furosemide
Professional Nursing III / PN3 Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the
following laboratory values would the nurse most likely expect to find?
A. Blood glucose 450 mg/dL and pH 7.20
B. Blood glucose 150 mg/dL and pH 7.45
C. Blood glucose 900 mg/dL and pH 7.35
D. Blood glucose 300 mg/dL and Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: In DKA, the blood glucose levels are typically significantly elevated
above 250 mg/dL. Metabolic acidosis occurs as a result of ketone production, leading to a
blood pH lower than 7.35. Bicarbonate levels are also typically low, usually less than 18
mEq/L, indicating a compensatory attempt or depletion from buffering acid.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient who is being treated for Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State
(HHS). What is the primary priority in the initial management of this patient?
A. Initiating a high-dose insulin bolus
,B. Replacing potassium levels immediately
C. Administering IV fluid resuscitation with normal saline
D. Monitoring for ketone bodies in the urine
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: The primary goal in treating HHS is rapid rehydration to correct the
severe dehydration caused by osmotic diuresis. While insulin is necessary, fluid
resuscitation must begin first to restore circulatory volume and improve renal perfusion.
Insulin is typically started after some fluid volume has been restored to avoid a rapid shift
of water into the cells which could worsen hypotension.
3. Which cardiac rhythm is characterized by the absence of P waves and an irregularly
irregular QRS complex?
A. Atrial Fibrillation
B. Ventricular Tachycardia
C. Atrial Flutter
D. Sinus Bradycardia
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Atrial fibrillation is defined by the loss of organized atrial activity,
resulting in no identifiable P waves. Instead, the baseline appears wavy or chaotic with ‘f’
, waves. The conduction through the AV node is random, which produces an irregularly
irregular ventricular response.
4. A patient’s cardiac monitor shows Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib). What is the nurse’s
immediate priority action?
A. Initiating CPR and preparing for defibrillation
B. Performing synchronized cardioversion
C. Administering a dose of Amiodarone IV push
D. Assessing the patient for a pulse
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Ventricular fibrillation is a pulseless, life-threatening emergency that
requires immediate intervention. The nurse should immediately start CPR to maintain
perfusion while a defibrillator is being brought to the bedside. Early defibrillation is the
most effective treatment for terminating V-fib and restoring a perfusing rhythm.
5. A patient with a history of cirrhosis presents with new-onset confusion and asterixis.
Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Spironolactone
B. Lactulose
C. Propranolol
D. Furosemide
