Professional Nursing III / PN3 Q&A
with Rationale | Rasmussen
University
1. A nurse is triaging victims at the scene of a mass casualty event. Which patient should be
assigned a ‘Red’ tag?
A. A patient with a fractured radius and stable vitals.
B. A patient with a closed leg fracture who is walking around.
C. A patient with full-thickness burns over 90% of their body and no pulse.
D. A patient with a sucking chest wound and respiratory distress.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The red tag is reserved for patients with life-threatening injuries who
have a high chance of survival if treated immediately. A sucking chest wound causes
immediate respiratory compromise but is reversible with a chest tube or occlusive
dressing. Other options include ‘green’ for walking wounded or ‘black’ for those unlikely to
survive given the resources.
2. A patient arrives in the ER with partial-thickness burns to the entire left arm and the
anterior trunk. Using the Rule of Nines, what is the total body surface area (TBSA) affected?
A. 27%
,B. 36%
C. 18%
D. 45%
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: According to the Rule of Nines, the entire arm accounts for 9% of the
TBSA. The anterior trunk accounts for 18% of the TBSA. Adding 9% and 18% results in a
total of 27%.
3. Which clinical manifestation is most indicative of the compensatory stage of shock?
A. Bradycardia and hypertension.
B. Anuria and metabolic acidosis.
C. Unresponsiveness and peripheral edema.
D. Narrow pulse pressure and cool, clammy skin.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: In the compensatory stage, the body attempts to maintain
homeostasis through the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. This results in
vasoconstriction, which causes cool skin and a narrowing pulse pressure as the diastolic
pressure rises. Metabolic acidosis and anuria typically occur later in the progressive stage.
, 4. A patient in septic shock has a MAP of 55 mmHg despite aggressive fluid resuscitation.
Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering next?
A. Furosemide
B. Norepinephrine
C. Nitroglycerin
D. Atropine
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Norepinephrine is the first-line vasopressor used in septic shock
when fluid resuscitation fails to maintain an adequate MAP. It works by causing systemic
vasoconstriction to increase blood pressure. Increasing the MAP to at least 65 mmHg is
essential for maintaining organ perfusion.
5. What is the primary goal of the emergent phase of burn care?
A. Fluid resuscitation and airway management.
B. Providing emotional support.
C. Preventing wound infection.
D. Nutritional rehabilitation.
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: The emergent phase focuses on immediate life-saving interventions
following a burn injury. Securing the airway is the first priority, followed by aggressive