NACE Physiological Adaptation 2

Question 1

A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg IV. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for most closely?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium loss through increased urinary excretion, leading to hypokalemia.

Question 2

A patient with cirrhosis develops ascites and peripheral edema. Which laboratory finding would the nurse expect?

Accepted Answer

Decreased serum albumin

Answer

The cirrhotic liver cannot produce adequate albumin, leading to decreased oncotic pressure and fluid shifting into the interstitial space and peritoneal cavity.

Question 3

Which finding is a classic sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

Accepted Answer

Fruity odor to the breath

Answer

The fruity or acetone breath odor in DKA results from the breakdown of fatty acids into ketone bodies as the body attempts to use fat for energy without insulin.

Question 4

A nurse is caring for a patient in septic shock. Which set of vital signs is most consistent with early (warm) septic shock?

Accepted Answer

BP 80/40, HR 120, Temp 103 degrees F, warm flushed skin

Answer

Early septic shock (hyperdynamic/warm phase) presents with hypotension, tachycardia, fever, and vasodilation causing warm, flushed skin.

Question 5

A patient recovering from surgery develops sudden onset dyspnea, chest pain, and tachycardia. Which complication should the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonary embolism

Answer

Sudden onset of dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, and tachycardia in a post-surgical patient are classic signs of pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening emergency.

Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) I PN-RN Practice Test

Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) I PN-RN Practice Test

NACE Physiological Adaptation 2