RN Registered Nurse 3

Question 1

A nurse is reviewing a patient's ABG results: pH 7.28, PaCO2 52 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these findings?

Accepted Answer

Respiratory acidosis

Answer

A low pH with elevated PaCO2 and normal HCO3 indicates respiratory acidosis, caused by CO2 retention from hypoventilation.

Question 2

Which action by a nursing student requires the RN to intervene immediately?

Accepted Answer

Recapping a used needle before disposal

Answer

Recapping used needles is a major cause of needlestick injuries and violates standard safety precautions; needles must be discarded uncapped into sharps containers.

Question 3

A patient is admitted with suspected meningitis. Which action should the nurse prioritize before antibiotics are administered?

Accepted Answer

Obtain blood cultures and CSF specimen as ordered

Answer

Culture specimens must be collected before antibiotic administration to identify the causative organism; antibiotics can render cultures falsely negative.

Question 4

A nurse is caring for a patient receiving a blood transfusion who develops chills, flank pain, and dark-colored urine 30 minutes into the infusion. What is the priority action?

Accepted Answer

Stop the transfusion and infuse normal saline

Answer

These symptoms indicate an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction; the transfusion must be stopped immediately and NS infused to maintain kidney perfusion.

Question 5

A patient's serum sodium level is 122 mEq/L. Which clinical finding does the nurse anticipate?

Accepted Answer

Seizures and altered mental status

Answer

Severe hyponatremia causes cerebral edema, manifesting as neurological symptoms including confusion, seizures, and decreased level of consciousness.

RN - Registered Nurse Practice Test

RN - Registered Nurse Practice Test

RN Registered Nurse 3