1. A patient with a history of alcohol abuse has been admitted to the hospital with severe dehydration.

The nurse
should expect the patient to have imbalances in which of the following electrolytes?
a) Sodium c) Calcium
b) Potassium d) Magnesium

Answer: a) Sodium
Rationale: Patients with alcohol abuse are at risk for hyponatremia, which is a deficiency of sodium in the blood. This
can occur due to increased water intake, vomiting, and diuretic use.

2. A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure who is receiving a loop diuretic. The nurse should monitor
the patient for which of the following electrolyte imbalances?
a) Hypokalemia c) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypernatremia d) Hyponatremia

Answer: a) Hypokalemia
Rationale: Loop diuretics such as furosemide can cause potassium loss and lead to hypokalemia, which is a deficiency
of potassium in the blood. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, cramping, and arrhythmias.

3. A patient with kidney failure is receiving hemodialysis. The nurse should monitor the patient for which of the
following electrolyte imbalances?
a) Hypocalcemia c) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypernatremia d) Hypermagnesemia

Answer: c) Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Patients with kidney failure are at risk for hyperkalemia due to decreased kidney function and impaired
ability to excrete potassium. Hemodialysis is used to remove excess potassium from the blood.

4. A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis. The nurse should monitor the patient for which of
the following electrolyte imbalances?
a) Hypernatremia c) Hypocalcemia
b) Hyperkalemia d) Hypophosphatemia

Answer: d) Hypophosphatemia
Rationale: Diabetic ketoacidosis can cause hypophosphatemia, which is a deficiency of phosphorus in the blood. This
can occur due to increased urine output and loss of phosphorus in the urine. Symptoms can include weakness, bone
pain, and respiratory failure.

5. A nurse is caring for a patient with severe burns. The nurse should monitor the patient for which of the
following electrolyte imbalances?
a) Hyponatremia c) Hypocalcemia
b) Hypokalemia d) Hypermagnesemia

Answer: b) Hypokalemia
Rationale: Patients with severe burns are at risk for hypokalemia due to increased fluid loss and decreased intake.
Symptoms can include muscle weakness, cramping, and arrhythmias.

6. A patient with heart failure is receiving a potassium-sparing diuretic. The nurse should monitor the patient for
which of the following electrolyte imbalances?
a) Hypernatremia c) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypokalemia d) Hypocalcemia

Answer: c) Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Potassium-sparing diuretics such as spironolactone can cause potassium retention and lead to
hyperkalemia, which is an excess of potassium in the blood. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, cramping, and
arrhythmias.
 7. A nurse is caring for a patient with severe vomiting and diarrhea. The nurse should monitor the patient for
which of the following electrolyte imbalances?
a) Hypokalemia c) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypernatremia d) Hypocalcemia

Answer: a) Hypokalemia
Rationale: Severe vomiting and diarrhea can cause potassium loss and lead to hypokalemia, which is a deficiency of
potassium in the blood. Symptoms can include muscle weakness, cramping, and arrhythmias.

8. A patient with severe dehydration is receiving intravenous fluids. The nurse should monitor the patient for
which of the following electrolyte imbalances?
a) Hypokalemia c) Hypocalcemia
b) Hyponatremia d) Hypomagnesemia

Answer: b) Hyponatremia
Rationale: Severe dehydration can cause hyponatremia, which is a deficiency of sodium in the blood. Intravenous
fluids can help to restore fluid and electrolyte balance.

9. A patient with hypercalcemia is receiving intravenous fluids. The nurse should monitor the patient for which
of the following electrolyte imbalances?
a) Hypokalemia c) Hypocalcemia
b) Hyponatremia d) Hypomagnesemia

Answer: c) Hypocalcemia
Rationale: Intravenous fluids can cause dilutional hypocalcemia, which is a deficiency of calcium in the blood.
Patients with hypercalcemia are at increased risk for this complication.

10. A patient with asthma is experiencing an acute exacerbation. The nurse should administer which of the
following medications first?
a) Albuterol c) Ipratropium
b) Prednisone d) Theophylline

Answer: a) Albuterol
Rationale: Albuterol is a short-acting bronchodilator that is used to relieve acute bronchospasm in patients with
asthma. It is the first-line medication for acute exacerbations.

11. A patient with pulmonary embolism is receiving anticoagulant therapy. The nurse should monitor the patient
for which of the following adverse effects?
a) Bleeding c) Hypertension
b) Thrombosis d) Hypotension

Answer: a) Bleeding
Rationale: Anticoagulant therapy is used to prevent the formation of blood clots in patients with pulmonary embolism.
However, it can increase the risk of bleeding, particularly in patients who are receiving high doses or who have
underlying bleeding disorders.

12. A patient with chronic bronchitis is receiving a mucolytic medication. The nurse should instruct the patient to
perform which of the following actions after taking the medication?
a) Drink plenty of fluids c) Lie down and rest
b) Avoid caffeine d) Avoid deep breathing and coughing

Answer: a) Drink plenty of fluids

Rationale: Mucolytic medications are used to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up.
Patients should be instructed to drink plenty of fluids to help loosen and clear the mucus.
 13. A patient with cystic fibrosis is receiving chest physiotherapy. The nurse should instruct the patient to
perform which of the following actions during the therapy?
a) Take deep breaths and hold them for several seconds
b) Hold their breath and cough forcefully
c) Breathe normally and relax
d) Avoid coughing or deep breathing

Answer: b) Hold their breath and cough forcefully

Rationale: Chest physiotherapy is a technique used to loosen and mobilize mucus in the airways. Patients are
instructed to hold their breath and cough forcefully to help expel the mucus.

14. A patient with pneumonia is experiencing hypoxemia despite supplemental oxygen therapy. The nurse should
suspect which of the following complications?
a) Atelectasis c) Pneumothorax
b) Pulmonary embolism d) Pleural effusion

Answer: a) Atelectasis
Rationale: Atelectasis, or collapse of part or all of a lung, can cause hypoxemia. Patients with pneumonia are at
increased risk for atelectasis due to inflammation and mucus production in the airways.

15. patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving bronchodilator medications. The
nurse should instruct the patient to perform which of the following actions after using the inhaler?
a) Rinse their mouth with water
b) Lie down and rest
c) Avoid coughing or deep breathing
d) Take the medication with food to reduce stomach upset

Answer: a) Rinse their mouth with water

Rationale: Bronchodilator medications are inhaled into the lungs, and some can cause dry mouth or throat irritation.
Patients should be instructed to rinse their mouth with water after using the inhaler to reduce the risk of oral thrush or
other infections.