Physiology Final Practice Questions
A home care nurse is visiting a client with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia that developed as a result of gastric surgery. The nurse instructs the client that in this disorder because the stomach lining produces a decreased amount of a substance known as the intrinsic factor, the client will need which medication? 1. Vitamin B12 injections 2. Vitamin B6 injections 3. An antibiotic 4. An antacid
1
The client diagnosed with chronic kidney disease is prescribed erythropoietin (Epogen), a biologic response modifier. Which statement best describes the scientific rationale for administering this medication? 1. This medication stimulates red blood cell production. 2. This medication stimulates white blood cell production. 3. This medication is used to treat thrombocytopenia. 4. This medication increases the production of urine.
1
The client in end-stage liver failure is prescribed vitamin K. The client asks the nurse, "Why do I have to take vitamin K?" Which statement is the nurse's best response? 1."It will help your blood to clot so you won't have spontaneous bleeding." 2."It may help prevent eye and skin changes along with night blindness." 3."Vitamin K helps prevent skin and mucous membrane lesions." 4."It prevents a complication called Wernicke-Korsakoff psychosis."
1
The nurse is assessing a client with a suspected diagnosis of hypocalcemia. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to note in the client? 1. Twitching 2. Hypoactive bowel sounds 3. Negative Trousseau's sign 4. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes
1
The nurse is doing preoperative teaching with a client newly diagnosed with a stage I cervical cancer. Which statement by the client indicates that education was effective? 1. "I have carcinoma that is just in the cervix." 2. "My carcinoma has extended to the pelvis and the vagina." 3. "I have carcinoma that has extended beyond the cervix but has not extended to the pelvis." 4. "My carcinoma has extended beyond the true pelvis and has involved the bladder or rectal mucosa."
1
The nurse is monitoring the urine output of a client with low serum protein level and urinary output less than 30 mL in the last hour. Based on these data, the nurse understands that low urinary output is caused by which force within the kidneys? 1. Oncotic pressure 2. Osmotic pressure 3. Filtration pressure 4. Hydrostatic pressure
1
The nurse is taking a history from a client suspected of having testicular cancer. Which data will be most helpful in determining the risk factors for this type of cancer? 1. Age and race 2. Marital status 3. Number of children 4. Number of sexual partners
1
A preadolescent client asks the nurse about the onset of puberty. The nurse describes which changes as indicating puberty? (Select all that apply) 1. Mood swings occur. 2. Pubic hair will develop. 3. Breast development begins. 4. Uterus matures to adult size. 5. Height will increase due to a growth spurt.
1, 2, 3, 5
The elderly client calls the clinic and is complaining of loose, watery stools. Which interventions should the nurse implement? (Select all that apply) 1. Instruct the client to take the antidiarrheal exactly as recommended. 2. Recommend the client drink clear liquids only, such as tea or broth. 3. Determine how long the client has been having the loose, watery stool. 4. Tell the client to go to the emergency department as soon as possible. 5. Ask the client what other medications he or she has taken in the past 24 hours.
1, 2, 3, 5
The nurse is preparing a client with thrombocytopenia (lack of thrombocytes) for discharge. Which statement by the client about measures minimizing injury indicates that discharge teaching was effective? (select all that apply) 1. "I may continue to use an electric shaver." 2. "I will not blow my nose if I get a cold." 3. "I definitely will play football with my friends this weekend." 4. "I should use a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid mouth trauma."
1, 2, 4
A client arrives in the hospital emergency department in an unconscious state. As reported by the spouse, the client has diabetes mellitus and began to show symptoms of hypoglycemia. A blood glucose level is obtained for the client, and the result is 40 mg/dL (2.28 mmol/L). Which medication should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed for the client? 1. Glucagon 2. Glyburide 3. Metformin 4. Regular insulin
1. Glucagon
A client has a prescription to receive a unit of packed red blood cells. The nurse should obtain which intravenous (IV) solution from the IV storage area to hang with the blood product at the client's bedside? 1. Lactated Ringer's 2. 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) 3. 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride 4. 5% dextrose in 0.45% sodium chloride
2
A client has overactivity of the thyroid gland. The nurse should expect which finding? 1. Weight gain 2. Nutritional deficiencies 3. Low blood glucose levels 4. Increased body fat stores
2
A client is receiving an intravenous infusion of 1000 mL of normal saline with 40 mEq of potassium chloride. The care unit nurse is monitoring the client for signs of hyperkalemia. Which finding initially will be noted in the client if hyperkalemia is present? 1. Confusion 2. Muscle weakness 3. Mental status changes 4. Depressed deep tendon reflexes
2
A school nurse is teaching an athletic coach how to prevent dehydration in athletes during football practice. Which action by the coach during football practice would indicate that further teaching is needed? 1. Weighs athletes before, during, and after football practice 2. Asks the athletes to take a salt tablet before football practice 3. Schedules fluid breaks every 30 minutes throughout practice 4. Tells the athletes to drink 16 oz (475 mL) of fluid per pound lost during practice
2
The nurse caring for a client with a diagnosis of hypoparathyroidism reviews the laboratory results of blood tests for this client and notes that the calcium level is extremely low. The nurse should expect to note which finding on assessment of the client? 1. Unresponsive pupils 2. Positive Trousseau's sign 3. Negative Chvostek's sign 4. Hyperactive bowel sounds
2
The nurse has provided instructions to a client regarding testicular self-examination (TSE). Which client statement indicates the need for further teaching regarding TSE? 1. "I know to report any small lumps." 2. "I examine myself every 2 months." 3. "I examine myself after I take a warm shower." 4. "I feel a hard and cord-like thing in back and going up."
2
The nurse is counseling a woman about decreasing her risk for cervical cancer. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further counseling? 1. "I need to seek prompt treatment for vaginitis." 2. "Condoms are needed only if I do not trust a new partner." 3. "A partner who is uncircumcised will present an increased risk." 4. "I need to keep appointments for Pap tests at the frequency advised by my health care provider."
2
The nurse is teaching an older client about measures to prevent constipation. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching? 1. "I walk 1 to 2 miles every day." 2. "I need to decrease fiber in my diet." 3. "I have a bowel movement every other day." 4. "I drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day."
2
The nurse writes the client problem of "fluid volume excess" (FVE). Which intervention should be included in the plan of care? 1. Change the IV fluid from 0.9% NS to D5W. 2. Restrict the sodium in the client's diet. 3. Monitor blood glucose levels. 4. Prepare the client for hemodialysis.
2
What is the priority problem in the client diagnosed with congestive heart failure? 1. Fluid volume overload. 2. Decreased cardiac output. 3. Activity intolerance. 4. Knowledge deficit.
2
A client is brought to the emergency department having experienced blood loss related to an arterial laceration. Which blood component should the nurse expect the health care provider to prescribe? 1. Platelets 2. Granulocytes 3. Fresh-frozen plasma 4. Packed red blood cells
3
A client is experiencing the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion. When explaining this disorder to the client and family, the nurse recalls that ADH works to reabsorb water in which parts of the nephron? 1. The glomerulus and the calices 2. The loop of Henle and the distal tubule 3. The distal tubule and the collecting duct 4. The proximal tubule and the loop of Henle
3
A client with gastric hypersecretion is scheduled for surgery. The nurse teaches the client that the procedure will lessen the stomach's production of acid by altering which structure? 1. Portal vein 2. Celiac artery 3. Vagus nerve 4. Pyloric valve
3
A hospitalized client has been diagnosed with heart failure as a complication of hypertension. In explaining the disease process to the client, the nurse identifies which chamber of the heart as primarily responsible for the symptoms? 1. Left atrium 2. Right atrium 3. Left ventricle 4. Right ventricle
3
The client is admitted to a nursing unit from a long-term care facility with a hematocrit of 56% [high level] and a serum sodium level of 152 mEq/L. Which condition is a cause for these findings? 1. Overhydration. 2. Anemia. 3. Dehydration. 4. Renal failure.
3
The client is admitted to a nursing unit from a long-term care facility with a hematocrit of 56% and a serum sodium level of 152 mEq/L. Which condition is a cause for these findings? 1. Overhydration 2. Anemia 3. Dehydration 4. Renal failure
3
The client who is beginning an exercise program asks the nurse why his heart "feels like it's pounding" when he is exercising vigorously. The nurse provides education to the client about increased cardiac response based on which physiological concept? 1. Pulse rate is not a reflection of cardiac response. 2. Cardiac index is the mechanism that allows blood to flow better. 3. Cardiac output is the body's attempt to meet metabolic demands. 4. Stroke volume is an artificial number used to determine the adequacy of cardiac output.
3
The nurse is caring for a client who was prescribed furosemide [a diuretic]. The nurse should monitor the client for damage of which kidney structure? 1. Pelvis 2. Calyx 3. Nephron 4. Renal artery
3
The nurse is monitoring a client for signs of hypocalcemia after thyroidectomy. Which sign or symptom, if noted in the client, would most likely indicate the presence of hypocalcemia? 1. Bradycardia 2. Flaccid paralysis 3. Tingling around the mouth 4. Absence of Chvostek's sign
3
The nurse is performing an assessment on a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of dehydration. Which assessment finding should the nurse expect to note? 1. Bradycardia 2. Elevated blood pressure 3. Changes in mental status 4. Bilateral crackles in the lungs
3
The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client who is receiving magnesium sulfate by intravenous infusion. The nurse notes that the magnesium level is 5 mEq/L (2.5 mmol/L). On the basis of this laboratory result, the nurse should expect to note which in the client? 1. Tremors 2. Hyperactive reflexes 3. Respiratory depression 4. No specific signs or symptoms because this value is a normal level
3
A client has received a transfusion of platelets. The nurse evaluates that the client is benefiting most from this therapy if the client exhibits which finding? 1. Increased hematocrit level 2. Increased hemoglobin level 3. Decline of elevated temperature to normal 4. Decreased oozing of blood from puncture sites and gums
4
The nurse is caring for a client whose magnesium level is 3.5 mEq/L (1.75 mmol/L). Which assessment finding should the nurse most likely expect to note in the client based on this magnesium level? 1. Tetany 2. Twitches 3. Positive Trousseau sign 4. Loss of deep tendon reflexes
4
The nurse is caring for an older client. Which finding should the nurse expect to note in this client while evaluating renal function? 1. Tubular reabsorption increases 2. Urine-concentrating ability increases 3. Medications are metabolized in larger amounts 4. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) diminishes
4
The nurse is preparing to care for a client with chronic kidney disease and anemia. Which describes the relationship between chronic kidney disease and anemia? 1. Lack of angiotensin I may cause anemia. 2. Increased production of aldosterone leads to anemia. 3. Anemia is caused by insufficient production of renin. 4. Decreased production of erythropoietin is causing anemia.
4
The nurse is teaching a community class to people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which explanation explains the development of type 2 diabetes? 1. The islet cells in the pancreas stop producing insulin. 2. The client eats too many foods high in sugar. 3. The pituitary does not produce vasopressin. 4. The cells become resistant to the circulating insulin.
4
The nurse, listening to the morning report, learns that an assigned client received a unit of granulocytes the previous evening. The nurse makes a note to assess the results of which daily serum laboratory studies to assess the effectiveness of the transfusion? 1. Hematocrit level 2. Erythrocyte count 3. Hemoglobin level 4. White blood cell count
4
A client's latest electrocardiogram waveform is demonstrating changes in the ST segment. The nurse is concerned that the client will begin to demonstrate. A. Ventricular dysrhythmias B. Atrial dysrhythmias C. Atrioventricular conduction blocks D. Sinus arrhythmias
A
The nurse is caring for a client with several broken ribs. The client is most likely to experience what type of acid-base imbalance? A. Respiratory acidosis from inadequate ventilation B. Respiratory alkalosis from anxiety and hyperventilation C. Metabolic acidosis from calcium loss due to broken bones D. Metabolic alkalosis from taking analgesics containing base products
A
The nurse reviews the blood gas results of a client with atelectasis. The nurse analyzes the results and determines that the client is experiencing respiratory acidosis. Which result validates the nurse's findings? A. pH 7.25, Paco2 50 mm Hg (50 mm Hg) B. pH 7.35, Paco2 40 mm Hg (40 mm Hg) C. pH 7.50, Paco2 52 mm Hg (52 mm Hg) D. pH 7.52, Paco2 28 mm Hg (28 mm Hg)
A
A patient needs 2 units of packed red blood cells. The patient is typed and crossmatched. The patient has A+ blood. As the nurse you know the patient can receive what type of blood? (Select all that apply) A. A- B. O- C. O+ D. A+ E. AB- F. AB+ G. B+
A, B, C, D
A client who is experiencing respiratory difficulty asks the nurse, "Why is it so much easier to breathe out than in?" In providing a response, the nurse explains that breathing is easier on exhalation because of which respiratory responses? A. Air flows by gravity. B. The respiratory muscles relax. C. The respiratory muscles contract. D. Air is flowing against a pressure gradient.
B
A client with cholelithiasis is prescribed a low-fat diet. What should the nurse instruct the client as to the purpose of this diet? A. "It will help reduce the amount of hydrochloric acid in your system." B. "It will reduce the amount of gallbladder stimulation." C. "It is necessary prior to gallbladder surgery." D. "It will give your liver some rest."
B
The client diagnosed with cancer of the ovary had an extensive resection of the bowel and is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which laboratory data should the nurse monitor daily? A. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels. B. Sodium, potassium, and glucose levels. C. Urine and serum osmolality levels. D. CA-125 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).
B
The nurse reviews the arterial blood gas results of a client and notes the following: pH 7.45, Paco2 of 30 mm Hg (30 mm Hg), and HCO3- of 20 mEq/L (20 mmol/L). The nurse analyzes these results as indicating which condition? A. Metabolic acidosis, compensated B. Respiratory alkalosis, compensated C. Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated D. Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated
B
The nurse suspects that a client with renal cell carcinoma has developed metastasis to the liver. What observation did the nurse make to cause this concern? A. Anemia B. Increased PT, PTT C. Palpable abdominal mass D. Gynecomastia and abdominal straie
B
The nurse instructs a client that the cause of cardiovascular problems is due to thick and stiff arteries. For which physiological process is the nurse instructing the client? A. Varicose veins B. Aneurysm C. Arteriosclerosis D. Embolism
C
The nurse is presenting a class on chest tubes. Which statement best describes a tension pneumothorax? A. A tension pneumothorax develops when an air-filled bleb on the surface of the lung ruptures. B. When a tension pneumothorax occurs, the air moves freely between the pleural space and the atmosphere. C. The injury allows air into the pleural space but prevents it from escaping from the pleural space. D. A tension pneumothorax results from a puncture of the pleura during a centralline placement.
C
A donor has AB- blood. Which patient or patients below can receive this type of blood safely? A. A patient with O- blood. B. A patient with A- blood C. A patient with B- blood D. A patient with AB- blood.
D
The nurse is caring for a client having respiratory distress related to an anxiety attack. Recent arterial blood gas values are pH = 7.53, Pao2 = 72 mm Hg (72 mm Hg), Paco2 = 32 mmHg (32 mm Hg), and HCO3- = 28 mEq/L (28 mmol/L). Which conclusion about the client should the nurse make? A. The client has acidotic blood B. The client is probably overreacting C. The client is fluid volume overloaded D. The client is probably hyperventilating
D
The nurse is caring for a client with glomerulonephritis. Which laboratory value would provide the most information about the client's renal status? A. Serum calcium B. Serum glucose C. Urine culture and sensitivity D. Urine protein level
D