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1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
presents with dyspnea, wheezes, and productive cough. The nurse
suspects that the patient has developed a respiratory infection.
Which of the following laboratory tests would be most useful to
confirm the diagnosis?
A) Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis
B) Sputum culture and sensitivity
C) Chest x-ray
D) Pulmonary function tests (PFTs)
*Answer: B) Sputum culture and sensitivity*
Rationale: Sputum culture and sensitivity can identify the causative
organism and the appropriate antibiotic therapy for a respiratory
infection. ABG analysis can assess the gas exchange and acid-base
balance, but it does not indicate the presence of infection. Chest xray can show the extent of lung damage, but it cannot differentiate
between infection and other causes of inflammation. PFTs can
measure the airflow and lung volumes, but they are not specific for
infection.
2. A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted to the hospital
with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse monitors the patient's
fluid and electrolyte status closely. Which of the following findings
would indicate a complication of DKA?
A) Serum sodium level of 140 mEq/L
B) Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L
C) Serum bicarbonate level of 18 mEq/L
D) Serum glucose level of 250 mg/dL
*Answer: B) Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L*
Rationale: Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L indicates
hypokalemia, which is a common complication of DKA due to
osmotic diuresis, insulin therapy, and metabolic acidosis. Serum
sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145
mEq/L). Serum bicarbonate level of 18 mEq/L is low, but it is
expected in DKA due to metabolic acidosis. Serum glucose level ofÂ
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