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 of