NURS 120 Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing - Week 8 Quiz
2026 – WCU
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which
assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Muscle spasms
B. Hypertension
C. Increased bowel sounds
D. Cardiac dysrhythmias
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) can lead to life-threatening cardiac
dysrhythmias and ECG changes.
2. Who is ultimately responsible for obtaining informed consent for a surgical
procedure?
A. The surgeon
B. The circulating nurse
C. The charge nurse
D. The anesthesiologist
Answer: A
Rationale: While nurses may witness the signature, it is the surgeon’s responsibility to
explain the procedure, risks, and benefits to obtain consent.
,3. A patient has an arterial blood gas (ABG) result of pH 7.30, PaCO2 55, and
HCO3 24. How should the nurse interpret this?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: A low pH (< 7.35) and high PaCO2 (> 45) indicate respiratory acidosis.
4. Which statement by the nurse best describes the nature of pain?
A. Pain is an objective finding determined by vital signs.
B. Pain is whatever the experiencing person says it is.
C. Pain is only significant if there is visible tissue damage.
D. Chronic pain is less severe than acute pain.
Answer: B
Rationale: Pain is subjective and the patient’s self-report is the most reliable indicator of
pain.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient for Chvostek’s sign. A positive result indicates
which electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped) is a classic
sign of hypocalcemia.
, 6. What is the primary goal of the ‘Time-Out’ procedure in the operating room?
A. To ensure the surgeon is present
B. To check the patient’s insurance status
C. To allow the anesthesia to take effect
D. To prevent wrong-site, wrong-procedure surgery
Answer: D
Rationale: The Universal Protocol time-out is used to verify the correct patient, correct
site, and correct procedure.
7. A patient is 24 hours post-op and develops a fever of 101°F. Which action is
the priority?
A. Administering aspirin
B. Applying a cooling blanket
C. Encouraging use of the incentive spirometer
D. Notifying the rapid response team
Answer: C
Rationale: Early post-op fevers are often caused by atelectasis; deep breathing and
incentive spirometry help expand the lungs.
8. Which fluid is classified as an isotonic solution?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
C. 10% Dextrose in Water
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Answer: D
Rationale: 0.9% Normal Saline is isotonic, meaning it has the same osmolarity as body
fluids.
2026 – WCU
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which
assessment finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Muscle spasms
B. Hypertension
C. Increased bowel sounds
D. Cardiac dysrhythmias
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) can lead to life-threatening cardiac
dysrhythmias and ECG changes.
2. Who is ultimately responsible for obtaining informed consent for a surgical
procedure?
A. The surgeon
B. The circulating nurse
C. The charge nurse
D. The anesthesiologist
Answer: A
Rationale: While nurses may witness the signature, it is the surgeon’s responsibility to
explain the procedure, risks, and benefits to obtain consent.
,3. A patient has an arterial blood gas (ABG) result of pH 7.30, PaCO2 55, and
HCO3 24. How should the nurse interpret this?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: A low pH (< 7.35) and high PaCO2 (> 45) indicate respiratory acidosis.
4. Which statement by the nurse best describes the nature of pain?
A. Pain is an objective finding determined by vital signs.
B. Pain is whatever the experiencing person says it is.
C. Pain is only significant if there is visible tissue damage.
D. Chronic pain is less severe than acute pain.
Answer: B
Rationale: Pain is subjective and the patient’s self-report is the most reliable indicator of
pain.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient for Chvostek’s sign. A positive result indicates
which electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped) is a classic
sign of hypocalcemia.
, 6. What is the primary goal of the ‘Time-Out’ procedure in the operating room?
A. To ensure the surgeon is present
B. To check the patient’s insurance status
C. To allow the anesthesia to take effect
D. To prevent wrong-site, wrong-procedure surgery
Answer: D
Rationale: The Universal Protocol time-out is used to verify the correct patient, correct
site, and correct procedure.
7. A patient is 24 hours post-op and develops a fever of 101°F. Which action is
the priority?
A. Administering aspirin
B. Applying a cooling blanket
C. Encouraging use of the incentive spirometer
D. Notifying the rapid response team
Answer: C
Rationale: Early post-op fevers are often caused by atelectasis; deep breathing and
incentive spirometry help expand the lungs.
8. Which fluid is classified as an isotonic solution?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
C. 10% Dextrose in Water
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Answer: D
Rationale: 0.9% Normal Saline is isotonic, meaning it has the same osmolarity as body
fluids.
