Galen NUR 170 Exam 3: (Latest 2026/2027 Update)
Fluids/Electrolytes, Diabetes, Heart Failure, Orthopedics & Vascular
Disorders | Q&A Grade A
Complete Review: Lab Values, Insulin Therapy, Heart Failure Management, Orthopedic Conditions, PVD, and Priority Patient
Care
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Foundations of Nursing / NUR 170 Galen Exam 3 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What is the normal range for serum sodium (Na)?
CORRECT ANSWER
135‑145 mEq/L
RATIONALE
• Hyponatremia: <135 mEq/L (neurologic symptoms, seizures).
• Hypernatremia: >145 mEq/L (thirst, confusion, seizures).
• Sodium is the major extracellular cation; controls fluid balance.
Q2
Normal range for potassium (K)?
CORRECT ANSWER
3.5‑5.0 mEq/L
RATIONALE
• Hypokalemia: cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, U waves.
• Hyperkalemia: peaked T waves, wide QRS, cardiac arrest.
• Potassium is critical for nerve conduction and muscle contraction.
, Q3
What is the normal pH of blood?
CORRECT ANSWER
7.35‑7.45
RATIONALE
• Acidosis: pH <7.35; Alkalosis: pH >7.45.
• PaCO2 (35‑45) reflects respiratory component; HCO3 (22‑28) reflects metabolic.
• Maintained by lungs, kidneys, and buffers.
Q4
What are the signs and symptoms of heart failure (FACES mnemonic)?
CORRECT ANSWER
F – Fatigue, A – Activity limitation, C – Chest congestion/cough, E – Edema, S – Shortness of breath
RATIONALE
• Left‑sided HF: pulmonary symptoms (crackles, dyspnea, orthopnea).
• Right‑sided HF: peripheral edema, JVD, hepatomegaly.
• Daily weight is the best indicator of fluid status.
Q5
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). What teaching should the nurse include?
CORRECT ANSWER
Increase potassium in diet; monitor daily weight; report muscle weakness and dizziness (signs of
hypokalemia).
RATIONALE
• Furosemide is a loop diuretic that excretes potassium.
• Hypokalemia causes fatigue, weakness, arrhythmias.
• Weight gain of >2‑3 lbs in 24 hours or >5 lbs in 1 week may indicate worsening HF.
Fluids/Electrolytes, Diabetes, Heart Failure, Orthopedics & Vascular
Disorders | Q&A Grade A
Complete Review: Lab Values, Insulin Therapy, Heart Failure Management, Orthopedic Conditions, PVD, and Priority Patient
Care
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Foundations of Nursing / NUR 170 Galen Exam 3 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What is the normal range for serum sodium (Na)?
CORRECT ANSWER
135‑145 mEq/L
RATIONALE
• Hyponatremia: <135 mEq/L (neurologic symptoms, seizures).
• Hypernatremia: >145 mEq/L (thirst, confusion, seizures).
• Sodium is the major extracellular cation; controls fluid balance.
Q2
Normal range for potassium (K)?
CORRECT ANSWER
3.5‑5.0 mEq/L
RATIONALE
• Hypokalemia: cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, U waves.
• Hyperkalemia: peaked T waves, wide QRS, cardiac arrest.
• Potassium is critical for nerve conduction and muscle contraction.
, Q3
What is the normal pH of blood?
CORRECT ANSWER
7.35‑7.45
RATIONALE
• Acidosis: pH <7.35; Alkalosis: pH >7.45.
• PaCO2 (35‑45) reflects respiratory component; HCO3 (22‑28) reflects metabolic.
• Maintained by lungs, kidneys, and buffers.
Q4
What are the signs and symptoms of heart failure (FACES mnemonic)?
CORRECT ANSWER
F – Fatigue, A – Activity limitation, C – Chest congestion/cough, E – Edema, S – Shortness of breath
RATIONALE
• Left‑sided HF: pulmonary symptoms (crackles, dyspnea, orthopnea).
• Right‑sided HF: peripheral edema, JVD, hepatomegaly.
• Daily weight is the best indicator of fluid status.
Q5
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). What teaching should the nurse include?
CORRECT ANSWER
Increase potassium in diet; monitor daily weight; report muscle weakness and dizziness (signs of
hypokalemia).
RATIONALE
• Furosemide is a loop diuretic that excretes potassium.
• Hypokalemia causes fatigue, weakness, arrhythmias.
• Weight gain of >2‑3 lbs in 24 hours or >5 lbs in 1 week may indicate worsening HF.
