NSG 3130 Exam 1 V1 | NSG 3130
Fundamental Concepts & Skills for
Nursing Practice II | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSG3130 Exam 1) | Galen
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse prioritize for assessment?
A. Peaked T waves on the ECG
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
C. Cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness
D. Increased deep tendon reflexes
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypokalemia, defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L, significantly
affects cardiac and neuromuscular function. Low potassium levels can lead to life-
threatening dysrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia, and profound skeletal muscle
weakness. The nurse must monitor the patient’s heart rhythm and respiratory status
closely to ensure safety and prompt intervention.
2. Which intravenous fluid is considered hypotonic and is commonly used to treat
intracellular dehydration?
A. 0.9% Normal Saline
,B. Lactated Ringer’s
C. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Normal Saline
D. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
Answer: D
Rationale: 0.45% Sodium Chloride, or half-normal saline, is a hypotonic solution because
its osmolality is lower than that of serum. Hypotonic solutions cause fluid to shift from the
intravascular space into the intracellular space, helping to rehydrate cells. This is
particularly useful in conditions like hypernatremia where cells have become shrunken and
dehydrated.
3. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mm Hg, and HCO3 24
mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Rationale: The pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis as it is below the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45.
The PaCO2 of 55 mm Hg is elevated, indicating carbon dioxide retention, which is the
primary cause of this respiratory imbalance. Because the bicarbonate level (HCO3) is
, within the normal range of 22 to 26 mEq/L, the condition is identified as uncompensated
respiratory acidosis.
4. During the preoperative assessment, the nurse discovers the patient is allergic to avocados
and bananas. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Notify the dietary department immediately
B. Alert the surgical team of a possible latex allergy
C. Document the food allergy and proceed as normal
D. Ask the patient if they are allergic to shellfish
Answer: B
Rationale: There is a known cross-reactivity between certain foods and latex due to
similar proteins. Patients allergic to avocados, bananas, kiwis, or chestnuts are at a higher
risk for having a latex allergy. The nurse must communicate this risk to the surgical team to
ensure a latex-free environment is maintained during the procedure.
5. A nurse is monitoring an IV site and notes that the area is cool to the touch, swollen, and
the patient reports discomfort. What complication is occurring?
A. Phlebitis
B. Extravasation
C. Infiltration
D. Thrombosis
Fundamental Concepts & Skills for
Nursing Practice II | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSG3130 Exam 1) | Galen
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse prioritize for assessment?
A. Peaked T waves on the ECG
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
C. Cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness
D. Increased deep tendon reflexes
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypokalemia, defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L, significantly
affects cardiac and neuromuscular function. Low potassium levels can lead to life-
threatening dysrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia, and profound skeletal muscle
weakness. The nurse must monitor the patient’s heart rhythm and respiratory status
closely to ensure safety and prompt intervention.
2. Which intravenous fluid is considered hypotonic and is commonly used to treat
intracellular dehydration?
A. 0.9% Normal Saline
,B. Lactated Ringer’s
C. 5% Dextrose in 0.9% Normal Saline
D. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
Answer: D
Rationale: 0.45% Sodium Chloride, or half-normal saline, is a hypotonic solution because
its osmolality is lower than that of serum. Hypotonic solutions cause fluid to shift from the
intravascular space into the intracellular space, helping to rehydrate cells. This is
particularly useful in conditions like hypernatremia where cells have become shrunken and
dehydrated.
3. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mm Hg, and HCO3 24
mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Rationale: The pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis as it is below the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45.
The PaCO2 of 55 mm Hg is elevated, indicating carbon dioxide retention, which is the
primary cause of this respiratory imbalance. Because the bicarbonate level (HCO3) is
, within the normal range of 22 to 26 mEq/L, the condition is identified as uncompensated
respiratory acidosis.
4. During the preoperative assessment, the nurse discovers the patient is allergic to avocados
and bananas. Which action is most appropriate?
A. Notify the dietary department immediately
B. Alert the surgical team of a possible latex allergy
C. Document the food allergy and proceed as normal
D. Ask the patient if they are allergic to shellfish
Answer: B
Rationale: There is a known cross-reactivity between certain foods and latex due to
similar proteins. Patients allergic to avocados, bananas, kiwis, or chestnuts are at a higher
risk for having a latex allergy. The nurse must communicate this risk to the surgical team to
ensure a latex-free environment is maintained during the procedure.
5. A nurse is monitoring an IV site and notes that the area is cool to the touch, swollen, and
the patient reports discomfort. What complication is occurring?
A. Phlebitis
B. Extravasation
C. Infiltration
D. Thrombosis
