NURS 201 Quiz 2 V3 | NURS 201 Medical
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 2) | West Coast
University
1. A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a client with COPD: pH 7.30,
PaCO2 55 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated
B. Respiratory alkalosis, partially compensated
C. Metabolic acidosis, fully compensated
D. Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated
Answer: D
Rationale: The pH is below 7.35, indicating acidosis, and the PaCO2 is elevated above 45
mmHg, which is the primary cause in respiratory cases. The bicarbonate (HCO3) level is
within the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L, indicating that the kidneys have not yet begun to
compensate. This pattern is characteristic of acute or uncompensated respiratory acidosis
often seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations.
2. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a client with a serum potassium
level of 6.2 mEq/L?
A. Increased appetite
,B. Tall, peaked T waves on the ECG
C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
D. Dry mucous membranes
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia, defined as a potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L, can cause
life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Tall, peaked T waves are one of the earliest signs of
potassium’s effect on cardiac conduction and require immediate intervention. The nurse
must prepare to administer medications such as calcium gluconate or insulin with dextrose
to stabilize the heart and shift potassium into the cells.
3. A preoperative nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Who is ultimately responsible for
obtaining the client’s informed consent?
A. The registered nurse
B. The anesthesia provider
C. The hospital administrator
D. The surgeon
Answer: D
Rationale: The surgeon is legally responsible for explaining the procedure, risks, benefits,
and alternatives to the client. The nurse’s role is to witness the signing of the consent form
, and ensure the client understands what was discussed. If the client has questions about the
surgery itself, the nurse must notify the surgeon to return and provide further clarification.
4. A client is diagnosed with hypocalcemia. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse
expect to observe?
A. Diminished deep tendon reflexes
B. Constipation
C. Positive Chvostek’s sign
D. Polyuria
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to symptoms like
muscle twitching and tetany. A positive Chvostek’s sign is elicited by tapping the facial
nerve, resulting in a twitch of the lip or facial muscles. This finding indicates significant
electrolyte imbalance that may progress to laryngospasm or seizures if not treated.
5. Which intravenous fluid is considered isotonic and commonly used for fluid volume
replacement?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
C. D5W in 0.45% Sodium Chloride
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 2) | West Coast
University
1. A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a client with COPD: pH 7.30,
PaCO2 55 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated
B. Respiratory alkalosis, partially compensated
C. Metabolic acidosis, fully compensated
D. Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated
Answer: D
Rationale: The pH is below 7.35, indicating acidosis, and the PaCO2 is elevated above 45
mmHg, which is the primary cause in respiratory cases. The bicarbonate (HCO3) level is
within the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L, indicating that the kidneys have not yet begun to
compensate. This pattern is characteristic of acute or uncompensated respiratory acidosis
often seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations.
2. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a client with a serum potassium
level of 6.2 mEq/L?
A. Increased appetite
,B. Tall, peaked T waves on the ECG
C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
D. Dry mucous membranes
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia, defined as a potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L, can cause
life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. Tall, peaked T waves are one of the earliest signs of
potassium’s effect on cardiac conduction and require immediate intervention. The nurse
must prepare to administer medications such as calcium gluconate or insulin with dextrose
to stabilize the heart and shift potassium into the cells.
3. A preoperative nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Who is ultimately responsible for
obtaining the client’s informed consent?
A. The registered nurse
B. The anesthesia provider
C. The hospital administrator
D. The surgeon
Answer: D
Rationale: The surgeon is legally responsible for explaining the procedure, risks, benefits,
and alternatives to the client. The nurse’s role is to witness the signing of the consent form
, and ensure the client understands what was discussed. If the client has questions about the
surgery itself, the nurse must notify the surgeon to return and provide further clarification.
4. A client is diagnosed with hypocalcemia. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse
expect to observe?
A. Diminished deep tendon reflexes
B. Constipation
C. Positive Chvostek’s sign
D. Polyuria
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to symptoms like
muscle twitching and tetany. A positive Chvostek’s sign is elicited by tapping the facial
nerve, resulting in a twitch of the lip or facial muscles. This finding indicates significant
electrolyte imbalance that may progress to laryngospasm or seizures if not treated.
5. Which intravenous fluid is considered isotonic and commonly used for fluid volume
replacement?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
C. D5W in 0.45% Sodium Chloride
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
