NRSG 201 Exam 2 V2 | NRSG 201 Med
Surg 1 | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NRSG201 Exam 2) | Ivy Tech
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the
following ECG changes should the nurse anticipate?
A. Shortened PR interval
B. Prominent U waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Correct Answer: D
Hyperkalemia is characterized by a serum potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L and
can cause serious cardiac conduction disturbances. On an ECG, this often manifests as tall,
peaked T waves and a widened QRS complex. The nurse must prioritize cardiac monitoring
to detect lethal arrhythmias early.
2. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find in a patient experiencing
hypocalcemia?
A. Constipation
B. Brisk deep tendon reflexes
C. Positive Chvostek’s sign
,D. Polyuria
Correct Answer: C
Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to symptoms such as tetany
and muscle twitching. A positive Chvostek’s sign is elicited by tapping the facial nerve,
causing facial muscle contraction. This indicates a high risk for seizures or laryngospasm
requiring immediate intervention.
3. The nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and
HCO3 24 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
The pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis, as it is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45. The PaCO2
of 52 mmHg is elevated, which identifies the respiratory system as the cause of the
imbalance. Since the bicarbonate (HCO3) is within the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L, this is
an uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
4. A post-operative patient reports sudden sharp chest pain and dyspnea. The nurse suspects
a pulmonary embolism. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer an oral analgesic
, B. Apply oxygen and notify the physician
C. Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe
D. Obtain a stat 12-lead ECG
Correct Answer: B
Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis that
requires rapid response. The immediate priority is to improve oxygenation and stabilize
the patient’s respiratory status. The nurse should also notify the rapid response team or
the primary care provider to initiate emergency protocols.
5. A nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. Who is legally responsible for obtaining the
patient’s informed consent?
A. The circulating nurse
B. The nurse anesthetist
C. The staff nurse
D. The surgeon
Correct Answer: D
The surgeon or healthcare provider performing the procedure is legally responsible for
explaining the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient. The nurse’s role is to witness
the patient’s signature and verify that the consent is present on the chart. If the patient has
Surg 1 | Actual Q&A with Rationale
(NRSG201 Exam 2) | Ivy Tech
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the
following ECG changes should the nurse anticipate?
A. Shortened PR interval
B. Prominent U waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Correct Answer: D
Hyperkalemia is characterized by a serum potassium level greater than 5.0 mEq/L and
can cause serious cardiac conduction disturbances. On an ECG, this often manifests as tall,
peaked T waves and a widened QRS complex. The nurse must prioritize cardiac monitoring
to detect lethal arrhythmias early.
2. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find in a patient experiencing
hypocalcemia?
A. Constipation
B. Brisk deep tendon reflexes
C. Positive Chvostek’s sign
,D. Polyuria
Correct Answer: C
Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to symptoms such as tetany
and muscle twitching. A positive Chvostek’s sign is elicited by tapping the facial nerve,
causing facial muscle contraction. This indicates a high risk for seizures or laryngospasm
requiring immediate intervention.
3. The nurse is reviewing arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and
HCO3 24 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
The pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis, as it is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45. The PaCO2
of 52 mmHg is elevated, which identifies the respiratory system as the cause of the
imbalance. Since the bicarbonate (HCO3) is within the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L, this is
an uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
4. A post-operative patient reports sudden sharp chest pain and dyspnea. The nurse suspects
a pulmonary embolism. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer an oral analgesic
, B. Apply oxygen and notify the physician
C. Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe
D. Obtain a stat 12-lead ECG
Correct Answer: B
Pulmonary embolism is a life-threatening complication of deep vein thrombosis that
requires rapid response. The immediate priority is to improve oxygenation and stabilize
the patient’s respiratory status. The nurse should also notify the rapid response team or
the primary care provider to initiate emergency protocols.
5. A nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. Who is legally responsible for obtaining the
patient’s informed consent?
A. The circulating nurse
B. The nurse anesthetist
C. The staff nurse
D. The surgeon
Correct Answer: D
The surgeon or healthcare provider performing the procedure is legally responsible for
explaining the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient. The nurse’s role is to witness
the patient’s signature and verify that the consent is present on the chart. If the patient has
