NSG 320 Exam 1 V3 | NSG 320 Adult
Health Nursing I | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSG320 Exam 1) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation
should the nurse prioritize during the assessment?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
C. Peaked T-waves on EKG
D. Increased muscle tone and twitching
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hypokalemia is defined as a serum potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L, which
can lead to significant neuromuscular changes. Muscle weakness and leg cramps are
common early signs because potassium is vital for muscle fiber contraction. The nurse
must monitor the patient closely as this can progress to respiratory failure or cardiac
arrest.
2. When obtaining informed consent for a surgical procedure, what is the primary
responsibility of the nurse?
A. Explaining the risks and benefits of the surgery
,B. Ensuring the surgeon has answered all the patient’s questions
C. Describing alternative treatments to the patient
D. Witnessing the patient’s signature on the consent form
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The nurse’s role in informed consent is primarily to act as a witness to the
patient’s signature. It is the legal responsibility of the surgeon to explain the procedure,
risks, and alternatives. The nurse confirms that the patient appears competent and is
signing the document voluntarily.
3. A patient’s ABG results are: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L. Which acid-
base imbalance is the patient experiencing?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Metabolic Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and a PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a
respiratory cause. Since the bicarbonate level is within the normal range, the primary
problem is respiratory in nature. This condition is often caused by hypoventilation where
the lungs fail to excrete enough carbon dioxide.
, 4. The nurse is assessing a patient with Fluid Volume Excess. Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect? (Select All That Apply)
A. Distended neck veins
B. Dependent edema
C. Bounding pulse
D. Crackles in the lungs
E. Increased hematocrit
F. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, F
Explanation: Fluid volume excess leads to an increase in hydrostatic pressure, resulting in
edema and distended neck veins. Crackles are heard in the lungs as fluid moves into the
alveoli, and a bounding pulse reflects the increased circulatory volume. Hematocrit would
typically decrease due to hemodilution, not increase.
5. Which medication is the treatment of choice for a patient experiencing Malignant
Hyperthermia during surgery?
A. Atropine sulfate
B. Dantrolene sodium
C. Epinephrine
D. Succinylcholine
Health Nursing I | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSG320 Exam 1) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation
should the nurse prioritize during the assessment?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
C. Peaked T-waves on EKG
D. Increased muscle tone and twitching
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hypokalemia is defined as a serum potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L, which
can lead to significant neuromuscular changes. Muscle weakness and leg cramps are
common early signs because potassium is vital for muscle fiber contraction. The nurse
must monitor the patient closely as this can progress to respiratory failure or cardiac
arrest.
2. When obtaining informed consent for a surgical procedure, what is the primary
responsibility of the nurse?
A. Explaining the risks and benefits of the surgery
,B. Ensuring the surgeon has answered all the patient’s questions
C. Describing alternative treatments to the patient
D. Witnessing the patient’s signature on the consent form
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The nurse’s role in informed consent is primarily to act as a witness to the
patient’s signature. It is the legal responsibility of the surgeon to explain the procedure,
risks, and alternatives. The nurse confirms that the patient appears competent and is
signing the document voluntarily.
3. A patient’s ABG results are: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L. Which acid-
base imbalance is the patient experiencing?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Metabolic Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and a PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a
respiratory cause. Since the bicarbonate level is within the normal range, the primary
problem is respiratory in nature. This condition is often caused by hypoventilation where
the lungs fail to excrete enough carbon dioxide.
, 4. The nurse is assessing a patient with Fluid Volume Excess. Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect? (Select All That Apply)
A. Distended neck veins
B. Dependent edema
C. Bounding pulse
D. Crackles in the lungs
E. Increased hematocrit
F. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, F
Explanation: Fluid volume excess leads to an increase in hydrostatic pressure, resulting in
edema and distended neck veins. Crackles are heard in the lungs as fluid moves into the
alveoli, and a bounding pulse reflects the increased circulatory volume. Hematocrit would
typically decrease due to hemodilution, not increase.
5. Which medication is the treatment of choice for a patient experiencing Malignant
Hyperthermia during surgery?
A. Atropine sulfate
B. Dantrolene sodium
C. Epinephrine
D. Succinylcholine
