NSG 320 Final Exam V3 | NSG 320 Adult
Health Nursing I | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSG320 Final Exam) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestations should the nurse expect to find? (Select All That Apply)
A. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
B. Cardiac dysrhythmias
C. Constipation and decreased bowel sounds
D. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
E. Flattened T waves on ECG
F. Peaked T waves
Correct Answer: A, B, C, E
Explanation: Hypokalemia affects neuromuscular and cardiac function by altering the
resting membrane potential. Muscle weakness and leg cramps occur due to impaired
skeletal muscle contraction. Additionally, the nurse would observe flattened T waves and
potential U waves on the ECG, reflecting delayed repolarization of the ventricles.
,2. A nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. Who is ultimately responsible for obtaining the
patient’s informed consent?
A. The registered nurse
B. The anesthesiologist
C. The surgeon
D. The charge nurse
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The surgeon is legally responsible for explaining the procedure, risks,
benefits, and alternatives to the patient. While the nurse may witness the signature, they do
not provide the detailed medical information required for consent. If a patient does not
understand the procedure, the nurse must notify the surgeon to return and provide further
clarification.
3. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26
mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, while a PaCO2 level above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range, the condition is
not yet compensated. This pattern is classic for respiratory acidosis, often caused by
hypoventilation or airway obstruction.
4. Which assessments should the nurse prioritize for a patient diagnosed with right-sided
heart failure? (Select All That Apply)
A. Jugular venous distention (JVD)
B. Crackles in the lungs
C. Peripheral edema
D. Hepatomegaly
E. Splenomegaly
Correct Answer: A, C, D, E
Explanation: Right-sided heart failure results in systemic venous congestion because the
right ventricle cannot pump blood effectively to the lungs. This leads to increased pressure
in the vena cava, causing JVD, peripheral edema, and organ enlargement like hepatomegaly.
Pulmonary crackles are characteristic of left-sided heart failure, where blood backs up into
the lungs.
5. A patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is being discharged. Which
instructions should be included in the teaching plan? (Select All That Apply)
A. Practice pursed-lip breathing
, B. Avoid large crowds during flu season
C. Use high-flow oxygen at all times
D. Eat high-protein, high-calorie small frequent meals
E. Perform huff coughing techniques
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing helps prevent airway collapse by maintaining positive
pressure in the bronchioles. Patients with COPD are at high risk for infections, so avoiding
crowds and getting vaccinations is vital. High-flow oxygen is contraindicated as it can
suppress the hypoxic drive to breathe in chronic CO2 retainers.
6. The nurse is caring for a patient who is 12 hours post-abdominal surgery. Which of the
following is the most effective nursing intervention to prevent pulmonary complications?
A. Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer
B. Maintaining strict bed rest
C. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
D. Applying sequential compression devices
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Incentive spirometry promotes deep breathing and prevents atelectasis by
opening collapsed alveoli. Early ambulation is also a primary intervention for preventing
Health Nursing I | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSG320 Final Exam) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestations should the nurse expect to find? (Select All That Apply)
A. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
B. Cardiac dysrhythmias
C. Constipation and decreased bowel sounds
D. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
E. Flattened T waves on ECG
F. Peaked T waves
Correct Answer: A, B, C, E
Explanation: Hypokalemia affects neuromuscular and cardiac function by altering the
resting membrane potential. Muscle weakness and leg cramps occur due to impaired
skeletal muscle contraction. Additionally, the nurse would observe flattened T waves and
potential U waves on the ECG, reflecting delayed repolarization of the ventricles.
,2. A nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. Who is ultimately responsible for obtaining the
patient’s informed consent?
A. The registered nurse
B. The anesthesiologist
C. The surgeon
D. The charge nurse
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The surgeon is legally responsible for explaining the procedure, risks,
benefits, and alternatives to the patient. While the nurse may witness the signature, they do
not provide the detailed medical information required for consent. If a patient does not
understand the procedure, the nurse must notify the surgeon to return and provide further
clarification.
3. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26
mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
,Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, while a PaCO2 level above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range, the condition is
not yet compensated. This pattern is classic for respiratory acidosis, often caused by
hypoventilation or airway obstruction.
4. Which assessments should the nurse prioritize for a patient diagnosed with right-sided
heart failure? (Select All That Apply)
A. Jugular venous distention (JVD)
B. Crackles in the lungs
C. Peripheral edema
D. Hepatomegaly
E. Splenomegaly
Correct Answer: A, C, D, E
Explanation: Right-sided heart failure results in systemic venous congestion because the
right ventricle cannot pump blood effectively to the lungs. This leads to increased pressure
in the vena cava, causing JVD, peripheral edema, and organ enlargement like hepatomegaly.
Pulmonary crackles are characteristic of left-sided heart failure, where blood backs up into
the lungs.
5. A patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is being discharged. Which
instructions should be included in the teaching plan? (Select All That Apply)
A. Practice pursed-lip breathing
, B. Avoid large crowds during flu season
C. Use high-flow oxygen at all times
D. Eat high-protein, high-calorie small frequent meals
E. Perform huff coughing techniques
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E
Explanation: Pursed-lip breathing helps prevent airway collapse by maintaining positive
pressure in the bronchioles. Patients with COPD are at high risk for infections, so avoiding
crowds and getting vaccinations is vital. High-flow oxygen is contraindicated as it can
suppress the hypoxic drive to breathe in chronic CO2 retainers.
6. The nurse is caring for a patient who is 12 hours post-abdominal surgery. Which of the
following is the most effective nursing intervention to prevent pulmonary complications?
A. Encouraging the use of an incentive spirometer
B. Maintaining strict bed rest
C. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
D. Applying sequential compression devices
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Incentive spirometry promotes deep breathing and prevents atelectasis by
opening collapsed alveoli. Early ambulation is also a primary intervention for preventing
