Detailed Rationales All Core Domains Covered | A+ Graded | 2026 Edition
Exam Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---------|---------|
| Course | NSG 3850 – Pathophysiology for Nurses II |
| Exam | Exam 4 / Final Exam |
| Institution | Galen College of Nursing |
| Edition | 2026/2027 |
| Key Topics | Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalances, Cardiovascular & Hematologic Disorders,
Hepatobiliary & Gastrointestinal Disorders, Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders, Renal &
Genitourinary Disorders, Neurologic & Sensory Disorders, Immune & Infectious Disorders, High-
Acuity & Critical Care |
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Table of Contents
| Section | Domain | Questions |
|---------|--------|-----------|
| 1 | Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalances | 1–35 |
| 2 | Cardiovascular & Hematologic Disorders | 36–85 |
| 3 | Hepatobiliary & Gastrointestinal Disorders | 86–140 |
| 4 | Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders | 141–190 |
,| 5 | Renal & Genitourinary Disorders | 191–230 |
| 6 | Neurologic & Sensory Disorders | 231–260 |
| 7 | Immune & Infectious Disorders | 261–285 |
| 8 | High-Acuity & Critical Care | 286–300 |
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SECTION 1: FLUID & ELECTROLYTE IMBALANCES (Questions 1–35)
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a client who has a history of heart failure and is receiving furosemide.
Which finding indicates the client may be experiencing fluid volume deficit?
A) Bilateral crackles in the lung bases
B) Jugular vein distention
C) Orthostatic hypotension
D) Weight gain of 2 kg in 24 hours
Answer: C
Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension is a classic sign of fluid volume deficit related to
intravascular volume depletion. Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic that can cause excessive
fluid loss. Bilateral crackles, jugular vein distention, and rapid weight gain are indicators of fluid
volume excess.
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,Question 2
A client with dehydration is being assessed. Which finding is most indicative of fluid volume
deficit?
A) Bounding pulse
B) Peripheral edema
C) Dry mucous membranes
D) Jugular vein distention
Answer: C
Rationale: Dry mucous membranes are a classic sign of dehydration, indicating decreased body
fluid volume. Bounding pulses, peripheral edema, and JVD are associated with fluid volume
excess.
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Question 3
A client with chronic kidney disease has a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse anticipate?
A) Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes
B) Muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias
C) Tetany and positive Chvostek's sign
D) Bone pain and pathological fractures
Answer: B
, Rationale: Hyperkalemia (serum potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) causes muscle weakness and life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias (peaked T waves, widened QRS). Hypoactive reflexes and
tetany are associated with hypocalcemia.
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Question 4
A client has a serum sodium level of 148 mEq/L. Which finding should the nurse anticipate?
A) Dry mucous membranes and thirst
B) Peripheral edema
C) Jugular vein distention
D) Crackles in the lungs
Answer: A
Rationale: Hypernatremia (serum sodium > 145 mEq/L) causes cellular dehydration, resulting in
thirst, dry mucous membranes, and altered mental status.
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Question 5
A client is receiving IV fluids at 150 mL/hr. The nurse notes that the client has developed
crackles in the lung bases and jugular vein distention. What should the nurse do first?
A) Increase the IV rate