NUR 170 Exam 1: 2026/2027 Questions and
Answers Latest – Galen 100% Accuracy
OVERVIEW:
NUR 170 Exam 1 covers fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance including
calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, metabolic and respiratory
acidosis/alkalosis, ABG interpretation, and compensatory breathing. It
emphasizes blood transfusion safety, universal donor, hemolytic reactions, TACO,
and two-RN verification. Additional topics include postoperative care,
evisceration, incentive spirometry, pain assessment, opioid safety in elderly,
sickle cell hydration, iron-deficiency anemia diet, and documentation standards
for safe nursing practice to prevent complications and promote recovery
Correct answer highlighted in bold Green + rationales.
1. While the nurse is washing the face of a patient in renal failure, the patient demonstrates a
spasm of the lips and face. The nurse examines the recent electrolyte levels to assess the level
of:
a. potassium
b. calcium
c. sodium
d. magnesium
Rationale: Spasm of lips/face is Chvostek sign indicating hypocalcemia; calcium increases
neuromuscular excitability when low.
2. Prior to hanging an IV containing potassium, the nurse will confirm that there is a:
a. blood pressure of at least 60 mm Hg diastolic
b. urine output of at least 30 mL/hr
c. filter on the IV line
d. pulse of at least 50 beats/min
Rationale: Potassium is excreted by kidneys; need adequate urine output to avoid
hyperkalemia.
, 3. The patient with long-term obstructive pulmonary disease has a pH of 7, HCO3 of 18 mEq/L,
and a PaCO2 of 40 mm Hg. From this laboratory information, the nurse assesses the patient is
in:
a. respiratory alkalosis
b. metabolic alkalosis
c. respiratory acidosis
d. metabolic acidosis
Rationale: Low pH with low HCO3 indicates metabolic acidosis; PaCO2 40 is normal, not
respiratory.
4. To help prevent respiratory acidosis in a young person with asthma, the nurse would
encourage:
a. deep-breathing exercises every 2 hours
b. drinking 8 ounces of fluid every 4 hours
c. ambulating for 15 minutes twice a day
d. sleeping with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees
Rationale: Deep breathing promotes CO2 elimination and prevents CO2 retention leading to
respiratory acidosis.
5. The patient who has had diarrhea for the last 3 days has blood gases of pH of 7.1, HCO3 of
20 mEq/L, and PCO2 of 36 mm Hg. The nurse recognizes these values indicate:
a. respiratory alkalosis
b. metabolic alkalosis
c. respiratory acidosis
d. metabolic acidosis
Rationale: Diarrhea causes loss of bicarbonate leading to metabolic acidosis with low pH and
low HCO3.
6. The nurse is assessing a patient with renal failure and notes fatigue, muscle cramps,
confusion, and headache. The nurse will monitor the patients _____ level.
a. potassium
b. sodium
c. calcium
Answers Latest – Galen 100% Accuracy
OVERVIEW:
NUR 170 Exam 1 covers fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance including
calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, metabolic and respiratory
acidosis/alkalosis, ABG interpretation, and compensatory breathing. It
emphasizes blood transfusion safety, universal donor, hemolytic reactions, TACO,
and two-RN verification. Additional topics include postoperative care,
evisceration, incentive spirometry, pain assessment, opioid safety in elderly,
sickle cell hydration, iron-deficiency anemia diet, and documentation standards
for safe nursing practice to prevent complications and promote recovery
Correct answer highlighted in bold Green + rationales.
1. While the nurse is washing the face of a patient in renal failure, the patient demonstrates a
spasm of the lips and face. The nurse examines the recent electrolyte levels to assess the level
of:
a. potassium
b. calcium
c. sodium
d. magnesium
Rationale: Spasm of lips/face is Chvostek sign indicating hypocalcemia; calcium increases
neuromuscular excitability when low.
2. Prior to hanging an IV containing potassium, the nurse will confirm that there is a:
a. blood pressure of at least 60 mm Hg diastolic
b. urine output of at least 30 mL/hr
c. filter on the IV line
d. pulse of at least 50 beats/min
Rationale: Potassium is excreted by kidneys; need adequate urine output to avoid
hyperkalemia.
, 3. The patient with long-term obstructive pulmonary disease has a pH of 7, HCO3 of 18 mEq/L,
and a PaCO2 of 40 mm Hg. From this laboratory information, the nurse assesses the patient is
in:
a. respiratory alkalosis
b. metabolic alkalosis
c. respiratory acidosis
d. metabolic acidosis
Rationale: Low pH with low HCO3 indicates metabolic acidosis; PaCO2 40 is normal, not
respiratory.
4. To help prevent respiratory acidosis in a young person with asthma, the nurse would
encourage:
a. deep-breathing exercises every 2 hours
b. drinking 8 ounces of fluid every 4 hours
c. ambulating for 15 minutes twice a day
d. sleeping with the head of the bed elevated 45 degrees
Rationale: Deep breathing promotes CO2 elimination and prevents CO2 retention leading to
respiratory acidosis.
5. The patient who has had diarrhea for the last 3 days has blood gases of pH of 7.1, HCO3 of
20 mEq/L, and PCO2 of 36 mm Hg. The nurse recognizes these values indicate:
a. respiratory alkalosis
b. metabolic alkalosis
c. respiratory acidosis
d. metabolic acidosis
Rationale: Diarrhea causes loss of bicarbonate leading to metabolic acidosis with low pH and
low HCO3.
6. The nurse is assessing a patient with renal failure and notes fatigue, muscle cramps,
confusion, and headache. The nurse will monitor the patients _____ level.
a. potassium
b. sodium
c. calcium
