NUR 155 COMPREHENSIVE EXAM
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient exhibits a pH of 7.31, a PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and an HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is the patient experiencing?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Metabolic Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
with a normal HCO3 indicates that the respiratory system is the cause of the imbalance.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most closely associated with the presence of Trousseau’s
and Chvostek’s signs?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to
tetany, which is manifested by Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching) and Trousseau’s sign
(carpal spasm).
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which ECG change is the
nurse most likely to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Prolonged PR interval
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) commonly causes tall,
peaked T waves and widened QRS complexes.
4. When administering an enteral feeding via a nasogastric tube, what is the most reliable
method to confirm tube placement initially?
A. Auscultating for an air bolus
B. Checking the pH of gastric aspirate
C. Observing the color of the aspirate
D. Radiographic (X-ray) verification
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: X-ray is the gold standard and most reliable method for
verifying the initial placement of a nasogastric tube.
5. A patient is scheduled for surgery and the nurse is reviewing the informed consent. Who is
primarily responsible for explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure?
A. The circulating nurse
B. The charge nurse
C. The anesthesiologist
D. The surgeon
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The surgeon is legally responsible for providing the explanation
of the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives.
6. Which clinical manifestation is an early sign of hypoxia?
A. Restlessness
B. Bradycardia
C. Cyanosis
D. Bradypnea
Answer: A
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient exhibits a pH of 7.31, a PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and an HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is the patient experiencing?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Metabolic Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
with a normal HCO3 indicates that the respiratory system is the cause of the imbalance.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most closely associated with the presence of Trousseau’s
and Chvostek’s signs?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, leading to
tetany, which is manifested by Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching) and Trousseau’s sign
(carpal spasm).
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which ECG change is the
nurse most likely to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Prolonged PR interval
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) commonly causes tall,
peaked T waves and widened QRS complexes.
4. When administering an enteral feeding via a nasogastric tube, what is the most reliable
method to confirm tube placement initially?
A. Auscultating for an air bolus
B. Checking the pH of gastric aspirate
C. Observing the color of the aspirate
D. Radiographic (X-ray) verification
, Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: X-ray is the gold standard and most reliable method for
verifying the initial placement of a nasogastric tube.
5. A patient is scheduled for surgery and the nurse is reviewing the informed consent. Who is
primarily responsible for explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure?
A. The circulating nurse
B. The charge nurse
C. The anesthesiologist
D. The surgeon
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The surgeon is legally responsible for providing the explanation
of the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives.
6. Which clinical manifestation is an early sign of hypoxia?
A. Restlessness
B. Bradycardia
C. Cyanosis
D. Bradypnea
Answer: A
