NURS 120 MEDICAL-SURGICAL
NURSING EXAM 1 (2026 UPDATE)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which ECG change should the
nurse most urgently monitor for?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Prolonged PR interval
C. ST-segment depression
D. Peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.0) causes tall, peaked T waves. Prolonged
PR intervals and widened QRS complexes occur as levels rise further, potentially leading to
cardiac arrest.
2. Which acid-base imbalance is a patient at risk for when experiencing prolonged nasogastric
(NG) suctioning?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
,B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NG suctioning removes gastric acid (HCl). The loss of hydrogen
and chloride ions leads to an increase in bicarbonate concentration, causing metabolic
alkalosis.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with a phosphorus level of 1.8 mg/dL. What clinical
manifestation is most likely associated with this finding?
A. Tetany and Chvostek’s sign
B. Hyperreflexia and tremors
C. Muscle weakness and respiratory failure
D. Kidney stones and polyuria
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypophosphatemia leads to decreased ATP production, causing
generalized muscle weakness, which can progress to respiratory failure.
4. During the preoperative phase, who is ultimately responsible for obtaining the patient’s
informed consent?
A. The circulating nurse
, B. The surgeon
C. The scrub technician
D. The anesthesiologist
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The surgeon is legally responsible for explaining the procedure,
risks, and benefits. The nurse may witness the signature but cannot provide the initial
explanation.
5. A patient has the following ABG results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L. How
should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Partially compensated metabolic acidosis
B. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
C. Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
D. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is acidic (<7.35), the PaCO2 is high (>45), and the HCO3
is normal, indicating an uncompensated respiratory origin.
6. Which intravenous fluid is considered hypotonic and is used to treat cellular dehydration?
A. 0.9% Normal Saline
B. Lactated Ringer’s
NURSING EXAM 1 (2026 UPDATE)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which ECG change should the
nurse most urgently monitor for?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Prolonged PR interval
C. ST-segment depression
D. Peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.0) causes tall, peaked T waves. Prolonged
PR intervals and widened QRS complexes occur as levels rise further, potentially leading to
cardiac arrest.
2. Which acid-base imbalance is a patient at risk for when experiencing prolonged nasogastric
(NG) suctioning?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
,B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: NG suctioning removes gastric acid (HCl). The loss of hydrogen
and chloride ions leads to an increase in bicarbonate concentration, causing metabolic
alkalosis.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with a phosphorus level of 1.8 mg/dL. What clinical
manifestation is most likely associated with this finding?
A. Tetany and Chvostek’s sign
B. Hyperreflexia and tremors
C. Muscle weakness and respiratory failure
D. Kidney stones and polyuria
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypophosphatemia leads to decreased ATP production, causing
generalized muscle weakness, which can progress to respiratory failure.
4. During the preoperative phase, who is ultimately responsible for obtaining the patient’s
informed consent?
A. The circulating nurse
, B. The surgeon
C. The scrub technician
D. The anesthesiologist
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The surgeon is legally responsible for explaining the procedure,
risks, and benefits. The nurse may witness the signature but cannot provide the initial
explanation.
5. A patient has the following ABG results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L. How
should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Partially compensated metabolic acidosis
B. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis
C. Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
D. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is acidic (<7.35), the PaCO2 is high (>45), and the HCO3
is normal, indicating an uncompensated respiratory origin.
6. Which intravenous fluid is considered hypotonic and is used to treat cellular dehydration?
A. 0.9% Normal Saline
B. Lactated Ringer’s
