NURS 120 MEDICAL-SURGICAL
NURSING EXAM 2 (2026 UPDATE)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results show pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance does the nurse identify?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis) and the PaCO2 is high (respiratory),
while the HCO3 is normal, indicating uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which cardiac finding is
most indicative of this condition?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. Shortened QT interval
C. Widened QRS complex
,D. Prominent U waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) typically presents with
flattened T waves and the presence of U waves on the ECG.
3. During the preoperative assessment, a patient reports an allergy to bananas and avocados.
Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
A. Notify the kitchen to adjust the patient’s diet
B. Administer an antihistamine immediately
C. Document the allergy in the electronic health record only
D. Alert the surgical team of a possible latex allergy
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: There is a high cross-reactivity between latex and certain foods
like bananas, avocados, and kiwi; the surgical team must be alerted to use latex-free
equipment.
4. A patient who underwent abdominal surgery 4 hours ago has not voided. Which is the
nurse’s first action?
A. Encourage increased fluid intake
B. Insert a straight catheter
C. Perform a bladder scan
, D. Notify the surgeon immediately
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The first step in assessing postoperative urinary retention is
non-invasive, such as a bladder scan, to determine the volume of urine in the bladder.
5. A patient presents with Chvostek’s sign and Trousseau’s sign. The nurse should anticipate
an order for which medication?
A. Potassium chloride
B. Magnesium sulfate
C. Calcium gluconate
D. Sodium bicarbonate
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Positive Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs are classic indicators
of hypocalcemia, which is treated with calcium replacement.
6. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient with a suspected
pulmonary embolism?
A. Bradypnea and lethargy
B. Productive cough with yellow sputum
C. Gradual increase in peripheral edema
D. Sudden onset of shortness of breath
NURSING EXAM 2 (2026 UPDATE)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results show pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance does the nurse identify?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis) and the PaCO2 is high (respiratory),
while the HCO3 is normal, indicating uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which cardiac finding is
most indicative of this condition?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. Shortened QT interval
C. Widened QRS complex
,D. Prominent U waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) typically presents with
flattened T waves and the presence of U waves on the ECG.
3. During the preoperative assessment, a patient reports an allergy to bananas and avocados.
Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
A. Notify the kitchen to adjust the patient’s diet
B. Administer an antihistamine immediately
C. Document the allergy in the electronic health record only
D. Alert the surgical team of a possible latex allergy
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: There is a high cross-reactivity between latex and certain foods
like bananas, avocados, and kiwi; the surgical team must be alerted to use latex-free
equipment.
4. A patient who underwent abdominal surgery 4 hours ago has not voided. Which is the
nurse’s first action?
A. Encourage increased fluid intake
B. Insert a straight catheter
C. Perform a bladder scan
, D. Notify the surgeon immediately
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The first step in assessing postoperative urinary retention is
non-invasive, such as a bladder scan, to determine the volume of urine in the bladder.
5. A patient presents with Chvostek’s sign and Trousseau’s sign. The nurse should anticipate
an order for which medication?
A. Potassium chloride
B. Magnesium sulfate
C. Calcium gluconate
D. Sodium bicarbonate
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Positive Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs are classic indicators
of hypocalcemia, which is treated with calcium replacement.
6. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient with a suspected
pulmonary embolism?
A. Bradypnea and lethargy
B. Productive cough with yellow sputum
C. Gradual increase in peripheral edema
D. Sudden onset of shortness of breath
