NURS 120 MEDICAL-SURGICAL
NURSING EXAM 2 (2026 UPDATE)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.28, PaCO2 of 50 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is the patient experiencing?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause, and a normal HCO3 suggests no compensation yet, resulting
in respiratory acidosis.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Malignant Hyperthermia during general
anesthesia?
A. Hypothermia
B. Bradycardia
,C. Muscle rigidity
D. Hypocapnia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Malignant Hyperthermia is characterized by rapid muscle
rigidity, hypercapnia, and tachycardia. Muscle rigidity is a classic early sign.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which EKG change
should the nurse expect?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. Prominent U waves
C. Shortened QT interval
D. Widened QRS complex
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5) typically causes prominent U
waves, ST-segment depression, and flat or inverted T waves.
4. During the preoperative assessment, a patient reports an allergy to avocados and bananas.
For which sensitivity should the nurse particularly monitor?
A. Iodine
B. Latex
C. Penicillin
, D. Propofol
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cross-sensitivity between certain fruits (avocado, banana, kiwi,
chestnut) and latex is common due to similar protein structures.
5. Which is the priority nursing intervention for a patient who has just experienced an
abdominal wound evisceration?
A. Push the protruding organs back into the abdomen
B. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position
C. Administer an oral analgesic immediately
D. Cover the wound with sterile dressings moistened with normal saline
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Evisceration is an emergency. The organs must be kept moist
with sterile saline-soaked dressings while preparing for surgery. Do not attempt to reinsert
organs.
6. A patient with SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone) is at risk for which
electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hyponatremia
NURSING EXAM 2 (2026 UPDATE)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.28, PaCO2 of 50 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is the patient experiencing?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause, and a normal HCO3 suggests no compensation yet, resulting
in respiratory acidosis.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Malignant Hyperthermia during general
anesthesia?
A. Hypothermia
B. Bradycardia
,C. Muscle rigidity
D. Hypocapnia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Malignant Hyperthermia is characterized by rapid muscle
rigidity, hypercapnia, and tachycardia. Muscle rigidity is a classic early sign.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which EKG change
should the nurse expect?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. Prominent U waves
C. Shortened QT interval
D. Widened QRS complex
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5) typically causes prominent U
waves, ST-segment depression, and flat or inverted T waves.
4. During the preoperative assessment, a patient reports an allergy to avocados and bananas.
For which sensitivity should the nurse particularly monitor?
A. Iodine
B. Latex
C. Penicillin
, D. Propofol
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cross-sensitivity between certain fruits (avocado, banana, kiwi,
chestnut) and latex is common due to similar protein structures.
5. Which is the priority nursing intervention for a patient who has just experienced an
abdominal wound evisceration?
A. Push the protruding organs back into the abdomen
B. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position
C. Administer an oral analgesic immediately
D. Cover the wound with sterile dressings moistened with normal saline
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Evisceration is an emergency. The organs must be kept moist
with sterile saline-soaked dressings while preparing for surgery. Do not attempt to reinsert
organs.
6. A patient with SIADH (Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone) is at risk for which
electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hyponatremia
