NSG 3130 FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS &
SKILLS FOR NURSING PRACTICE II -
EXAM 3 PRACTICE
1. A patient with persistent vomiting for 3 days is admitted to the hospital. Which acid-base
imbalance should the nurse expect to find in the arterial blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic acidosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Metabolic alkalosis occurs due to the excessive loss of gastric
acid (hydrochloric acid) through vomiting or gastric suctioning, leading to an increase in
blood pH and bicarbonate levels.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse prioritize for assessment?
A. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
,B. Cardiac dysrhythmias
C. Positive Trousseau sign
D. Hyperventilation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) can cause life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and ECG changes, such as flattened T-waves and the
presence of U-waves.
3. While performing a physical assessment, the nurse notes a patient’s wound has a thick,
yellow, and foul-smelling drainage. How should the nurse document this drainage?
A. Purulent
B. Serous
C. Serosanguineous
D. Sanguineous
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Purulent drainage is thick and consists of white blood cells, dead
tissue, and bacteria; it is usually yellow, green, or brown and often indicates infection.
4. The nurse is preparing to administer a tube feeding via a nasogastric (NG) tube. What is the
most reliable method to confirm the placement of the tube initially?
A. Auscultating air injected into the stomach
, B. Checking the pH of aspirated gastric contents
C. Obtaining a chest or abdominal X-ray
D. Observing for respiratory distress
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: X-ray visualization is the gold standard for verifying the initial
placement of an NG tube before medications or feedings are administered.
5. A patient is diagnosed with fluid volume excess. Which clinical finding should the nurse
anticipate during the assessment?
A. Crackles in the lungs upon auscultation
B. Decreased blood pressure
C. Flat neck veins when supine
D. Decreased urine output with high specific gravity
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Fluid volume excess leads to pulmonary congestion, which
manifests as crackles (rales) due to fluid in the alveoli, along with jugular venous distention
and edema.
6. A patient has a serum sodium level of 152 mEq/L. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Restrict fluid intake
SKILLS FOR NURSING PRACTICE II -
EXAM 3 PRACTICE
1. A patient with persistent vomiting for 3 days is admitted to the hospital. Which acid-base
imbalance should the nurse expect to find in the arterial blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Respiratory acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic acidosis
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Metabolic alkalosis occurs due to the excessive loss of gastric
acid (hydrochloric acid) through vomiting or gastric suctioning, leading to an increase in
blood pH and bicarbonate levels.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse prioritize for assessment?
A. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
,B. Cardiac dysrhythmias
C. Positive Trousseau sign
D. Hyperventilation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) can cause life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and ECG changes, such as flattened T-waves and the
presence of U-waves.
3. While performing a physical assessment, the nurse notes a patient’s wound has a thick,
yellow, and foul-smelling drainage. How should the nurse document this drainage?
A. Purulent
B. Serous
C. Serosanguineous
D. Sanguineous
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Purulent drainage is thick and consists of white blood cells, dead
tissue, and bacteria; it is usually yellow, green, or brown and often indicates infection.
4. The nurse is preparing to administer a tube feeding via a nasogastric (NG) tube. What is the
most reliable method to confirm the placement of the tube initially?
A. Auscultating air injected into the stomach
, B. Checking the pH of aspirated gastric contents
C. Obtaining a chest or abdominal X-ray
D. Observing for respiratory distress
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: X-ray visualization is the gold standard for verifying the initial
placement of an NG tube before medications or feedings are administered.
5. A patient is diagnosed with fluid volume excess. Which clinical finding should the nurse
anticipate during the assessment?
A. Crackles in the lungs upon auscultation
B. Decreased blood pressure
C. Flat neck veins when supine
D. Decreased urine output with high specific gravity
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Fluid volume excess leads to pulmonary congestion, which
manifests as crackles (rales) due to fluid in the alveoli, along with jugular venous distention
and edema.
6. A patient has a serum sodium level of 152 mEq/L. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate?
A. Restrict fluid intake
