NUR 242 EXAM 2: ADVANCED MED-
SURG NURSING QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which ECG change is most
characteristic of this condition?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Presence of U waves
D. Prolonged PR interval
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.0) typically causes tall, peaked T waves
and widened QRS complexes on an ECG, which can lead to ventricular fibrillation if
untreated.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result indicates partially compensated respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.25, PaCO2 55, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.35, PaCO2 48, HCO3 29
,C. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
D. pH 7.32, PaCO2 50, HCO3 28
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Partial compensation occurs when the pH is still outside the
normal range, but the opposite system (in this case, metabolic/bicarbonate) has begun to
shift to counteract the primary imbalance.
3. A patient with a history of chronic alcoholism is admitted with hypomagnesemia. Which
clinical finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Diminished deep tendon reflexes
B. Decreased bowel sounds
C. Generalized weakness
D. Positive Trousseau’s sign
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypomagnesemia often occurs with hypocalcemia; both lead to
neuromuscular irritability, evidenced by a positive Trousseau’s or Chvostek’s sign.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube. The nurse notes continuous bubbling in
the water seal chamber. What does this indicate?
A. The system is functioning normally.
B. There is a significant air leak in the system.
, C. The lung has fully re-expanded.
D. The suction pressure is too high.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Intermittent bubbling is normal during expiration or coughing,
but continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak in the drainage
system or the patient’s chest.
5. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of pulmonary embolism (PE)?
A. Slow, shallow respirations
B. Productive cough with yellow mucus
C. Frothy, pink-tinged sputum
D. Sudden onset of dyspnea and chest pain
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A pulmonary embolism typically presents with sudden-onset
shortness of breath (dyspnea), pleuritic chest pain, and tachypnea due to the sudden
blockage of pulmonary blood flow.
6. A patient is prescribed Albuterol for acute asthma exacerbation. What is the primary action
of this medication?
A. Reduces airway inflammation
B. Liquefies thick secretions
SURG NURSING QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which ECG change is most
characteristic of this condition?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Presence of U waves
D. Prolonged PR interval
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.0) typically causes tall, peaked T waves
and widened QRS complexes on an ECG, which can lead to ventricular fibrillation if
untreated.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result indicates partially compensated respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.25, PaCO2 55, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.35, PaCO2 48, HCO3 29
,C. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
D. pH 7.32, PaCO2 50, HCO3 28
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Partial compensation occurs when the pH is still outside the
normal range, but the opposite system (in this case, metabolic/bicarbonate) has begun to
shift to counteract the primary imbalance.
3. A patient with a history of chronic alcoholism is admitted with hypomagnesemia. Which
clinical finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Diminished deep tendon reflexes
B. Decreased bowel sounds
C. Generalized weakness
D. Positive Trousseau’s sign
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypomagnesemia often occurs with hypocalcemia; both lead to
neuromuscular irritability, evidenced by a positive Trousseau’s or Chvostek’s sign.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube. The nurse notes continuous bubbling in
the water seal chamber. What does this indicate?
A. The system is functioning normally.
B. There is a significant air leak in the system.
, C. The lung has fully re-expanded.
D. The suction pressure is too high.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Intermittent bubbling is normal during expiration or coughing,
but continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber indicates an air leak in the drainage
system or the patient’s chest.
5. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of pulmonary embolism (PE)?
A. Slow, shallow respirations
B. Productive cough with yellow mucus
C. Frothy, pink-tinged sputum
D. Sudden onset of dyspnea and chest pain
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A pulmonary embolism typically presents with sudden-onset
shortness of breath (dyspnea), pleuritic chest pain, and tachypnea due to the sudden
blockage of pulmonary blood flow.
6. A patient is prescribed Albuterol for acute asthma exacerbation. What is the primary action
of this medication?
A. Reduces airway inflammation
B. Liquefies thick secretions
