NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Exam 3: Foundations of Nursing Comprehensive Study G
UPDATE
50 Multiple-Choice Questions
Complete Answers with Detailed Rationales
Aligned with Nursing Foundations & Med-Surg Standards
Galen College of Nursing
For academic study and exam review • Verify with current course materials
,NUR 155 Exam 3 Foundations of Nursing Comprehensive Study Guide | 2026/2027
How to Use This Review
This comprehensive exam review contains high-yield multiple-choice questions. Each item includes the correct answer
and an expanded rationale explaining the underlying principle, why the correct option is preferred, and why distractors are
incorrect. Study tip: Attempt each question before reading the answer, then carefully review the rationale.
Page 2
, NUR 155 Exam 3 Foundations of Nursing Comprehensive Study Guide | 2026/2027
Question 1
A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which ECG change should the nurse expect to see?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Prolonged QT interval
Answer: B
Rationale
Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.0) typically causes tall, peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest. U
waves and ST depression are associated with hypokalemia. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical
decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary
process and anticipated complications.
Question 2
Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most consistent with a patient experiencing a severe panic attack and
hyperventilating?
A. pH 7.32, PaCO2 50, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
C. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 23
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 45, HCO3 32
Answer: C
Rationale
Hyperventilation leads to the excessive loss of CO2, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. A pH > 7.45 and a PaCO2 < 35 mmHg
indicate respiratory alkalosis. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often
reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated complications.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a patient with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Which infection control measure is mandatory?
A. Wearing an N95 respirator mask
B. Performing hand hygiene with alcohol-based foam
C. Washing hands with soap and water
D. Keeping the patient in a positive-pressure room
Answer: C
Rationale
C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers; therefore, mechanical scrubbing with soap and water is required to
remove spores from hands. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often
reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated complications.
Page 3
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Exam 3: Foundations of Nursing Comprehensive Study G
UPDATE
50 Multiple-Choice Questions
Complete Answers with Detailed Rationales
Aligned with Nursing Foundations & Med-Surg Standards
Galen College of Nursing
For academic study and exam review • Verify with current course materials
,NUR 155 Exam 3 Foundations of Nursing Comprehensive Study Guide | 2026/2027
How to Use This Review
This comprehensive exam review contains high-yield multiple-choice questions. Each item includes the correct answer
and an expanded rationale explaining the underlying principle, why the correct option is preferred, and why distractors are
incorrect. Study tip: Attempt each question before reading the answer, then carefully review the rationale.
Page 2
, NUR 155 Exam 3 Foundations of Nursing Comprehensive Study Guide | 2026/2027
Question 1
A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which ECG change should the nurse expect to see?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Prolonged QT interval
Answer: B
Rationale
Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.0) typically causes tall, peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest. U
waves and ST depression are associated with hypokalemia. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical
decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary
process and anticipated complications.
Question 2
Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most consistent with a patient experiencing a severe panic attack and
hyperventilating?
A. pH 7.32, PaCO2 50, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
C. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 23
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 45, HCO3 32
Answer: C
Rationale
Hyperventilation leads to the excessive loss of CO2, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. A pH > 7.45 and a PaCO2 < 35 mmHg
indicate respiratory alkalosis. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often
reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated complications.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a patient with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff). Which infection control measure is mandatory?
A. Wearing an N95 respirator mask
B. Performing hand hygiene with alcohol-based foam
C. Washing hands with soap and water
D. Keeping the patient in a positive-pressure room
Answer: C
Rationale
C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers; therefore, mechanical scrubbing with soap and water is required to
remove spores from hands. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often
reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated complications.
Page 3
