NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 4 Comprehensive Study
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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 4 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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 4 Comprehensive Study Guide | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with a pulse oximetry reading of 89%. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer 2L of oxygen via nasal cannula.
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
C. Place the patient in a High-Fowler’s position.
D. Perform an arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis.
Answer: C
Rationale
The first action for a patient with low oxygen saturation (hypoxia) is to improve chest expansion by positioning the patient in
High-Fowler’s to facilitate better gas exchange. 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
When interpreting arterial blood gases (ABGs), a nurse notes a pH of 7.30, a PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and a HCO3 of 24
mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale
A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is normal, it is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis. 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
Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause a positive Chvostek’s sign and Trousseau’s sign?
A. Hypermagnesemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: D
Rationale
Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, which manifests as Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching) and Trousseau’s
sign (carpal spasm with BP cuff inflation). 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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 4 Comprehensive Study
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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 4 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 Foundations of Nursing - Exam 4 Comprehensive Study Guide | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with a pulse oximetry reading of 89%. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer 2L of oxygen via nasal cannula.
B. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
C. Place the patient in a High-Fowler’s position.
D. Perform an arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis.
Answer: C
Rationale
The first action for a patient with low oxygen saturation (hypoxia) is to improve chest expansion by positioning the patient in
High-Fowler’s to facilitate better gas exchange. 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
When interpreting arterial blood gases (ABGs), a nurse notes a pH of 7.30, a PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and a HCO3 of 24
mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale
A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is normal, it is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis. 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
Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to cause a positive Chvostek’s sign and Trousseau’s sign?
A. Hypermagnesemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: D
Rationale
Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, which manifests as Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching) and Trousseau’s
sign (carpal spasm with BP cuff inflation). 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
