NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 3 Comprehensive Review
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 3 Comprehensive Review D | 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 3 Comprehensive Review D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A patient’s ABG results are pH 7.28, PaCO2 50 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L. Which condition does this reflect?
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 2
Which electrolyte imbalance is most closely associated with the presence of U-waves on an ECG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: B
Rationale
Hypokalemia typically presents with flat or inverted T waves and the appearance of U-waves, whereas hyperkalemia presents
with peaked T waves. 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 patient in the PACU exhibits muscle rigidity, a rapidly rising temperature, and tachycardia. What is the priority
intervention?
A. Notify the surgeon of a potential infection
B. Apply cooling blankets
C. Administer IV Dantrolene
D. Increase the IV fluid rate
Answer: C
Rationale
These are classic signs of Malignant Hyperthermia, a life-threatening reaction to anesthesia. Dantrolene is the specific skeletal
muscle relaxant used to treat it. 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 3 Comprehensive Review
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 3 Comprehensive Review D | 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 3 Comprehensive Review D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A patient’s ABG results are pH 7.28, PaCO2 50 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L. Which condition does this reflect?
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 2
Which electrolyte imbalance is most closely associated with the presence of U-waves on an ECG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: B
Rationale
Hypokalemia typically presents with flat or inverted T waves and the appearance of U-waves, whereas hyperkalemia presents
with peaked T waves. 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 patient in the PACU exhibits muscle rigidity, a rapidly rising temperature, and tachycardia. What is the priority
intervention?
A. Notify the surgeon of a potential infection
B. Apply cooling blankets
C. Administer IV Dantrolene
D. Increase the IV fluid rate
Answer: C
Rationale
These are classic signs of Malignant Hyperthermia, a life-threatening reaction to anesthesia. Dantrolene is the specific skeletal
muscle relaxant used to treat it. 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
