NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 3 Study Guide Quiz
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 Study Guide Quiz 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 Study Guide Quiz D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect
to observe?
A. Muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias
B. Numbness and tingling in the fingers
C. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
D. Tall, peaked T waves on the ECG
Answer: A
Rationale
Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) causes muscle weakness, leg cramps, and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Tall
peaked T waves are a sign of hyperkalemia. 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 intravenous fluid is considered isotonic and commonly used for fluid volume replacement?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
C. Dextrose 5% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Answer: D
Rationale
0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) is an isotonic solution, meaning its osmolarity is similar to that of blood plasma. 0.45%
is hypotonic, while 3% and D5NS are hypertonic. 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’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.25, PaCO2 50 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L. How should the
nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Rationale
A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. An elevated PaCO2 (>45 mmHg) with a normal HCO3 indicates that the respiratory
system is the cause of the 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.
Page 3
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 3 Study Guide Quiz
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 Study Guide Quiz 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 Study Guide Quiz D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect
to observe?
A. Muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias
B. Numbness and tingling in the fingers
C. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
D. Tall, peaked T waves on the ECG
Answer: A
Rationale
Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) causes muscle weakness, leg cramps, and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Tall
peaked T waves are a sign of hyperkalemia. 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 intravenous fluid is considered isotonic and commonly used for fluid volume replacement?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
C. Dextrose 5% in 0.9% Sodium Chloride
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Answer: D
Rationale
0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) is an isotonic solution, meaning its osmolarity is similar to that of blood plasma. 0.45%
is hypotonic, while 3% and D5NS are hypertonic. 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’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.25, PaCO2 50 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L. How should the
nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Rationale
A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. An elevated PaCO2 (>45 mmHg) with a normal HCO3 indicates that the respiratory
system is the cause of the 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.
Page 3
