NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 4 Comprehensive Study Gu
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 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 4 Comprehensive Study Guide D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A patient is exhibiting late signs of hypoxia. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
A. Tachycardia
B. Elevated blood pressure
C. Restlessness
D. Cyanosis
Answer: D
Rationale
Cyanosis is a late sign of hypoxia; restlessness, tachycardia, and hypertension are early signs as the body attempts to
compensate for low oxygen levels. 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
The nurse is caring for a patient with a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. How should the nurse
interpret these arterial blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Rationale
A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg with a normal HCO3 indicates that the cause is respiratory in
nature. 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?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A
Rationale
Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, which can lead to Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching when the facial nerve
is tapped). 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 Gu
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 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 4 Comprehensive Study Guide D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A patient is exhibiting late signs of hypoxia. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
A. Tachycardia
B. Elevated blood pressure
C. Restlessness
D. Cyanosis
Answer: D
Rationale
Cyanosis is a late sign of hypoxia; restlessness, tachycardia, and hypertension are early signs as the body attempts to
compensate for low oxygen levels. 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
The nurse is caring for a patient with a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. How should the nurse
interpret these arterial blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Rationale
A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg with a normal HCO3 indicates that the cause is respiratory in
nature. 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?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A
Rationale
Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular excitability, which can lead to Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching when the facial nerve
is tapped). 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
