NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 4 Study Guide
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 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 Study Guide D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A patient presents with a pH of 7.28, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3- of 24 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is
occurring?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale
The pH is low (acidic) and the PaCO2 is high (respiratory component), while the bicarbonate is normal, indicating
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
When assessing a patient with hypokalemia, which clinical manifestation should the nurse prioritize?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Hypertension
C. Cardiac dysrhythmias
D. Increased muscle tone
Answer: C
Rationale
Potassium is vital for cardiac conduction; low levels can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias and ECG changes such as U
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 is diagnosed with fluid volume deficit. Which physiological compensation does the nurse expect the body to
initiate?
A. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
B. Increased urine output
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Vasodilation of peripheral vessels
Answer: A
Rationale
RAAS is activated to retain sodium and water to restore blood volume and pressure during fluid volume deficit. 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 Study Guide
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 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 Study Guide D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A patient presents with a pH of 7.28, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3- of 24 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is
occurring?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale
The pH is low (acidic) and the PaCO2 is high (respiratory component), while the bicarbonate is normal, indicating
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
When assessing a patient with hypokalemia, which clinical manifestation should the nurse prioritize?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Hypertension
C. Cardiac dysrhythmias
D. Increased muscle tone
Answer: C
Rationale
Potassium is vital for cardiac conduction; low levels can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias and ECG changes such as U
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 is diagnosed with fluid volume deficit. Which physiological compensation does the nurse expect the body to
initiate?
A. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS)
B. Increased urine output
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Vasodilation of peripheral vessels
Answer: A
Rationale
RAAS is activated to retain sodium and water to restore blood volume and pressure during fluid volume deficit. 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
