NUR 170
Exam 2 Medical-Surgical Nursing Study Guide
Exam 2 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 170
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 170 Exam 2: Medical-Surgical Nursing Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATED – Galen
1. A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a client with COPD. The results
are: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is the client
experiencing?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: The pH is below 7.35 (acidosis) and the PaCO2 is above 45 mmHg (respiratory
origin). Since the HCO3 is normal, it is uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. A client presents with muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, and a serum potassium
level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which medication is the most likely cause?
A. Spironolactone
B. Lisinopril
C. Furosemide
D. Metoprolol
, Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that is potassium-wasting, leading to
hypokalemia. Spironolactone and Lisinopril tend to cause hyperkalemia.
3. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse prioritize when assessing a client for
suspected hypocalcemia?
A. Constipation
B. Hyporeflexia
C. Positive Trousseau’s sign
D. Polyuria
Answer: C
Rationale: Trousseau’s sign (carpal spasm with BP cuff inflation) and Chvostek’s sign are
classic indicators of neuromuscular excitability associated with hypocalcemia.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with a serum sodium level of 152 mEq/L. Which nursing
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Administer 0.45% sodium chloride IV
B. Restrict fluid intake to 1000 mL/day
C. Administer 3% sodium chloride IV
D. Encourage the consumption of canned soups
Answer: A
Exam 2 Medical-Surgical Nursing Study Guide
Exam 2 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 170
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 170 Exam 2: Medical-Surgical Nursing Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATED – Galen
1. A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a client with COPD. The results
are: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is the client
experiencing?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: The pH is below 7.35 (acidosis) and the PaCO2 is above 45 mmHg (respiratory
origin). Since the HCO3 is normal, it is uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. A client presents with muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, and a serum potassium
level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which medication is the most likely cause?
A. Spironolactone
B. Lisinopril
C. Furosemide
D. Metoprolol
, Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that is potassium-wasting, leading to
hypokalemia. Spironolactone and Lisinopril tend to cause hyperkalemia.
3. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse prioritize when assessing a client for
suspected hypocalcemia?
A. Constipation
B. Hyporeflexia
C. Positive Trousseau’s sign
D. Polyuria
Answer: C
Rationale: Trousseau’s sign (carpal spasm with BP cuff inflation) and Chvostek’s sign are
classic indicators of neuromuscular excitability associated with hypocalcemia.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with a serum sodium level of 152 mEq/L. Which nursing
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Administer 0.45% sodium chloride IV
B. Restrict fluid intake to 1000 mL/day
C. Administer 3% sodium chloride IV
D. Encourage the consumption of canned soups
Answer: A
