NUR 170
Exam 3 Medical-Surgical Nursing
Exam 3 • 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)
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,NUR 170 Exam 3: Medical-Surgical Nursing 2026/2027 UPDATED – Galen
1. A client with a history of COPD is admitted with increased dyspnea and a productive cough.
The ABG results are: pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mmHg, PaO2 62 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. Which
interpretation is correct?
A. Compensated metabolic acidosis
B. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
C. Partially compensated respiratory alkalosis
D. Compensated respiratory acidosis
Answer: B
Rationale: The pH is low (<7.35) and the PaCO2 is high (>45), indicating respiratory
acidosis. Since the HCO3 is within normal range (22-26), the body has not yet
compensated.
2. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient suspected of having a
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
A. Bradypnea and bradycardia
B. Unilateral leg swelling and warmth
C. Gradual increase in productive cough
D. Sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea
, Answer: D
Rationale: Sudden chest pain and shortness of breath are classic, life-threatening signs of a
PE requiring immediate intervention.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with right-sided heart failure. Which clinical manifestation is
the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Crackles in lung bases
B. Orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
C. Jugular venous distention (JVD)
D. Pink, frothy sputum
Answer: C
Rationale: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic congestion, leading to JVD, peripheral
edema, and hepatomegaly; others are left-sided symptoms.
4. A client with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen via nasal
cannula. Which flow rate is typically considered the maximum safe limit to avoid suppressing
the hypoxic drive?
A. 12-15 L/min
B. 5-6 L/min
C. 8-10 L/min
D. 1-2 L/min
Exam 3 Medical-Surgical Nursing
Exam 3 • 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 3: Medical-Surgical Nursing 2026/2027 UPDATED – Galen
1. A client with a history of COPD is admitted with increased dyspnea and a productive cough.
The ABG results are: pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mmHg, PaO2 62 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. Which
interpretation is correct?
A. Compensated metabolic acidosis
B. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
C. Partially compensated respiratory alkalosis
D. Compensated respiratory acidosis
Answer: B
Rationale: The pH is low (<7.35) and the PaCO2 is high (>45), indicating respiratory
acidosis. Since the HCO3 is within normal range (22-26), the body has not yet
compensated.
2. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient suspected of having a
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)?
A. Bradypnea and bradycardia
B. Unilateral leg swelling and warmth
C. Gradual increase in productive cough
D. Sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea
, Answer: D
Rationale: Sudden chest pain and shortness of breath are classic, life-threatening signs of a
PE requiring immediate intervention.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with right-sided heart failure. Which clinical manifestation is
the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Crackles in lung bases
B. Orthopnea and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
C. Jugular venous distention (JVD)
D. Pink, frothy sputum
Answer: C
Rationale: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic congestion, leading to JVD, peripheral
edema, and hepatomegaly; others are left-sided symptoms.
4. A client with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen via nasal
cannula. Which flow rate is typically considered the maximum safe limit to avoid suppressing
the hypoxic drive?
A. 12-15 L/min
B. 5-6 L/min
C. 8-10 L/min
D. 1-2 L/min
