NU 155 MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING I
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM 3 QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS 100% GUARANTEE PASS |
GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which ECG change should
the nurse most closely monitor for?
A. Peaked T waves
B. Shortened QT interval
C. Widened QRS complex
D. Presence of U waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) typically manifests on an
ECG as flat or inverted T waves and the presence of U waves. Peaked T waves and widened
QRS are signs of hyperkalemia.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most indicative of partially compensated
respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
,B. pH 7.42, PaCO2 48, HCO3 32
C. pH 7.28, PaCO2 55, HCO3 24
D. pH 7.32, PaCO2 50, HCO3 30
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In respiratory acidosis, pH is low and PaCO2 is high. Partial
compensation occurs when the kidneys increase HCO3 (bicarbonate) to normalize pH, but
the pH remains outside the normal range.
3. A postoperative patient is suspected of developing Malignant Hyperthermia. Which
medication must the nurse ensure is available immediately?
A. Atropine sulfate
B. Naloxone hydrochloride
C. Succinylcholine
D. Dantrolene sodium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dantrolene is the specific skeletal muscle relaxant used to treat
Malignant Hyperthermia by inhibiting calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
4. During the preoperative assessment, a patient reports an allergy to avocados and bananas.
Which intraoperative precaution is most critical?
A. Administering prophylactic antihistamines
, B. Avoiding the use of iodine-based preps
C. Ensuring a latex-free environment
D. Monitoring for malignant hyperthermia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: There is a known cross-reactivity between certain foods
(bananas, avocados, kiwi, chestnuts) and latex allergy.
5. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen via nasal
cannula at 2L/min. The nurse notes the patient’s respiratory rate is 8 breaths/min. What is
the nurse’s priority action?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4L/min
B. Position the patient in a high-Fowler’s position
C. Encourage the patient to perform pursed-lip breathing
D. Stop the oxygen and notify the provider
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In some COPD patients, high levels of oxygen can suppress the
hypoxic drive (their primary stimulus for breathing), leading to hypoventilation or apnea.
6. Which assessment finding in a patient with a chest tube requires immediate intervention
by the nurse?
A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM 3 QUESTIONS
& ANSWERS 100% GUARANTEE PASS |
GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which ECG change should
the nurse most closely monitor for?
A. Peaked T waves
B. Shortened QT interval
C. Widened QRS complex
D. Presence of U waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) typically manifests on an
ECG as flat or inverted T waves and the presence of U waves. Peaked T waves and widened
QRS are signs of hyperkalemia.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most indicative of partially compensated
respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
,B. pH 7.42, PaCO2 48, HCO3 32
C. pH 7.28, PaCO2 55, HCO3 24
D. pH 7.32, PaCO2 50, HCO3 30
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In respiratory acidosis, pH is low and PaCO2 is high. Partial
compensation occurs when the kidneys increase HCO3 (bicarbonate) to normalize pH, but
the pH remains outside the normal range.
3. A postoperative patient is suspected of developing Malignant Hyperthermia. Which
medication must the nurse ensure is available immediately?
A. Atropine sulfate
B. Naloxone hydrochloride
C. Succinylcholine
D. Dantrolene sodium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dantrolene is the specific skeletal muscle relaxant used to treat
Malignant Hyperthermia by inhibiting calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
4. During the preoperative assessment, a patient reports an allergy to avocados and bananas.
Which intraoperative precaution is most critical?
A. Administering prophylactic antihistamines
, B. Avoiding the use of iodine-based preps
C. Ensuring a latex-free environment
D. Monitoring for malignant hyperthermia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: There is a known cross-reactivity between certain foods
(bananas, avocados, kiwi, chestnuts) and latex allergy.
5. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen via nasal
cannula at 2L/min. The nurse notes the patient’s respiratory rate is 8 breaths/min. What is
the nurse’s priority action?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4L/min
B. Position the patient in a high-Fowler’s position
C. Encourage the patient to perform pursed-lip breathing
D. Stop the oxygen and notify the provider
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In some COPD patients, high levels of oxygen can suppress the
hypoxic drive (their primary stimulus for breathing), leading to hypoventilation or apnea.
6. Which assessment finding in a patient with a chest tube requires immediate intervention
by the nurse?
A. Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber
