NU 155 EXAM 5: MEDICAL-SURGICAL
NURSING - FLUID, ELECTROLYTES,
ACID-BASE, AND PERIOPERATIVE
CARE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 100%
GUARANTEE PASS | GALEN COLLEGE
OF NURSING
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which ECG change
should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Peaked T waves
C. Shortened QT interval
D. Widened QRS complex
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) typically causes ST-
segment depression, flattened T waves, and the appearance of prominent U waves. Peaked
T waves and widened QRS complexes are signs of hyperkalemia.
2. Which ABG result is most indicative of a client experiencing early stages of acute
respiratory distress or hyperventilation?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 23
,B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 55, HCO3 24
C. pH 7.32, PaCO2 38, HCO3 18
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 40, HCO3 32
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a
low PaCO2 (<35 mmHg), commonly caused by hyperventilation. Option A is respiratory
acidosis, C is metabolic acidosis, and D is metabolic alkalosis.
3. A client is diagnosed with hypocalcemia. Which assessment finding should the nurse
anticipate?
A. Negative Chvostek’s sign
B. Flaccid paralysis
C. Trousseau’s sign
D. Hyporeflexia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Trousseau’s sign (carpal spasm induced by inflating a BP cuff)
and Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching) are classic indicators of neuromuscular excitability
associated with hypocalcemia.
, 4. During the intraoperative period, a client develops tachycardia, tachypnea, and a rapidly
rising body temperature. What is the immediate priority intervention?
A. Administer 100mg of IV lidocaine
B. Increase the concentration of inhalation anesthetic
C. Apply warm blankets to the client
D. Administer IV dantrolene sodium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The symptoms describe Malignant Hyperthermia, a life-
threatening anesthesia complication. Dantrolene sodium is the specific pharmacological
treatment used to reverse the muscle metabolism crisis.
5. A client with chronic kidney disease presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which
medication should the nurse be prepared to administer to provide the fastest temporary
protection for the heart?
A. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
B. Calcium gluconate
C. Insulin with Dextrose
D. Furosemide
Answer: B
NURSING - FLUID, ELECTROLYTES,
ACID-BASE, AND PERIOPERATIVE
CARE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 100%
GUARANTEE PASS | GALEN COLLEGE
OF NURSING
1. A nurse is caring for a client with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which ECG change
should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Peaked T waves
C. Shortened QT interval
D. Widened QRS complex
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) typically causes ST-
segment depression, flattened T waves, and the appearance of prominent U waves. Peaked
T waves and widened QRS complexes are signs of hyperkalemia.
2. Which ABG result is most indicative of a client experiencing early stages of acute
respiratory distress or hyperventilation?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 23
,B. pH 7.30, PaCO2 55, HCO3 24
C. pH 7.32, PaCO2 38, HCO3 18
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 40, HCO3 32
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and a
low PaCO2 (<35 mmHg), commonly caused by hyperventilation. Option A is respiratory
acidosis, C is metabolic acidosis, and D is metabolic alkalosis.
3. A client is diagnosed with hypocalcemia. Which assessment finding should the nurse
anticipate?
A. Negative Chvostek’s sign
B. Flaccid paralysis
C. Trousseau’s sign
D. Hyporeflexia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Trousseau’s sign (carpal spasm induced by inflating a BP cuff)
and Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching) are classic indicators of neuromuscular excitability
associated with hypocalcemia.
, 4. During the intraoperative period, a client develops tachycardia, tachypnea, and a rapidly
rising body temperature. What is the immediate priority intervention?
A. Administer 100mg of IV lidocaine
B. Increase the concentration of inhalation anesthetic
C. Apply warm blankets to the client
D. Administer IV dantrolene sodium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The symptoms describe Malignant Hyperthermia, a life-
threatening anesthesia complication. Dantrolene sodium is the specific pharmacological
treatment used to reverse the muscle metabolism crisis.
5. A client with chronic kidney disease presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which
medication should the nurse be prepared to administer to provide the fastest temporary
protection for the heart?
A. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
B. Calcium gluconate
C. Insulin with Dextrose
D. Furosemide
Answer: B
