NUR 170- NUR 171 FINAL EXAM
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. A client is admitted with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which of the following EKG
changes should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Peaked T waves
B. Shortened QT interval
C. Widened QRS complex
D. Prominent U waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium below 3.5 mEq/L) typically manifests
on an EKG as prominent U waves, ST-segment depression, and flat or inverted T waves.
Peaked T waves are associated with hyperkalemia.
2. A nurse is caring for a client receiving Digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance significantly
increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypokalemia
,D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia sensitizes the myocardium to digoxin, increasing
the risk of toxicity even if the digoxin level is within the therapeutic range.
3. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most consistent with a client in early stages of
respiratory failure due to an acute asthma attack?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 40, HCO3 26
D. pH 7.25, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In the early stages of an asthma attack, hyperventilation causes
respiratory alkalosis (high pH, low PaCO2). As the client tires and air trapping worsens,
they transition to respiratory acidosis.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer 1,000 mL of 0.9% Normal Saline over 8 hours. The drop
factor is 15 gtt/mL. What is the correct flow rate in gtt/min?
A. 21 gtt/min
B. 31 gtt/min
C. 42 gtt/min
, D. 125 gtt/min
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Calculation: (Total volume in mL * drop factor) / (time in
minutes). (1000 * 15) / (8 * 60) = = 31.25. Rounded to the nearest whole
number is 31 gtt/min.
5. A client presents with Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath odor, and a blood glucose of 520
mg/dL. The nurse should anticipate an order for which IV fluid?
A. 0.9% Normal Saline
B. 0.45% Normal Saline
C. Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W)
D. 3% Normal Saline
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Initial treatment for Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) involves
rehydration with isotonic saline (0.9% NS) to restore circulatory volume before switching
to hypotonic solutions or adding dextrose.
6. Which of the following is the priority nursing action when a client’s surgical wound
eviscerates?
A. Apply a dry sterile dressing tightly
B. Place the client in a high-Fowler’s position
2026/2027 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. A client is admitted with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which of the following EKG
changes should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Peaked T waves
B. Shortened QT interval
C. Widened QRS complex
D. Prominent U waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium below 3.5 mEq/L) typically manifests
on an EKG as prominent U waves, ST-segment depression, and flat or inverted T waves.
Peaked T waves are associated with hyperkalemia.
2. A nurse is caring for a client receiving Digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance significantly
increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?
A. Hypercalcemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypokalemia
,D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia sensitizes the myocardium to digoxin, increasing
the risk of toxicity even if the digoxin level is within the therapeutic range.
3. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most consistent with a client in early stages of
respiratory failure due to an acute asthma attack?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 40, HCO3 26
D. pH 7.25, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In the early stages of an asthma attack, hyperventilation causes
respiratory alkalosis (high pH, low PaCO2). As the client tires and air trapping worsens,
they transition to respiratory acidosis.
4. A nurse is preparing to administer 1,000 mL of 0.9% Normal Saline over 8 hours. The drop
factor is 15 gtt/mL. What is the correct flow rate in gtt/min?
A. 21 gtt/min
B. 31 gtt/min
C. 42 gtt/min
, D. 125 gtt/min
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Calculation: (Total volume in mL * drop factor) / (time in
minutes). (1000 * 15) / (8 * 60) = = 31.25. Rounded to the nearest whole
number is 31 gtt/min.
5. A client presents with Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath odor, and a blood glucose of 520
mg/dL. The nurse should anticipate an order for which IV fluid?
A. 0.9% Normal Saline
B. 0.45% Normal Saline
C. Dextrose 5% in Water (D5W)
D. 3% Normal Saline
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Initial treatment for Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) involves
rehydration with isotonic saline (0.9% NS) to restore circulatory volume before switching
to hypotonic solutions or adding dextrose.
6. Which of the following is the priority nursing action when a client’s surgical wound
eviscerates?
A. Apply a dry sterile dressing tightly
B. Place the client in a high-Fowler’s position
