NUR 210 EXAM 2 COMPREHENSIVE
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026/2027
1. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mmHg, and HCO3 25
mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Respiratory acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range, it is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. The nurse is caring for a patient with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which EKG
change is most indicative of this electrolyte imbalance?
A. U waves
B. Prominent ST depression
C. Tall, peaked T waves
,D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes peaked
T waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest.
3. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient with a serum sodium
level of 118 mEq/L?
A. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
B. Increased thirst and dry mucous membranes
C. Seizures and altered level of consciousness
D. Generalized weakness and bradycardia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Severe hyponatremia (< 120 mEq/L) leads to cerebral edema,
increasing the risk for seizures, coma, and death.
4. A patient is scheduled for surgery and has been NPO since midnight. The patient’s morning
potassium level is 3.1 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Document the finding and continue to monitor
B. Notify the surgeon and anesthesiologist immediately
C. Administer a potassium supplement orally
D. Encourage the patient to drink orange juice
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias during
anesthesia. The surgical team must be notified to determine if the surgery should be
delayed or if IV replacement is needed.
5. The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving a rapid infusion of 0.45% normal saline. Which
complication is the patient at highest risk for?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Cerebral edema
C. Hypernatremia
D. Cellular dehydration
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: 0.45% NS is a hypotonic solution, which causes fluid to shift
from the intravascular space into the cells. Rapid administration can lead to cellular
swelling, specifically cerebral edema.
6. During the intraoperative phase, a patient develops tachycardia, muscular rigidity, and a
rapidly rising temperature. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?
A. Epinephrine
B. Atropine sulfate
C. Dantrolene sodium
REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
2026/2027
1. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mmHg, and HCO3 25
mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Respiratory acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range, it is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. The nurse is caring for a patient with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which EKG
change is most indicative of this electrolyte imbalance?
A. U waves
B. Prominent ST depression
C. Tall, peaked T waves
,D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes peaked
T waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest.
3. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient with a serum sodium
level of 118 mEq/L?
A. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
B. Increased thirst and dry mucous membranes
C. Seizures and altered level of consciousness
D. Generalized weakness and bradycardia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Severe hyponatremia (< 120 mEq/L) leads to cerebral edema,
increasing the risk for seizures, coma, and death.
4. A patient is scheduled for surgery and has been NPO since midnight. The patient’s morning
potassium level is 3.1 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Document the finding and continue to monitor
B. Notify the surgeon and anesthesiologist immediately
C. Administer a potassium supplement orally
D. Encourage the patient to drink orange juice
, Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias during
anesthesia. The surgical team must be notified to determine if the surgery should be
delayed or if IV replacement is needed.
5. The nurse is monitoring a patient receiving a rapid infusion of 0.45% normal saline. Which
complication is the patient at highest risk for?
A. Hypovolemic shock
B. Cerebral edema
C. Hypernatremia
D. Cellular dehydration
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: 0.45% NS is a hypotonic solution, which causes fluid to shift
from the intravascular space into the cells. Rapid administration can lead to cellular
swelling, specifically cerebral edema.
6. During the intraoperative phase, a patient develops tachycardia, muscular rigidity, and a
rapidly rising temperature. Which medication should the nurse prepare to administer?
A. Epinephrine
B. Atropine sulfate
C. Dantrolene sodium
