Med Surg Final Exam 115Questions and
Answers (Latest Update 2025)GRADED A+
A client asks what "essential hypertension" is. What response by the registered nurse is best?
a. "It means it is caused by another disease."
b. "It means it is 'essential' that it be treated."
c. "It is hypertension with no specific cause."
d. "It refers to severe and life-threatening hypertension." - CORRECT ANSWERS c. "It is
hypertension with no specific cause."
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing excessive diarrhea. The client's arterial blood
gas values are pH 7.18, PaO2 98 mm Hg, PaCO2 45 mm Hg, and HCO3 16 mEq/L (16
mmol/L). Which primary health care provider order does the nurse expect to receive?
a. Furosemide 40 mg
b. Sodium bicarbonate
c. Mechanical ventilation
d. Indwelling urinary catheter - CORRECT ANSWERS b. Sodium bicarbonate
A nurse assesses a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. The client's arterial
blood gas values are pH 7.32, PaO2 94 mm Hg, PaCO2 34 mm Hg, and HCO3 18 mEq/L (18
mmol/L). For which clinical signs and symptoms would the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.)
a. Reduced deep tendon reflexes
b. Drowsiness
c. Increased respiratory rate
d. Decreased urinary output
e. Positive Trousseau sign
f. Flaccid paralysis - CORRECT ANSWERS a. Reduced deep tendon reflexes
b. Drowsiness
c. Increased respiratory rate
A nurse is planning care for a client who is lethargic and confused. The client's arterial blood gas
values are pH 7.30, PaO2 96 mm Hg, PaCO2 43 mm Hg, and HCO3 19 mEq/L (19 mmol/L).
Which questions would the nurse ask the client and spouse when developing the plan of care?
(Select all that apply.)
a. "Are you taking any antacid medications?"
,Med Surg Final Exam 115Questions and
Answers (Latest Update 2025)GRADED A+
b. "Is your spouse's current behavior typical?"
c. "Do you drink any alcoholic beverages?"
d. "Have you been participating in strenuous activity?"
e. "Are you experiencing any shortness of breath?" - CORRECT ANSWERS b. "Is your
spouse's current behavior typical?"
c. "Do you drink any alcoholic beverages?"
d. "Have you been participating in strenuous activity?"
A nurse teaches a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which statement would the nurse
include in this client's teaching to decrease the client's insulin needs?
a. "Limit your fluid intake to 2 L a day."
b. "Animal organ meat is high in insulin."
c. "Limit your carbohydrate intake to 80 g a day."
d. "Walk at a moderate pace for 1 mile daily." - CORRECT ANSWERS d. "Walk at a
moderate pace for 1 mile daily."
A preoperative nurse is reviewing morning laboratory values on four clients waiting for
surgery. Which result warrants immediate communication with the surgical team?
a. Creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL (106.1 umol/L)
b. Hemoglobin: 14.8 mg/dL (148 mmol/L)
c. Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mmol/L)
d. Sodium: 134 mEq/L (134 mmol/L) - CORRECT ANSWERS c. Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L (2.9
mmol/L)
A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed furosemide for hypertension. For which acid-base
imbalance does the nurse assess to prevent complications of this therapy?
a. Respiratory acidosis
b. Respiratory alkalosis
c. Metabolic acidosis
d. Metabolic alkalosis - CORRECT ANSWERS d. Metabolic alkalosis
,Med Surg Final Exam 115Questions and
Answers (Latest Update 2025)GRADED A+
A nurse is assessing clients who are at risk for acid-base imbalance. Which clients are correctly
paired with the acid-base imbalance? (Select all that apply.)
a. Metabolic alkalosis—young adult who is prescribed intravenous morphine sulfate for pain
b. Metabolic acidosis—older adult who is following a carbohydrate-free diet
c. Respiratory alkalosis—client on mechanical ventilation at a rate of 28 breaths/min
d. Respiratory acidosis—postoperative client who received 6 units of packed red blood cells
e. Metabolic alkalosis—older client prescribed antacids for gastroesophageal reflux disease -
CORRECT ANSWERS b. Metabolic acidosis—older adult who is following a carbohydrate-
free diet
c. Respiratory alkalosis—client on mechanical ventilation at a rate of 28 breaths/min
e. Metabolic alkalosis—older client prescribed antacids for gastroesophageal reflux disease
A nurse assesses a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition. For which adverse effects
related to an acid-base imbalance would the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.)
a. Positive Chvostek sign
b. Elevated blood pressure
c. Bradycardia
d. Increased muscle strength
e. Anxiety and irritability
f. Tetany - CORRECT ANSWERS a. Positive Chvostek sign
e. Anxiety and irritability
A nurse assesses a client with diabetes mellitus who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance.
The client's arterial blood gas values are pH 7.36, PaO2 98 mm Hg, PaCO2 33 mm Hg, and
HCO3 18 mEq/L (18 mmol/L). Which sign or symptom does the nurse identify as an example of
the client's compensatory mechanisms?
a. Increased rate and depth of respirations
b. Increased urinary output
c. Increased thirst and hunger
d. Increased release of acids from the kidneys - CORRECT ANSWERS a. Increased rate
and depth of respirations
, Med Surg Final Exam 115Questions and
Answers (Latest Update 2025)GRADED A+
A nurse is assessing a client who has acute pancreatitis and is at risk for an acid-base
imbalance. For which manifestation of this acid-base imbalance would the nurse assess?
a. Agitation
b. Kussmaul respirations
c. Seizures
d. Positive Chvostek sign - CORRECT ANSWERS b. Kussmaul respirations
A nurse assesses a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. The client's arterial
blood gas values are pH 7.2, PaO2 88 mm Hg, PaCO2 38 mm Hg, and HCO3 19 mEq/L (19
mmol/L). Which assessment would the nurse perform first?
a. Cardiac rate and rhythm
b. Skin and mucous membranes
c. Musculoskeletal strength
d. Level of orientation - CORRECT ANSWERS a. Cardiac rate and rhythm
A nurse assesses a client who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance. The client's arterial
blood gas values were pH 7.32, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 34 mm Hg, and HCO3 16 mEq/L
(16 mmol/L). The most recent blood gasses show a drop in the pH. What action does the nurse
take next?
a. Assess client's rate, rhythm, and depth of respiration.
b. Measure the client's pulse and blood pressure.
c. Document the findings and continue to monitor.
d. Notify the primary health care provider. - CORRECT ANSWERS a. Assess client's rate,
rhythm, and depth of respiration.
A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood values: pH 7.12, PaO2 56 mm
Hg, PaCO2 65 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L). Which clinical situation does the
nurse correlate with these values?
a. Diabetic ketoacidosis in a person with emphysema
b. Bronchial obstruction related to aspiration of a hot dog
c. Anxiety-induced hyperventilation in an adolescent
Answers (Latest Update 2025)GRADED A+
A client asks what "essential hypertension" is. What response by the registered nurse is best?
a. "It means it is caused by another disease."
b. "It means it is 'essential' that it be treated."
c. "It is hypertension with no specific cause."
d. "It refers to severe and life-threatening hypertension." - CORRECT ANSWERS c. "It is
hypertension with no specific cause."
A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing excessive diarrhea. The client's arterial blood
gas values are pH 7.18, PaO2 98 mm Hg, PaCO2 45 mm Hg, and HCO3 16 mEq/L (16
mmol/L). Which primary health care provider order does the nurse expect to receive?
a. Furosemide 40 mg
b. Sodium bicarbonate
c. Mechanical ventilation
d. Indwelling urinary catheter - CORRECT ANSWERS b. Sodium bicarbonate
A nurse assesses a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. The client's arterial
blood gas values are pH 7.32, PaO2 94 mm Hg, PaCO2 34 mm Hg, and HCO3 18 mEq/L (18
mmol/L). For which clinical signs and symptoms would the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.)
a. Reduced deep tendon reflexes
b. Drowsiness
c. Increased respiratory rate
d. Decreased urinary output
e. Positive Trousseau sign
f. Flaccid paralysis - CORRECT ANSWERS a. Reduced deep tendon reflexes
b. Drowsiness
c. Increased respiratory rate
A nurse is planning care for a client who is lethargic and confused. The client's arterial blood gas
values are pH 7.30, PaO2 96 mm Hg, PaCO2 43 mm Hg, and HCO3 19 mEq/L (19 mmol/L).
Which questions would the nurse ask the client and spouse when developing the plan of care?
(Select all that apply.)
a. "Are you taking any antacid medications?"
,Med Surg Final Exam 115Questions and
Answers (Latest Update 2025)GRADED A+
b. "Is your spouse's current behavior typical?"
c. "Do you drink any alcoholic beverages?"
d. "Have you been participating in strenuous activity?"
e. "Are you experiencing any shortness of breath?" - CORRECT ANSWERS b. "Is your
spouse's current behavior typical?"
c. "Do you drink any alcoholic beverages?"
d. "Have you been participating in strenuous activity?"
A nurse teaches a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which statement would the nurse
include in this client's teaching to decrease the client's insulin needs?
a. "Limit your fluid intake to 2 L a day."
b. "Animal organ meat is high in insulin."
c. "Limit your carbohydrate intake to 80 g a day."
d. "Walk at a moderate pace for 1 mile daily." - CORRECT ANSWERS d. "Walk at a
moderate pace for 1 mile daily."
A preoperative nurse is reviewing morning laboratory values on four clients waiting for
surgery. Which result warrants immediate communication with the surgical team?
a. Creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL (106.1 umol/L)
b. Hemoglobin: 14.8 mg/dL (148 mmol/L)
c. Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mmol/L)
d. Sodium: 134 mEq/L (134 mmol/L) - CORRECT ANSWERS c. Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L (2.9
mmol/L)
A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed furosemide for hypertension. For which acid-base
imbalance does the nurse assess to prevent complications of this therapy?
a. Respiratory acidosis
b. Respiratory alkalosis
c. Metabolic acidosis
d. Metabolic alkalosis - CORRECT ANSWERS d. Metabolic alkalosis
,Med Surg Final Exam 115Questions and
Answers (Latest Update 2025)GRADED A+
A nurse is assessing clients who are at risk for acid-base imbalance. Which clients are correctly
paired with the acid-base imbalance? (Select all that apply.)
a. Metabolic alkalosis—young adult who is prescribed intravenous morphine sulfate for pain
b. Metabolic acidosis—older adult who is following a carbohydrate-free diet
c. Respiratory alkalosis—client on mechanical ventilation at a rate of 28 breaths/min
d. Respiratory acidosis—postoperative client who received 6 units of packed red blood cells
e. Metabolic alkalosis—older client prescribed antacids for gastroesophageal reflux disease -
CORRECT ANSWERS b. Metabolic acidosis—older adult who is following a carbohydrate-
free diet
c. Respiratory alkalosis—client on mechanical ventilation at a rate of 28 breaths/min
e. Metabolic alkalosis—older client prescribed antacids for gastroesophageal reflux disease
A nurse assesses a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition. For which adverse effects
related to an acid-base imbalance would the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.)
a. Positive Chvostek sign
b. Elevated blood pressure
c. Bradycardia
d. Increased muscle strength
e. Anxiety and irritability
f. Tetany - CORRECT ANSWERS a. Positive Chvostek sign
e. Anxiety and irritability
A nurse assesses a client with diabetes mellitus who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance.
The client's arterial blood gas values are pH 7.36, PaO2 98 mm Hg, PaCO2 33 mm Hg, and
HCO3 18 mEq/L (18 mmol/L). Which sign or symptom does the nurse identify as an example of
the client's compensatory mechanisms?
a. Increased rate and depth of respirations
b. Increased urinary output
c. Increased thirst and hunger
d. Increased release of acids from the kidneys - CORRECT ANSWERS a. Increased rate
and depth of respirations
, Med Surg Final Exam 115Questions and
Answers (Latest Update 2025)GRADED A+
A nurse is assessing a client who has acute pancreatitis and is at risk for an acid-base
imbalance. For which manifestation of this acid-base imbalance would the nurse assess?
a. Agitation
b. Kussmaul respirations
c. Seizures
d. Positive Chvostek sign - CORRECT ANSWERS b. Kussmaul respirations
A nurse assesses a client who is experiencing an acid-base imbalance. The client's arterial
blood gas values are pH 7.2, PaO2 88 mm Hg, PaCO2 38 mm Hg, and HCO3 19 mEq/L (19
mmol/L). Which assessment would the nurse perform first?
a. Cardiac rate and rhythm
b. Skin and mucous membranes
c. Musculoskeletal strength
d. Level of orientation - CORRECT ANSWERS a. Cardiac rate and rhythm
A nurse assesses a client who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance. The client's arterial
blood gas values were pH 7.32, PaO2 85 mm Hg, PaCO2 34 mm Hg, and HCO3 16 mEq/L
(16 mmol/L). The most recent blood gasses show a drop in the pH. What action does the nurse
take next?
a. Assess client's rate, rhythm, and depth of respiration.
b. Measure the client's pulse and blood pressure.
c. Document the findings and continue to monitor.
d. Notify the primary health care provider. - CORRECT ANSWERS a. Assess client's rate,
rhythm, and depth of respiration.
A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood values: pH 7.12, PaO2 56 mm
Hg, PaCO2 65 mm Hg, and HCO3 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L). Which clinical situation does the
nurse correlate with these values?
a. Diabetic ketoacidosis in a person with emphysema
b. Bronchial obstruction related to aspiration of a hot dog
c. Anxiety-induced hyperventilation in an adolescent
