,NU 136/NU136 Exam 4 | Fundamentals of
Nursing (2026) Q&A | Galen College
1. A patient's serum sodium level is 130 mEq/L. The nurse identifies this as:
A) Hypernatremia
B) Hyponatremia
C) Hyperkalemia
D) Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: Hyponatremia
Rationale: Normal sodium is 135-145 mEq/L. Levels below 135 indicate
hyponatremia, which can result from fluid overload, diuretics, or SIADH.
Symptoms include confusion, lethargy, and seizures.
2. The nurse is assessing a patient with hypokalemia. Which ECG change should
the nurse anticipate?
A) Peaked T waves
B) Flattened T waves and U waves
C) Widened QRS
D) ST elevation
Correct Answer: Flattened T waves and U waves
,Rationale: Hypokalemia (K+ <3.5) causes flattened T waves and prominent U
waves. Peaked T waves and widened QRS are seen with hyperkalemia. ST
elevation indicates myocardial injury.
3. A patient receiving furosemide is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Hypokalemia
C) Hypercalcemia
D) Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer: Hypokalemia
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion. The
nurse monitors potassium levels and cardiac rhythm for signs of hypokalemia,
such as muscle weakness and dysrhythmias.
4. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor for a patient taking
warfarin?
A) PTT
B) PT/INR
C) Platelet count
D) Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: PT/INR
, Rationale: Warfarin affects the extrinsic coagulation pathway. PT/INR is used to
monitor therapeutic effect, with a typical goal of 2-3. PTT monitors heparin
therapy.
5. A patient with chronic kidney disease has a serum potassium of 6.4 mEq/L.
The nurse should anticipate which treatment?
A) Oral potassium supplement
B) IV calcium gluconate and insulin with dextrose
C) Increased dietary potassium
D) Discontinuation of all medications
Correct Answer: IV calcium gluconate and insulin with dextrose
Rationale: Severe hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
Calcium stabilizes the myocardium, while insulin and dextrose shift potassium
into cells. Potassium would be restricted, not increased.
6. The nurse is teaching a patient about foods high in potassium. Which food
should the nurse recommend for a patient with hypokalemia?
A) Applesauce
B) Bananas
C) White bread
D) Rice
Correct Answer: Bananas
Nursing (2026) Q&A | Galen College
1. A patient's serum sodium level is 130 mEq/L. The nurse identifies this as:
A) Hypernatremia
B) Hyponatremia
C) Hyperkalemia
D) Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: Hyponatremia
Rationale: Normal sodium is 135-145 mEq/L. Levels below 135 indicate
hyponatremia, which can result from fluid overload, diuretics, or SIADH.
Symptoms include confusion, lethargy, and seizures.
2. The nurse is assessing a patient with hypokalemia. Which ECG change should
the nurse anticipate?
A) Peaked T waves
B) Flattened T waves and U waves
C) Widened QRS
D) ST elevation
Correct Answer: Flattened T waves and U waves
,Rationale: Hypokalemia (K+ <3.5) causes flattened T waves and prominent U
waves. Peaked T waves and widened QRS are seen with hyperkalemia. ST
elevation indicates myocardial injury.
3. A patient receiving furosemide is at risk for which electrolyte imbalance?
A) Hyperkalemia
B) Hypokalemia
C) Hypercalcemia
D) Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer: Hypokalemia
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion. The
nurse monitors potassium levels and cardiac rhythm for signs of hypokalemia,
such as muscle weakness and dysrhythmias.
4. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor for a patient taking
warfarin?
A) PTT
B) PT/INR
C) Platelet count
D) Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: PT/INR
, Rationale: Warfarin affects the extrinsic coagulation pathway. PT/INR is used to
monitor therapeutic effect, with a typical goal of 2-3. PTT monitors heparin
therapy.
5. A patient with chronic kidney disease has a serum potassium of 6.4 mEq/L.
The nurse should anticipate which treatment?
A) Oral potassium supplement
B) IV calcium gluconate and insulin with dextrose
C) Increased dietary potassium
D) Discontinuation of all medications
Correct Answer: IV calcium gluconate and insulin with dextrose
Rationale: Severe hyperkalemia can cause life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
Calcium stabilizes the myocardium, while insulin and dextrose shift potassium
into cells. Potassium would be restricted, not increased.
6. The nurse is teaching a patient about foods high in potassium. Which food
should the nurse recommend for a patient with hypokalemia?
A) Applesauce
B) Bananas
C) White bread
D) Rice
Correct Answer: Bananas
