NUR 376 COMPREHENSIVE NURSING
REVIEW (EXAMS 1–4) QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient is admitted with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse prioritize?
A. Irregular heart rhythm and muscle weakness
B. Peaked T waves on ECG
C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
D. Increased blood pressure
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) can cause life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and skeletal muscle weakness. Peaked T waves are
associated with hyperkalemia.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is consistent with a patient experiencing a severe
asthma attack and hyperventilating?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.25, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
,C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 40, HCO3 25
D. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 23
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperventilation leads to excessive loss of CO2, resulting in
respiratory alkalosis (high pH and low PaCO2).
3. What is the nurse’s primary responsibility when witnessing an informed consent for
surgery?
A. Ensuring the patient is signing the form voluntarily and is competent
B. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure
C. Discussing alternative treatment options
D. Deciding if the surgery is necessary
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The nurse’s role is to witness the signature and verify that the
patient is alert and signing voluntarily; the surgeon is responsible for explaining the
procedure and risks.
4. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen therapy. Why is it critical to monitor the flow rate
closely?
A. High oxygen concentrations may eliminate the patient’s stimulus to breathe
B. Oxygen is highly flammable near bedside equipment
, C. High levels of oxygen can cause metabolic acidosis
D. Oxygen therapy causes fluid retention in the lungs
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In some COPD patients, the drive to breathe is triggered by low
oxygen (hypoxic drive) rather than high CO2. Excess oxygen can suppress this drive.
5. Which assessment finding in a patient receiving Digoxin for heart failure indicates toxicity?
A. Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos
B. Heart rate of 100 bpm
C. Increased urinary output
D. Sudden increase in hunger
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Classic signs of digoxin toxicity include visual changes (halos),
nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia.
6. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is found confused and diaphoretic. What is the nurse’s first
action?
A. Administer 15g of rapid-acting carbohydrates
B. Check the patient’s HbA1c level
C. Administer 10 units of regular insulin
REVIEW (EXAMS 1–4) QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient is admitted with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse prioritize?
A. Irregular heart rhythm and muscle weakness
B. Peaked T waves on ECG
C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
D. Increased blood pressure
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) can cause life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and skeletal muscle weakness. Peaked T waves are
associated with hyperkalemia.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is consistent with a patient experiencing a severe
asthma attack and hyperventilating?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 24
B. pH 7.25, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
,C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 40, HCO3 25
D. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 23
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperventilation leads to excessive loss of CO2, resulting in
respiratory alkalosis (high pH and low PaCO2).
3. What is the nurse’s primary responsibility when witnessing an informed consent for
surgery?
A. Ensuring the patient is signing the form voluntarily and is competent
B. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure
C. Discussing alternative treatment options
D. Deciding if the surgery is necessary
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The nurse’s role is to witness the signature and verify that the
patient is alert and signing voluntarily; the surgeon is responsible for explaining the
procedure and risks.
4. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen therapy. Why is it critical to monitor the flow rate
closely?
A. High oxygen concentrations may eliminate the patient’s stimulus to breathe
B. Oxygen is highly flammable near bedside equipment
, C. High levels of oxygen can cause metabolic acidosis
D. Oxygen therapy causes fluid retention in the lungs
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In some COPD patients, the drive to breathe is triggered by low
oxygen (hypoxic drive) rather than high CO2. Excess oxygen can suppress this drive.
5. Which assessment finding in a patient receiving Digoxin for heart failure indicates toxicity?
A. Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos
B. Heart rate of 100 bpm
C. Increased urinary output
D. Sudden increase in hunger
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Classic signs of digoxin toxicity include visual changes (halos),
nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia.
6. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is found confused and diaphoretic. What is the nurse’s first
action?
A. Administer 15g of rapid-acting carbohydrates
B. Check the patient’s HbA1c level
C. Administer 10 units of regular insulin
