NUR 155 COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PREP
(EXAMS 2-4) QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient with heart failure is receiving digoxin. Which assessment finding should the nurse
prioritize as a potential sign of toxicity?
A. Report of yellow-green halos around lights
B. Heart rate of 82 beats/minute
C. Increased urine output
D. Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos are a classic sign
of digoxin toxicity, alongside nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most indicative of a patient in chronic
compensated respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
B. pH 7.25, PaCO2 50, HCO3 24
C. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
,D. pH 7.36, PaCO2 55, HCO3 30
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Compensated respiratory acidosis shows a normal but low-end
pH, elevated PaCO2, and an elevated HCO3 as the kidneys compensate over time.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube. The nurse notes continuous bubbling in
the water-seal chamber. What is the priority action?
A. Document the finding as normal
B. Increase the suction pressure
C. Check the system for an air leak
D. Clamp the chest tube immediately
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air
leak in the system, which requires immediate troubleshooting.
4. In the management of a patient with DKA, which IV fluid is typically administered once the
blood glucose reaches 250 mg/dL?
A. 5% Dextrose in 0.45% Normal Saline
B. 3% Hypertonic Saline
C. 0.9% Normal Saline
D. Lactated Ringer’s
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Dextrose is added to prevent hypoglycemia and cerebral edema
as insulin drives glucose down rapidly.
5. A patient with a history of Addison’s disease presents with hypotension and hyperkalemia.
Which medication does the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Furosemide
B. Insulin Glargine
C. Hydrocortisone
D. Spironolactone
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Addisonian crisis requires immediate glucocorticoid
replacement (hydrocortisone) to stabilize blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
6. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Diabetes Insipidus (DI)?
A. Low urine output with high specific gravity
B. High urine output with low specific gravity
C. Hypervolemia and hypertension
D. Excessive weight gain
Answer: B
(EXAMS 2-4) QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient with heart failure is receiving digoxin. Which assessment finding should the nurse
prioritize as a potential sign of toxicity?
A. Report of yellow-green halos around lights
B. Heart rate of 82 beats/minute
C. Increased urine output
D. Blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Visual disturbances such as yellow-green halos are a classic sign
of digoxin toxicity, alongside nausea, vomiting, and bradycardia.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most indicative of a patient in chronic
compensated respiratory acidosis?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
B. pH 7.25, PaCO2 50, HCO3 24
C. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
,D. pH 7.36, PaCO2 55, HCO3 30
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Compensated respiratory acidosis shows a normal but low-end
pH, elevated PaCO2, and an elevated HCO3 as the kidneys compensate over time.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube. The nurse notes continuous bubbling in
the water-seal chamber. What is the priority action?
A. Document the finding as normal
B. Increase the suction pressure
C. Check the system for an air leak
D. Clamp the chest tube immediately
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water-seal chamber indicates an air
leak in the system, which requires immediate troubleshooting.
4. In the management of a patient with DKA, which IV fluid is typically administered once the
blood glucose reaches 250 mg/dL?
A. 5% Dextrose in 0.45% Normal Saline
B. 3% Hypertonic Saline
C. 0.9% Normal Saline
D. Lactated Ringer’s
, Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Dextrose is added to prevent hypoglycemia and cerebral edema
as insulin drives glucose down rapidly.
5. A patient with a history of Addison’s disease presents with hypotension and hyperkalemia.
Which medication does the nurse anticipate administering?
A. Furosemide
B. Insulin Glargine
C. Hydrocortisone
D. Spironolactone
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Addisonian crisis requires immediate glucocorticoid
replacement (hydrocortisone) to stabilize blood pressure and electrolyte balance.
6. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Diabetes Insipidus (DI)?
A. Low urine output with high specific gravity
B. High urine output with low specific gravity
C. Hypervolemia and hypertension
D. Excessive weight gain
Answer: B
