NCLEX NURSING SCHOOL SURVIVAL
KIT - COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which electrocardiogram
(ECG) change is most critical for the nurse to monitor?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. Prominent U waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically presents with
tall, peaked T waves, which can progress to cardiac arrest if not treated.
2. A client is diagnosed with Metabolic Acidosis. Which of the following Arterial Blood Gas
(ABG) results supports this diagnosis?
A. pH 7.32, HCO3 26, PaCO2 50
B. pH 7.50, HCO3 24, PaCO2 30
C. pH 7.30, HCO3 18, PaCO2 38
,D. pH 7.48, HCO3 30, PaCO2 42
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a
low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L). Option A shows a low pH and low HCO3.
3. When caring for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which position is most
appropriate?
A. Supine with head of bed flat
B. Semi-Fowler’s with head in neutral position
C. Trendelenburg position
D. Side-lying with knees flexed
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees (Semi-Fowler’s)
and keeping the head neutral promotes venous drainage and helps reduce ICP.
4. A nurse is reviewing medications for a patient with Congestive Heart Failure. Which
medication is a potassium-sparing diuretic?
A. Furosemide
B. Hydrochlorothiazide
C. Spironolactone
D. Bumetanide
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist and acts as a
potassium-sparing diuretic, unlike loop diuretics like Furosemide.
5. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Buffalo hump and moon face
B. Hypotension and weight loss
C. Tachycardia and heat intolerance
D. Hyperkalemia and hyponatremia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome results from excessive cortisol, leading to
central obesity, buffalo hump, and a rounded ‘moon face’.
6. A nurse observes a patient with Preeclampsia showing signs of Magnesium Sulfate toxicity.
Which finding is most concerning?
A. Presence of patellar reflex
B. Urine output of 50 mL/hour
C. Serum magnesium level of 6 mg/dL
D. Respiratory rate of 9 breaths/min
Answer: D
KIT - COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which electrocardiogram
(ECG) change is most critical for the nurse to monitor?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. Prominent U waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically presents with
tall, peaked T waves, which can progress to cardiac arrest if not treated.
2. A client is diagnosed with Metabolic Acidosis. Which of the following Arterial Blood Gas
(ABG) results supports this diagnosis?
A. pH 7.32, HCO3 26, PaCO2 50
B. pH 7.50, HCO3 24, PaCO2 30
C. pH 7.30, HCO3 18, PaCO2 38
,D. pH 7.48, HCO3 30, PaCO2 42
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (<7.35) and a
low bicarbonate level (<22 mEq/L). Option A shows a low pH and low HCO3.
3. When caring for a patient with increased intracranial pressure (ICP), which position is most
appropriate?
A. Supine with head of bed flat
B. Semi-Fowler’s with head in neutral position
C. Trendelenburg position
D. Side-lying with knees flexed
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed to 30-45 degrees (Semi-Fowler’s)
and keeping the head neutral promotes venous drainage and helps reduce ICP.
4. A nurse is reviewing medications for a patient with Congestive Heart Failure. Which
medication is a potassium-sparing diuretic?
A. Furosemide
B. Hydrochlorothiazide
C. Spironolactone
D. Bumetanide
, Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Spironolactone is an aldosterone antagonist and acts as a
potassium-sparing diuretic, unlike loop diuretics like Furosemide.
5. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Buffalo hump and moon face
B. Hypotension and weight loss
C. Tachycardia and heat intolerance
D. Hyperkalemia and hyponatremia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome results from excessive cortisol, leading to
central obesity, buffalo hump, and a rounded ‘moon face’.
6. A nurse observes a patient with Preeclampsia showing signs of Magnesium Sulfate toxicity.
Which finding is most concerning?
A. Presence of patellar reflex
B. Urine output of 50 mL/hour
C. Serum magnesium level of 6 mg/dL
D. Respiratory rate of 9 breaths/min
Answer: D
