NURS 120 | INTRODUCTION TO
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING | EXAM
1 2026
1. A patient with chronic renal failure presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which
cardiac rhythm change should the nurse prioritize for monitoring on the EKG?
A. Shortened PR interval
B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. Prominent U waves
D. ST-segment elevation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes tall,
peaked T waves, prolonged PR intervals, and widening of the QRS complex due to impaired
repolarization.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours post-abdominal surgery. The client reports a
‘popping’ sensation and the nurse observes intestines protruding through the incision. What
is the immediate priority action?
A. Attempt to gently push the organs back into the abdominal cavity
,B. Position the patient in high-Fowler’s position
C. Administer ordered PRN pain medication
D. Cover the protruding organs with sterile gauze soaked in normal saline
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Evisceration is a surgical emergency. The nurse must cover the
area with sterile, saline-soaked dressings to keep the organs moist and prevent necrosis
while calling for the surgeon.
3. An arterial blood gas (ABG) report shows: pH 7.32, PaCO2 50 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L.
How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Partially Compensated Metabolic Alkalosis
B. Fully Compensated Metabolic Acidosis
C. Uncompensated Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Uncompensated Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. An elevated PaCO2 (>45)
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range (22-26), it is
uncompensated.
, 4. A patient is scheduled for an elective cholecystectomy. While performing the preoperative
assessment, the nurse discovers the patient has not signed the surgical consent form. What is
the nurse’s primary responsibility regarding informed consent?
A. Witness the patient’s signature and verify understanding
B. Explain the risks and benefits of the surgery to the patient
C. Obtain the consent if the surgeon is unavailable
D. Decide if the patient is mentally competent to sign
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The surgeon is responsible for explaining the procedure, risks,
and benefits. The nurse’s role is to witness the patient’s signature and ensure the patient
was provided the necessary information.
5. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to find in a patient with a calcium
level of 7.2 mg/dL?
A. Hyporeflexia and muscle weakness
B. Constipation and polyuria
C. Shortened QT interval
D. Positive Chvostek’s sign
Answer: D
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING | EXAM
1 2026
1. A patient with chronic renal failure presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which
cardiac rhythm change should the nurse prioritize for monitoring on the EKG?
A. Shortened PR interval
B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. Prominent U waves
D. ST-segment elevation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes tall,
peaked T waves, prolonged PR intervals, and widening of the QRS complex due to impaired
repolarization.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours post-abdominal surgery. The client reports a
‘popping’ sensation and the nurse observes intestines protruding through the incision. What
is the immediate priority action?
A. Attempt to gently push the organs back into the abdominal cavity
,B. Position the patient in high-Fowler’s position
C. Administer ordered PRN pain medication
D. Cover the protruding organs with sterile gauze soaked in normal saline
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Evisceration is a surgical emergency. The nurse must cover the
area with sterile, saline-soaked dressings to keep the organs moist and prevent necrosis
while calling for the surgeon.
3. An arterial blood gas (ABG) report shows: pH 7.32, PaCO2 50 mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L.
How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Partially Compensated Metabolic Alkalosis
B. Fully Compensated Metabolic Acidosis
C. Uncompensated Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Uncompensated Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. An elevated PaCO2 (>45)
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range (22-26), it is
uncompensated.
, 4. A patient is scheduled for an elective cholecystectomy. While performing the preoperative
assessment, the nurse discovers the patient has not signed the surgical consent form. What is
the nurse’s primary responsibility regarding informed consent?
A. Witness the patient’s signature and verify understanding
B. Explain the risks and benefits of the surgery to the patient
C. Obtain the consent if the surgeon is unavailable
D. Decide if the patient is mentally competent to sign
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The surgeon is responsible for explaining the procedure, risks,
and benefits. The nurse’s role is to witness the patient’s signature and ensure the patient
was provided the necessary information.
5. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to find in a patient with a calcium
level of 7.2 mg/dL?
A. Hyporeflexia and muscle weakness
B. Constipation and polyuria
C. Shortened QT interval
D. Positive Chvostek’s sign
Answer: D
