NU 155 MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING I
- EXAM 2 GALEN COLLEGE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with COPD presents with a pH of 7.33, PaCO2 of 58 mmHg, and HCO3 of 30
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Respiratory acidosis, partially compensated
B. Respiratory alkalosis, fully compensated
C. Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated
D. Metabolic alkalosis, partially compensated
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is below 7.35 (acidosis), the PaCO2 is high (respiratory
cause), and the HCO3 is elevated as the kidneys attempt to compensate, but since the pH is
not within normal range, it is partially compensated.
2. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of right-sided heart failure?
A. Crackles in the lungs
B. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
C. Frothy pink-tinged sputum
,D. Jugular venous distention
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic congestion, leading to
jugular venous distention, peripheral edema, and hepatomegaly. Crackles and frothy
sputum are signs of left-sided heart failure.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient on Digoxin. Which laboratory result should the nurse
prioritize checking to prevent toxicity?
A. Sodium level
B. Hemoglobin level
C. Calcium level
D. Potassium level
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity because
potassium and digoxin compete for binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump.
4. A patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) reports pain in their calves when walking
that resolves with rest. What is this called?
A. Rest pain
B. Raynaud’s phenomenon
C. Intermittent claudication
, D. Venous stasis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Intermittent claudication is ischemic muscle pain that is caused
by physical activity and relieved by rest, common in PAD.
5. Which medication is considered a ‘rescue’ inhaler for a patient experiencing an acute
asthma attack?
A. Albuterol
B. Salmeterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Montelukast
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) used for rapid
bronchodilation during acute symptoms.
6. The nurse is assessing a patient with a suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). What is the
priority nursing assessment?
A. Measuring calf circumference
B. Checking for Homans’ sign
C. Palpating the area for warmth
D. Assessing for sudden shortness of breath
- EXAM 2 GALEN COLLEGE QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with COPD presents with a pH of 7.33, PaCO2 of 58 mmHg, and HCO3 of 30
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Respiratory acidosis, partially compensated
B. Respiratory alkalosis, fully compensated
C. Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated
D. Metabolic alkalosis, partially compensated
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is below 7.35 (acidosis), the PaCO2 is high (respiratory
cause), and the HCO3 is elevated as the kidneys attempt to compensate, but since the pH is
not within normal range, it is partially compensated.
2. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of right-sided heart failure?
A. Crackles in the lungs
B. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
C. Frothy pink-tinged sputum
,D. Jugular venous distention
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic congestion, leading to
jugular venous distention, peripheral edema, and hepatomegaly. Crackles and frothy
sputum are signs of left-sided heart failure.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient on Digoxin. Which laboratory result should the nurse
prioritize checking to prevent toxicity?
A. Sodium level
B. Hemoglobin level
C. Calcium level
D. Potassium level
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity because
potassium and digoxin compete for binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump.
4. A patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) reports pain in their calves when walking
that resolves with rest. What is this called?
A. Rest pain
B. Raynaud’s phenomenon
C. Intermittent claudication
, D. Venous stasis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Intermittent claudication is ischemic muscle pain that is caused
by physical activity and relieved by rest, common in PAD.
5. Which medication is considered a ‘rescue’ inhaler for a patient experiencing an acute
asthma attack?
A. Albuterol
B. Salmeterol
C. Fluticasone
D. Montelukast
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Albuterol is a short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) used for rapid
bronchodilation during acute symptoms.
6. The nurse is assessing a patient with a suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). What is the
priority nursing assessment?
A. Measuring calf circumference
B. Checking for Homans’ sign
C. Palpating the area for warmth
D. Assessing for sudden shortness of breath
