NSG 3130: FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS
& SKILLS FOR NURSING PRACTICE II
(2026 UPDATE)
1. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results show pH 7.26, PaCO2 54 mmHg, and HCO3 24
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is the patient experiencing?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (<7.35) indicating acidosis, and the PaCO2 is high
(>45) indicating a respiratory cause, while the bicarbonate remains normal.
2. During a physical assessment, the nurse notes positive Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs.
Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse prioritize?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyponatremia
,C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Positive Chvostek’s (facial twitching) and Trousseau’s (carpal
spasm) signs are classic indicators of neuromuscular irritability caused by hypocalcemia.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication via the Z-track method. What is the
primary purpose of this technique?
A. To increase the speed of absorption
B. To prevent the medication from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue
C. To reduce the risk of hitting a bone
D. To ensure the medication reaches the vein
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Z-track method seals the medication within the muscle and
prevents leakage into subcutaneous tissues, which reduces irritation and staining.
4. Which stage of a pressure injury involves full-thickness skin loss where adipose tissue is
visible, but bone, tendon, and muscle are NOT exposed?
A. Stage 1
B. Stage 2
C. Stage 4
, D. Stage 3
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Stage 3 pressure injuries involve full-thickness skin loss and
visible subcutaneous fat, whereas Stage 4 involves exposed bone, muscle, or tendon.
5. A patient is receiving TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) through a central line. The nurse
notices the bag is empty and the new bag is not yet available. What should the nurse hang in
the meantime?
A. 10% Dextrose in Water (D10W)
B. Lactated Ringer’s
C. Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl)
D. 5% Dextrose in 0.45% NaCl
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: TPN contains high glucose levels; a sudden stop can cause
rebound hypoglycemia. D10W is used to maintain blood glucose until the next TPN bag is
ready.
6. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen at 2L/min via nasal cannula. Which physiological
drive regulates this patient’s breathing?
A. Hypercapnic drive
B. Metabolic drive
& SKILLS FOR NURSING PRACTICE II
(2026 UPDATE)
1. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results show pH 7.26, PaCO2 54 mmHg, and HCO3 24
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is the patient experiencing?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (<7.35) indicating acidosis, and the PaCO2 is high
(>45) indicating a respiratory cause, while the bicarbonate remains normal.
2. During a physical assessment, the nurse notes positive Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs.
Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse prioritize?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hyponatremia
,C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Positive Chvostek’s (facial twitching) and Trousseau’s (carpal
spasm) signs are classic indicators of neuromuscular irritability caused by hypocalcemia.
3. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication via the Z-track method. What is the
primary purpose of this technique?
A. To increase the speed of absorption
B. To prevent the medication from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue
C. To reduce the risk of hitting a bone
D. To ensure the medication reaches the vein
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Z-track method seals the medication within the muscle and
prevents leakage into subcutaneous tissues, which reduces irritation and staining.
4. Which stage of a pressure injury involves full-thickness skin loss where adipose tissue is
visible, but bone, tendon, and muscle are NOT exposed?
A. Stage 1
B. Stage 2
C. Stage 4
, D. Stage 3
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Stage 3 pressure injuries involve full-thickness skin loss and
visible subcutaneous fat, whereas Stage 4 involves exposed bone, muscle, or tendon.
5. A patient is receiving TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) through a central line. The nurse
notices the bag is empty and the new bag is not yet available. What should the nurse hang in
the meantime?
A. 10% Dextrose in Water (D10W)
B. Lactated Ringer’s
C. Normal Saline (0.9% NaCl)
D. 5% Dextrose in 0.45% NaCl
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: TPN contains high glucose levels; a sudden stop can cause
rebound hypoglycemia. D10W is used to maintain blood glucose until the next TPN bag is
ready.
6. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen at 2L/min via nasal cannula. Which physiological
drive regulates this patient’s breathing?
A. Hypercapnic drive
B. Metabolic drive
