NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 4 Comprehensive Review
UPDATE
50 Multiple-Choice Questions
Complete Answers with Detailed Rationales
Aligned with Nursing Foundations & Med-Surg Standards
Galen College of Nursing
For academic study and exam review • Verify with current course materials
,NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 4 Comprehensive Review D | 2026/2027
How to Use This Review
This comprehensive exam review contains high-yield multiple-choice questions. Each item includes the correct answer
and an expanded rationale explaining the underlying principle, why the correct option is preferred, and why distractors are
incorrect. Study tip: Attempt each question before reading the answer, then carefully review the rationale.
Page 2
, NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 4 Comprehensive Review D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). The results are: pH 7.31, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these
findings?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale
The pH is below 7.35 (acidosis) and the PaCO2 is above 45 mmHg (respiratory origin), while the HCO3 is within normal range,
indicating uncompensated respiratory acidosis typical of COPD. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical
decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary
process and anticipated complications.
Question 2
During the assessment of a patient with suspected hypocalcemia, the nurse taps the patient’s facial nerve in front of the
ear and observes a contraction of the facial muscles. This is known as:
A. Trousseau’s sign
B. Babinski’s sign
C. Homans’ sign
D. Chvostek’s sign
Answer: D
Rationale
Chvostek’s sign is an abnormal reaction to the stimulation of the facial nerve, indicating hypocalcemia. Trousseau’s sign
involves carpal spasm induced by a blood pressure cuff. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical
decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary
process and anticipated complications.
Question 3
A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which electrocardiogram (ECG) change is the nurse
most likely to observe?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Flat T waves
D. Prominent U waves
Answer: A
Rationale
Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes tall, peaked T waves and widened QRS complexes. U waves and flat
T waves are associated with hypokalemia. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect
choices often reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated
complications.
Page 3
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 4 Comprehensive Review
UPDATE
50 Multiple-Choice Questions
Complete Answers with Detailed Rationales
Aligned with Nursing Foundations & Med-Surg Standards
Galen College of Nursing
For academic study and exam review • Verify with current course materials
,NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 4 Comprehensive Review D | 2026/2027
How to Use This Review
This comprehensive exam review contains high-yield multiple-choice questions. Each item includes the correct answer
and an expanded rationale explaining the underlying principle, why the correct option is preferred, and why distractors are
incorrect. Study tip: Attempt each question before reading the answer, then carefully review the rationale.
Page 2
, NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 4 Comprehensive Review D | 2026/2027
Question 1
A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). The results are: pH 7.31, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these
findings?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale
The pH is below 7.35 (acidosis) and the PaCO2 is above 45 mmHg (respiratory origin), while the HCO3 is within normal range,
indicating uncompensated respiratory acidosis typical of COPD. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical
decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary
process and anticipated complications.
Question 2
During the assessment of a patient with suspected hypocalcemia, the nurse taps the patient’s facial nerve in front of the
ear and observes a contraction of the facial muscles. This is known as:
A. Trousseau’s sign
B. Babinski’s sign
C. Homans’ sign
D. Chvostek’s sign
Answer: D
Rationale
Chvostek’s sign is an abnormal reaction to the stimulation of the facial nerve, indicating hypocalcemia. Trousseau’s sign
involves carpal spasm induced by a blood pressure cuff. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical
decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary
process and anticipated complications.
Question 3
A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which electrocardiogram (ECG) change is the nurse
most likely to observe?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Flat T waves
D. Prominent U waves
Answer: A
Rationale
Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes tall, peaked T waves and widened QRS complexes. U waves and flat
T waves are associated with hypokalemia. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect
choices often reflect common misconceptions. Always link assessment findings to the primary process and anticipated
complications.
Page 3
