NUR 155
FOUNDATIONS OF NURSING
NUR 155 Foundations of Nursing Exam 4 Study Guide
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 Study Guide D 2 | 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 Study Guide D 2 | 2026/2027
Question 1
A patient presents with a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is the
patient experiencing?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Rationale
A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the
normal range (22-26), it is uncompensated respiratory acidosis. 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
Which electrolyte imbalance is most associated with the presence of U-waves and flattened T-waves on an EKG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: B
Rationale
Hypokalemia (low potassium) causes characteristic EKG changes including flattened or inverted T-waves and the appearance
of a U-wave. 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
When performing tracheostomy suctioning, what is the maximum amount of time the nurse should apply suction?
A. 5 seconds
B. 30 seconds
C. 20-25 seconds
D. 10-15 seconds
Answer: D
Rationale
Suctioning should be limited to 10-15 seconds to prevent hypoxia and mucosal damage. The nurse should also pre-oxygenate
the patient. 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 Study Guide
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 Study Guide D 2 | 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 Study Guide D 2 | 2026/2027
Question 1
A patient presents with a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is the
patient experiencing?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Rationale
A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the
normal range (22-26), it is uncompensated respiratory acidosis. 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
Which electrolyte imbalance is most associated with the presence of U-waves and flattened T-waves on an EKG?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: B
Rationale
Hypokalemia (low potassium) causes characteristic EKG changes including flattened or inverted T-waves and the appearance
of a U-wave. 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
When performing tracheostomy suctioning, what is the maximum amount of time the nurse should apply suction?
A. 5 seconds
B. 30 seconds
C. 20-25 seconds
D. 10-15 seconds
Answer: D
Rationale
Suctioning should be limited to 10-15 seconds to prevent hypoxia and mucosal damage. The nurse should also pre-oxygenate
the patient. 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
