NUR 170
Exam 3 Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing
Exam 3 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 170
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 170 Exam 3: Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing 2026/2027 UPDATED – Galen
1. A patient’s ABG results are pH 7.28, PaCO2 55, and HCO3 26. Which acid-base imbalance is
the patient experiencing?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: The pH is low (acidosis), and the PaCO2 is high (respiratory component), while
the HCO3 is normal, indicating uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of a patient experiencing left-sided heart
failure?
A. Crackles in the lung bases
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Peripheral edema
D. Hepatosplenomegaly
Answer: A
, Rationale: Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary congestion, causing fluid to back up
into the lungs, resulting in crackles (rales).
3. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. Which laboratory value should the nurse
monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum sodium level
B. Serum potassium level
C. Serum calcium level
D. Serum creatinine level
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, so monitoring potassium
levels is critical for patient safety.
4. What is the priority nursing action for a patient who is 6 hours postoperative and hasn’t
voided?
A. Perform a bladder scan
B. Administer a PRN diuretic
C. Encourage increased oral fluid intake
D. Insert a straight catheter immediately
Answer: A
Exam 3 Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing
Exam 3 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 170
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 170 Exam 3: Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing 2026/2027 UPDATED – Galen
1. A patient’s ABG results are pH 7.28, PaCO2 55, and HCO3 26. Which acid-base imbalance is
the patient experiencing?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: The pH is low (acidosis), and the PaCO2 is high (respiratory component), while
the HCO3 is normal, indicating uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. Which clinical manifestation is most characteristic of a patient experiencing left-sided heart
failure?
A. Crackles in the lung bases
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Peripheral edema
D. Hepatosplenomegaly
Answer: A
, Rationale: Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary congestion, causing fluid to back up
into the lungs, resulting in crackles (rales).
3. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. Which laboratory value should the nurse
monitor most closely to prevent toxicity?
A. Serum sodium level
B. Serum potassium level
C. Serum calcium level
D. Serum creatinine level
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, so monitoring potassium
levels is critical for patient safety.
4. What is the priority nursing action for a patient who is 6 hours postoperative and hasn’t
voided?
A. Perform a bladder scan
B. Administer a PRN diuretic
C. Encourage increased oral fluid intake
D. Insert a straight catheter immediately
Answer: A
