NUR 170
Exam 3 Medical-Surgical Nursing Comprehensive
Quiz
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: Medical-Surgical Nursing Comprehensive Quiz 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mm Hg, and HCO3 24
mEq/L. Which condition does the nurse suspect?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Rationale: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mm Hg indicates a
respiratory cause, while a normal HCO3 suggests no compensation yet.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which ECG change is
most characteristic of this condition?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Shortened PR interval
C. ST-segment depression
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
, Rationale: Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.0) typically causes tall, peaked T waves, widened QRS
complexes, and prolonged PR intervals on an ECG.
3. A patient is scheduled for surgery. The nurse notes the patient is wearing a religious medal.
What is the most appropriate action?
A. Tape it securely to the patient’s skin if it does not interfere with the surgical site.
B. Remove it and lock it in the hospital safe immediately.
C. Insist that all jewelry and medals be removed for safety.
D. Ask the family to take it home before the patient goes to the OR.
Answer: A
Rationale: To respect spiritual needs, medals may be taped to the skin unless they
interfere with the surgical site or are metal in a procedure using electrosurgery.
4. During the shift assessment, a nurse notes positive Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs.
Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse prioritize?
A. Hypermagnesemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: B
Exam 3 Medical-Surgical Nursing Comprehensive
Quiz
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: Medical-Surgical Nursing Comprehensive Quiz 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mm Hg, and HCO3 24
mEq/L. Which condition does the nurse suspect?
A. Respiratory Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: A
Rationale: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mm Hg indicates a
respiratory cause, while a normal HCO3 suggests no compensation yet.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which ECG change is
most characteristic of this condition?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Shortened PR interval
C. ST-segment depression
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
, Rationale: Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.0) typically causes tall, peaked T waves, widened QRS
complexes, and prolonged PR intervals on an ECG.
3. A patient is scheduled for surgery. The nurse notes the patient is wearing a religious medal.
What is the most appropriate action?
A. Tape it securely to the patient’s skin if it does not interfere with the surgical site.
B. Remove it and lock it in the hospital safe immediately.
C. Insist that all jewelry and medals be removed for safety.
D. Ask the family to take it home before the patient goes to the OR.
Answer: A
Rationale: To respect spiritual needs, medals may be taped to the skin unless they
interfere with the surgical site or are metal in a procedure using electrosurgery.
4. During the shift assessment, a nurse notes positive Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs.
Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse prioritize?
A. Hypermagnesemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: B
