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NSG 3100 Exam 4
Fluid, Electrolyte &
Nutritional Concepts
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: Fluids, Electrolytes, Acid-Base Balance, & Nutrition
Edition 1 · July 2026 · 100 Questions
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
NSG 3100 · Galen College of Nursing Page 1
,NSG 3100 EXAM 4 PRACTICE GUIDE FLUID, ELECTROLYTE & NUTRITIONAL CONCEPTS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is.
Category: Fluids, Electrolytes, Acid-Base Balance, & Nutrition
1 When the client's serum sodium level is 120 mEq/L, the priority nursing
assessment is to monitor the status of which body system?
A Neurological
B Respiratory
C Cardiovascular
D Gastrointestinal
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
A serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L indicates severe hyponatremia. Sodium is critical for nerve
impulse conduction, so the neurological system is at highest risk. Monitor for confusion,
seizures, and altered mental status.
Tested Concept: Hyponatremia — neurological assessment priority
,2 While assisting the client with meal selection, the nurse realizes that clients who
practice Islam or Judaism share an avoidance of:
A Pork products
B Beef products
C Dairy products
D Fish products
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Both Islam (Halal) and Judaism (Kosher) dietary laws prohibit the consumption of pork products.
The nurse should respect these cultural and religious dietary practices when assisting with meal
selection.
Tested Concept: Cultural dietary practices — pork avoidance
3 The client wants to increase intake of an antioxidant in her diet. The nurse
recommends including vitamin C, which is best found in:
A Tomatoes
B Bananas
C Whole grains
D Dairy products
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Other good
sources include citrus fruits, broccoli, and bell peppers.
Tested Concept: Vitamin C sources — tomatoes
, 4 For a child who has ingested the remaining contents of an aspirin bottle, the
nurse suspects signs and symptoms consistent with:
A Metabolic acidosis
B Metabolic alkalosis
C Respiratory acidosis
D Respiratory alkalosis
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Aspirin (salicylate) overdose causes metabolic acidosis. Salicylates are acidic and increase
hydrogen ion concentration, lowering blood pH.
Tested Concept: Aspirin overdose — metabolic acidosis
5 Which technique used by the new staff nurse for administering medications via
an enteral tube requires correction by the charge nurse?
A Adding the medications to the tube feeding
B Flushing the tube with water before and after medications
C Administering liquid medications separately
D Checking tube placement before administration
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Medications should never be added directly to the tube feeding formula because this can cause
drug-food interactions, alter absorption, and lead to clogged tubes.
Tested Concept: Enteral tube medications — do not add to formula
NSG 3100 Exam 4
Fluid, Electrolyte &
Nutritional Concepts
NCLEX-Style Practice Questions with Rationales
Topic Focus: Fluids, Electrolytes, Acid-Base Balance, & Nutrition
Edition 1 · July 2026 · 100 Questions
Table of Contents
1. Instructions for Use 2
2. Practice Questions with Answers & Rationales 2
NSG 3100 · Galen College of Nursing Page 1
,NSG 3100 EXAM 4 PRACTICE GUIDE FLUID, ELECTROLYTE & NUTRITIONAL CONCEPTS
How to Use This Guide
Read each stem, choose your answer, then check the rationale directly below it. The correct
option is marked, and each wrong option is explained so you understand why it's wrong — not
just that it is.
Category: Fluids, Electrolytes, Acid-Base Balance, & Nutrition
1 When the client's serum sodium level is 120 mEq/L, the priority nursing
assessment is to monitor the status of which body system?
A Neurological
B Respiratory
C Cardiovascular
D Gastrointestinal
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
A serum sodium level of 120 mEq/L indicates severe hyponatremia. Sodium is critical for nerve
impulse conduction, so the neurological system is at highest risk. Monitor for confusion,
seizures, and altered mental status.
Tested Concept: Hyponatremia — neurological assessment priority
,2 While assisting the client with meal selection, the nurse realizes that clients who
practice Islam or Judaism share an avoidance of:
A Pork products
B Beef products
C Dairy products
D Fish products
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Both Islam (Halal) and Judaism (Kosher) dietary laws prohibit the consumption of pork products.
The nurse should respect these cultural and religious dietary practices when assisting with meal
selection.
Tested Concept: Cultural dietary practices — pork avoidance
3 The client wants to increase intake of an antioxidant in her diet. The nurse
recommends including vitamin C, which is best found in:
A Tomatoes
B Bananas
C Whole grains
D Dairy products
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant. Other good
sources include citrus fruits, broccoli, and bell peppers.
Tested Concept: Vitamin C sources — tomatoes
, 4 For a child who has ingested the remaining contents of an aspirin bottle, the
nurse suspects signs and symptoms consistent with:
A Metabolic acidosis
B Metabolic alkalosis
C Respiratory acidosis
D Respiratory alkalosis
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Aspirin (salicylate) overdose causes metabolic acidosis. Salicylates are acidic and increase
hydrogen ion concentration, lowering blood pH.
Tested Concept: Aspirin overdose — metabolic acidosis
5 Which technique used by the new staff nurse for administering medications via
an enteral tube requires correction by the charge nurse?
A Adding the medications to the tube feeding
B Flushing the tube with water before and after medications
C Administering liquid medications separately
D Checking tube placement before administration
CORRECT ANSWER: A
Rationale:
Medications should never be added directly to the tube feeding formula because this can cause
drug-food interactions, alter absorption, and lead to clogged tubes.
Tested Concept: Enteral tube medications — do not add to formula
