NU 170 FINAL EXAM 2026/2027 -
ADVANCED NURSING FUNDAMENTALS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. GALEN
1. A patient with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is admitted to the medical-surgical
unit. Which cardiac monitor finding should the nurse prioritize for immediate intervention?
A. Shortened PR interval
B. ST segment elevation
C. Prominent U waves
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) causes characteristic
ECG changes, most notably tall, peaked T waves. U waves are associated with hypokalemia.
2. Which ethical principle is a nurse upholding when they support a patient’s decision to
refuse a life-saving blood transfusion due to religious beliefs?
A. Autonomy
B. Nonmaleficence
,C. Beneficence
D. Justice
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own
decisions about their healthcare, even if those decisions conflict with the healthcare
provider’s recommendations.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff).
Which infection control measure is most critical?
A. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer after every contact
B. Performing hand hygiene with soap and water
C. Wearing a N95 respirator when entering the room
D. Maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet from the patient
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers. Friction
with soap and water is required to physically remove the spores from the hands.
4. During the assessment of a postoperative patient, the nurse notes a sudden drop in blood
pressure, an increased heart rate, and cool, clammy skin. Which type of shock should the
nurse suspect?
A. Septic shock
, B. Anaphylactic shock
C. Neurogenic shock
D. Hypovolemic shock
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypovolemic shock, often due to blood loss postoperatively,
manifests as tachycardia and hypotension to compensate for low volume, with
cool/clammy skin due to peripheral vasoconstriction.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a patient via an enteral feeding tube.
What is the priority nursing action?
A. Verify the placement of the tube
B. Mix all medications together to save time
C. Flush the tube with 5 mL of water
D. Check the patient’s ID band only
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is paramount; verifying tube placement (e.g., pH testing
or X-ray verification) ensures the medication enters the GI tract and not the lungs.
6. Which of the following is an objective finding during a physical assessment?
A. Patient reports pain at a level 7/10
B. Patient states they feel nauseated
ADVANCED NURSING FUNDAMENTALS
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WITH
VERIFIED SOLUTIONS 2026/2027
UPDATE. GALEN
1. A patient with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is admitted to the medical-surgical
unit. Which cardiac monitor finding should the nurse prioritize for immediate intervention?
A. Shortened PR interval
B. ST segment elevation
C. Prominent U waves
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) causes characteristic
ECG changes, most notably tall, peaked T waves. U waves are associated with hypokalemia.
2. Which ethical principle is a nurse upholding when they support a patient’s decision to
refuse a life-saving blood transfusion due to religious beliefs?
A. Autonomy
B. Nonmaleficence
,C. Beneficence
D. Justice
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make their own
decisions about their healthcare, even if those decisions conflict with the healthcare
provider’s recommendations.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff).
Which infection control measure is most critical?
A. Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer after every contact
B. Performing hand hygiene with soap and water
C. Wearing a N95 respirator when entering the room
D. Maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet from the patient
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: C. diff spores are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers. Friction
with soap and water is required to physically remove the spores from the hands.
4. During the assessment of a postoperative patient, the nurse notes a sudden drop in blood
pressure, an increased heart rate, and cool, clammy skin. Which type of shock should the
nurse suspect?
A. Septic shock
, B. Anaphylactic shock
C. Neurogenic shock
D. Hypovolemic shock
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hypovolemic shock, often due to blood loss postoperatively,
manifests as tachycardia and hypotension to compensate for low volume, with
cool/clammy skin due to peripheral vasoconstriction.
5. A nurse is preparing to administer a medication to a patient via an enteral feeding tube.
What is the priority nursing action?
A. Verify the placement of the tube
B. Mix all medications together to save time
C. Flush the tube with 5 mL of water
D. Check the patient’s ID band only
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Safety is paramount; verifying tube placement (e.g., pH testing
or X-ray verification) ensures the medication enters the GI tract and not the lungs.
6. Which of the following is an objective finding during a physical assessment?
A. Patient reports pain at a level 7/10
B. Patient states they feel nauseated
