NUR 210 FINAL EXAM
COMPREHENSIVE PREP - 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND DETAILED
SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE
1. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L
and peaked T-waves on the EKG. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer
first to stabilize the cardiac membrane?
A. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)
B. Regular Insulin and Dextrose
C. Furosemide (Lasix)
D. Calcium Gluconate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In severe hyperkalemia with EKG changes, Calcium Gluconate is
administered first to stabilize the myocardial cell membrane and prevent life-threatening
arrhythmias, although it does not lower the potassium level itself.
2. A client is diagnosed with Left-Sided Heart Failure. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse prioritize during the assessment?
A. Jugular Venous Distention (JVD)
,B. Dependent peripheral edema
C. Hepatosplenomegaly
D. Crackles in the lung bases
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary congestion. Crackles,
dyspnea, and orthopnea are hallmark signs. Options A, B, and D are signs of Right-sided
heart failure.
3. When interpreting arterial blood gases (ABGs) for a patient in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA),
which result is most consistent with the condition?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 32, HCO3 20
B. pH 7.50, PaCO2 48, HCO3 30
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 28
D. pH 7.28, PaCO2 30, HCO3 16
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DKA causes Metabolic Acidosis. A pH below 7.35 and HCO3
below 22 are expected. The low PaCO2 (30) represents partial respiratory compensation
(Kussmaul respirations).
, 4. A patient is receiving a Heparin infusion for a Pulmonary Embolism. The aPTT is 105
seconds (Control: 25-35). What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Stop the infusion and notify the healthcare provider
B. Continue the infusion as ordered
C. Decrease the infusion rate by 10%
D. Administer Vitamin K intramuscularly
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic aPTT range is usually 1.5 to 2.5 times the
control. An aPTT of 105 is critically high (over 3x), placing the patient at high risk for
hemorrhage. The infusion must be stopped.
5. The nurse is caring for a client with hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease). Which vital sign
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Temperature of 102.5°F (39.2°C)
B. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute
C. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
D. Respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A high fever in a patient with hyperthyroidism can indicate
Thyroid Storm, a life-threatening emergency characterized by hypermetabolism.
COMPREHENSIVE PREP - 2026/2027
QUESTIONS AND DETAILED
SOLUTIONS LATEST UPDATE
1. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L
and peaked T-waves on the EKG. Which medication should the nurse expect to administer
first to stabilize the cardiac membrane?
A. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)
B. Regular Insulin and Dextrose
C. Furosemide (Lasix)
D. Calcium Gluconate
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: In severe hyperkalemia with EKG changes, Calcium Gluconate is
administered first to stabilize the myocardial cell membrane and prevent life-threatening
arrhythmias, although it does not lower the potassium level itself.
2. A client is diagnosed with Left-Sided Heart Failure. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse prioritize during the assessment?
A. Jugular Venous Distention (JVD)
,B. Dependent peripheral edema
C. Hepatosplenomegaly
D. Crackles in the lung bases
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Left-sided heart failure leads to pulmonary congestion. Crackles,
dyspnea, and orthopnea are hallmark signs. Options A, B, and D are signs of Right-sided
heart failure.
3. When interpreting arterial blood gases (ABGs) for a patient in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA),
which result is most consistent with the condition?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 32, HCO3 20
B. pH 7.50, PaCO2 48, HCO3 30
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 28
D. pH 7.28, PaCO2 30, HCO3 16
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DKA causes Metabolic Acidosis. A pH below 7.35 and HCO3
below 22 are expected. The low PaCO2 (30) represents partial respiratory compensation
(Kussmaul respirations).
, 4. A patient is receiving a Heparin infusion for a Pulmonary Embolism. The aPTT is 105
seconds (Control: 25-35). What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Stop the infusion and notify the healthcare provider
B. Continue the infusion as ordered
C. Decrease the infusion rate by 10%
D. Administer Vitamin K intramuscularly
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The therapeutic aPTT range is usually 1.5 to 2.5 times the
control. An aPTT of 105 is critically high (over 3x), placing the patient at high risk for
hemorrhage. The infusion must be stopped.
5. The nurse is caring for a client with hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease). Which vital sign
finding requires immediate intervention?
A. Temperature of 102.5°F (39.2°C)
B. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute
C. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg
D. Respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A high fever in a patient with hyperthyroidism can indicate
Thyroid Storm, a life-threatening emergency characterized by hypermetabolism.
