NUR 209 EXAM 3: FLUIDS,
ELECTROLYTES, ACID-BASE, AND
PERIOPERATIVE CARE QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS (LATEST
), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. Which EKG change is the
nurse most likely to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. ST segment depression
D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes tall, peaked T
waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is consistent with a patient experiencing severe
anxiety and hyperventilation?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 26
B. pH 7.32, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
,C. pH 7.52, PaCO2 28, HCO3 22
D. pH 7.48, PaCO2 42, HCO3 30
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperventilation causes excessive loss of CO2, leading to
Respiratory Alkalosis, characterized by high pH and low PaCO2.
3. A patient with a history of chronic alcoholism is at highest risk for which electrolyte
imbalance?
A. Hypomagnesemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Chronic alcoholism is a primary cause of hypomagnesemia due
to poor dietary intake and increased urinary excretion.
4. During the preoperative phase, who is legally responsible for obtaining the patient’s
informed consent for surgery?
A. The registered nurse
B. The anesthesiologist
C. The surgeon
, D. The hospital administrator
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The surgeon is responsible for explaining the procedure and
risks to obtain consent; the nurse witnesses the signature.
5. A patient develops muscle rigidity, tachycardia, and a rapidly rising temperature during
surgery. What is the priority intervention?
A. Administer IV epinephrine
B. Administer IV dantrolene sodium
C. Increase the concentration of inhalation anesthetic
D. Apply a warm blanket to the patient
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: These are signs of Malignant Hyperthermia, a life-threatening
emergency treated immediately with dantrolene sodium.
6. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to find in a patient with
hypocalcemia?
A. Negative Chvostek’s sign
B. Brisk deep tendon reflexes
C. Positive Trousseau’s sign
D. Polyuria and constipation
ELECTROLYTES, ACID-BASE, AND
PERIOPERATIVE CARE QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS (LATEST
), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L. Which EKG change is the
nurse most likely to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. ST segment depression
D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes tall, peaked T
waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is consistent with a patient experiencing severe
anxiety and hyperventilation?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 26
B. pH 7.32, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
,C. pH 7.52, PaCO2 28, HCO3 22
D. pH 7.48, PaCO2 42, HCO3 30
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperventilation causes excessive loss of CO2, leading to
Respiratory Alkalosis, characterized by high pH and low PaCO2.
3. A patient with a history of chronic alcoholism is at highest risk for which electrolyte
imbalance?
A. Hypomagnesemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Chronic alcoholism is a primary cause of hypomagnesemia due
to poor dietary intake and increased urinary excretion.
4. During the preoperative phase, who is legally responsible for obtaining the patient’s
informed consent for surgery?
A. The registered nurse
B. The anesthesiologist
C. The surgeon
, D. The hospital administrator
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The surgeon is responsible for explaining the procedure and
risks to obtain consent; the nurse witnesses the signature.
5. A patient develops muscle rigidity, tachycardia, and a rapidly rising temperature during
surgery. What is the priority intervention?
A. Administer IV epinephrine
B. Administer IV dantrolene sodium
C. Increase the concentration of inhalation anesthetic
D. Apply a warm blanket to the patient
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: These are signs of Malignant Hyperthermia, a life-threatening
emergency treated immediately with dantrolene sodium.
6. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to find in a patient with
hypocalcemia?
A. Negative Chvostek’s sign
B. Brisk deep tendon reflexes
C. Positive Trousseau’s sign
D. Polyuria and constipation
