NUR 209 COMPREHENSIVE NURSING
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS (LATEST 2026 /
2027), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.28, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 25 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the bicarbonate is normal, it is uncompensated
respiratory acidosis.
2. Which clinical manifestation is the most sensitive early indicator of increased intracranial
pressure (ICP)?
A. Cushing’s triad
B. Dilated, fixed pupils
,C. Projectile vomiting
D. Change in level of consciousness
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A change in level of consciousness (LOC) is the earliest and most
sensitive indicator of neurological deterioration and increased ICP.
3. A patient with preeclampsia is receiving Magnesium Sulfate. Which assessment finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Patient reports feeling warm and flushed
B. Urinary output of 40 mL per hour
C. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+
D. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium toxicity causes respiratory depression (under 12
bpm) and loss of deep tendon reflexes. A respiratory rate of 10 is dangerously low.
4. A patient is prescribed Digoxin 0.25 mg. Which lab value would increase the risk for Digoxin
toxicity?
A. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
B. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
C. Sodium 138 mEq/L
, D. Magnesium 2.0 mg/dL
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (low potassium) sensitizes the myocardium to
Digoxin, significantly increasing the risk of toxicity.
5. Which of the following is a priority nursing action for a child experiencing a ‘Tet spell’
(hypercyanotic spell)?
A. Administer high-flow oxygen via mask
B. Place the child in a knee-chest position
C. Administer IV Morphine Sulfate
D. Prepare for immediate endotracheal intubation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The knee-chest position increases systemic vascular resistance,
reducing the right-to-left shunt in Tetralogy of Fallot and improving pulmonary blood flow.
6. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious and clammy. What is the nurse’s first
action?
A. Administer 15g of simple carbohydrates orally
B. Check the blood glucose level
C. Call for a STAT metabolic panel
D. Administer Glucagon IM or SubQ
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS (LATEST 2026 /
2027), (A+ GUARANTEE).
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.28, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 25 mEq/L. Which
acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the bicarbonate is normal, it is uncompensated
respiratory acidosis.
2. Which clinical manifestation is the most sensitive early indicator of increased intracranial
pressure (ICP)?
A. Cushing’s triad
B. Dilated, fixed pupils
,C. Projectile vomiting
D. Change in level of consciousness
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A change in level of consciousness (LOC) is the earliest and most
sensitive indicator of neurological deterioration and increased ICP.
3. A patient with preeclampsia is receiving Magnesium Sulfate. Which assessment finding
requires immediate intervention?
A. Patient reports feeling warm and flushed
B. Urinary output of 40 mL per hour
C. Deep tendon reflexes of 2+
D. Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Magnesium toxicity causes respiratory depression (under 12
bpm) and loss of deep tendon reflexes. A respiratory rate of 10 is dangerously low.
4. A patient is prescribed Digoxin 0.25 mg. Which lab value would increase the risk for Digoxin
toxicity?
A. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
B. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
C. Sodium 138 mEq/L
, D. Magnesium 2.0 mg/dL
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hypokalemia (low potassium) sensitizes the myocardium to
Digoxin, significantly increasing the risk of toxicity.
5. Which of the following is a priority nursing action for a child experiencing a ‘Tet spell’
(hypercyanotic spell)?
A. Administer high-flow oxygen via mask
B. Place the child in a knee-chest position
C. Administer IV Morphine Sulfate
D. Prepare for immediate endotracheal intubation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The knee-chest position increases systemic vascular resistance,
reducing the right-to-left shunt in Tetralogy of Fallot and improving pulmonary blood flow.
6. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious and clammy. What is the nurse’s first
action?
A. Administer 15g of simple carbohydrates orally
B. Check the blood glucose level
C. Call for a STAT metabolic panel
D. Administer Glucagon IM or SubQ
