NSG 3130 Exam 3 V1 | NSG 3130 Fundamental
Concepts & Skills for Nursing Practice II | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NSG3130 Exam 3) | Galen
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery.
The client reports sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. Which action should the nurse
take first?
A. Administer the prescribed analgesic
B. Assess the client’s surgical incision
C. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula
D. Encourage the client to use the incentive spirometer
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sudden chest pain and dyspnea postoperatively are classic signs of a
pulmonary embolism, which is a medical emergency. The nurse’s priority is to improve
oxygenation to the tissues to prevent further hypoxia. Providing supplemental oxygen
should be the immediate intervention before further assessment or notification of the
provider.
2. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client and notes a potassium level of 2.8
mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
,B. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
C. Peaked T waves on ECG
D. Positive Chvostek’s sign
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which commonly
manifests as muscle weakness and cramping. Potassium is essential for the electrical
activity of muscle fibers and nerves. Severe hypokalemia can also lead to paralytic ileus and
dangerous cardiac arrhythmias.
3. Which of the following is the nurse’s primary responsibility regarding informed consent for
a surgical procedure?
A. Explaining the risks and benefits of the surgery
B. Ensuring the client understands the alternatives to surgery
C. Witnessing the client’s signature on the consent form
D. Obtaining the consent if the surgeon is busy
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The nurse’s role in informed consent is to act as a witness to the client’s
signature. The surgeon is legally responsible for providing the explanation of the
procedure, risks, and benefits. The nurse must verify that the client is competent and
signed the form voluntarily.
, 4. A client presents with a pH of 7.30, a PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and a HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. How
should the nurse interpret these arterial blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and an elevated PaCO2 (greater than 45
mmHg) indicates that the cause is respiratory in nature. The bicarbonate (HCO3) is within
the normal range, indicating no compensation has occurred. This pattern is consistent with
hypoventilation and carbon dioxide retention.
5. A nurse is assessing a pressure injury and observes a full-thickness skin loss with visible
subcutaneous fat, but no bone or muscle is exposed. The nurse should document this as
which stage?
A. Stage I
B. Stage III
C. Stage II
D. Stage IV
Correct Answer: B
Concepts & Skills for Nursing Practice II | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NSG3130 Exam 3) | Galen
College of Nursing
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery.
The client reports sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. Which action should the nurse
take first?
A. Administer the prescribed analgesic
B. Assess the client’s surgical incision
C. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula
D. Encourage the client to use the incentive spirometer
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Sudden chest pain and dyspnea postoperatively are classic signs of a
pulmonary embolism, which is a medical emergency. The nurse’s priority is to improve
oxygenation to the tissues to prevent further hypoxia. Providing supplemental oxygen
should be the immediate intervention before further assessment or notification of the
provider.
2. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client and notes a potassium level of 2.8
mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
,B. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
C. Peaked T waves on ECG
D. Positive Chvostek’s sign
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which commonly
manifests as muscle weakness and cramping. Potassium is essential for the electrical
activity of muscle fibers and nerves. Severe hypokalemia can also lead to paralytic ileus and
dangerous cardiac arrhythmias.
3. Which of the following is the nurse’s primary responsibility regarding informed consent for
a surgical procedure?
A. Explaining the risks and benefits of the surgery
B. Ensuring the client understands the alternatives to surgery
C. Witnessing the client’s signature on the consent form
D. Obtaining the consent if the surgeon is busy
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The nurse’s role in informed consent is to act as a witness to the client’s
signature. The surgeon is legally responsible for providing the explanation of the
procedure, risks, and benefits. The nurse must verify that the client is competent and
signed the form voluntarily.
, 4. A client presents with a pH of 7.30, a PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and a HCO3 of 26 mEq/L. How
should the nurse interpret these arterial blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and an elevated PaCO2 (greater than 45
mmHg) indicates that the cause is respiratory in nature. The bicarbonate (HCO3) is within
the normal range, indicating no compensation has occurred. This pattern is consistent with
hypoventilation and carbon dioxide retention.
5. A nurse is assessing a pressure injury and observes a full-thickness skin loss with visible
subcutaneous fat, but no bone or muscle is exposed. The nurse should document this as
which stage?
A. Stage I
B. Stage III
C. Stage II
D. Stage IV
Correct Answer: B
