NSG 3130 Exam 3 V2 | 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 with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which assessment
finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Increased muscle tone
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
C. Irregular heart rhythm
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hypokalemia significantly affects cardiac conduction and can lead to life-
threatening arrhythmias. The nurse must prioritize monitoring the heart rhythm to detect
changes like U waves or PVCs. Other symptoms of low potassium include muscle weakness
and decreased bowel motility rather than hyperactivity.
2. Which intravenous fluid should the nurse anticipate administering to a patient
experiencing hypovolemic shock?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. 3% Sodium Chloride
,D. Dextrose 5% in 0.45% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Isotonic solutions like 0.9% Sodium Chloride are used for rapid volume
expansion in patients with hypovolemia. These fluids remain in the intravascular space
longer than hypotonic solutions. Using a hypertonic solution like 3% NaCl would be
inappropriate for initial shock resuscitation as it is reserved for severe hyponatremia.
3. A client presents with pH 7.32, PaCO2 52, and HCO3 24. What is the correct interpretation
of these ABG results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The pH level is below 7.35, which indicates an acidotic state within the body.
The PaCO2 is elevated above the normal range of 35-45, identifying the respiratory system
as the cause of the imbalance. Because the bicarbonate level is within the normal range,
this is uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient’s peripheral IV site and notes warmth, redness, and a
palpable cord along the vein. How should the nurse document this?
A. Phlebitis
, B. Extravasation
C. Infiltration
D. Circulatory overload
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Phlebitis is characterized by inflammation of the vein wall, often presenting
with redness, warmth, and a cord-like feeling. Infiltration would present as coolness and
edema at the site rather than warmth. The nurse must immediately discontinue the IV and
apply a warm compress to the affected area.
5. A patient scheduled for surgery tells the nurse, ‘I don’t really understand why they are
doing this procedure.’ What is the nurse’s best action?
A. Explain the surgical procedure to the patient in detail
B. Notify the surgeon that the patient needs further explanation
C. Ask the patient to sign the consent form anyway
D. Tell the patient that the doctor knows what is best
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The surgeon is legally responsible for providing the information necessary
for informed consent, including the risks and benefits. If a patient expresses a lack of
understanding, the nurse must advocate for the patient by contacting the surgeon. The
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 with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which assessment
finding should the nurse prioritize?
A. Increased muscle tone
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
C. Irregular heart rhythm
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Hypokalemia significantly affects cardiac conduction and can lead to life-
threatening arrhythmias. The nurse must prioritize monitoring the heart rhythm to detect
changes like U waves or PVCs. Other symptoms of low potassium include muscle weakness
and decreased bowel motility rather than hyperactivity.
2. Which intravenous fluid should the nurse anticipate administering to a patient
experiencing hypovolemic shock?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. 3% Sodium Chloride
,D. Dextrose 5% in 0.45% Sodium Chloride
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Isotonic solutions like 0.9% Sodium Chloride are used for rapid volume
expansion in patients with hypovolemia. These fluids remain in the intravascular space
longer than hypotonic solutions. Using a hypertonic solution like 3% NaCl would be
inappropriate for initial shock resuscitation as it is reserved for severe hyponatremia.
3. A client presents with pH 7.32, PaCO2 52, and HCO3 24. What is the correct interpretation
of these ABG results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The pH level is below 7.35, which indicates an acidotic state within the body.
The PaCO2 is elevated above the normal range of 35-45, identifying the respiratory system
as the cause of the imbalance. Because the bicarbonate level is within the normal range,
this is uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient’s peripheral IV site and notes warmth, redness, and a
palpable cord along the vein. How should the nurse document this?
A. Phlebitis
, B. Extravasation
C. Infiltration
D. Circulatory overload
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Phlebitis is characterized by inflammation of the vein wall, often presenting
with redness, warmth, and a cord-like feeling. Infiltration would present as coolness and
edema at the site rather than warmth. The nurse must immediately discontinue the IV and
apply a warm compress to the affected area.
5. A patient scheduled for surgery tells the nurse, ‘I don’t really understand why they are
doing this procedure.’ What is the nurse’s best action?
A. Explain the surgical procedure to the patient in detail
B. Notify the surgeon that the patient needs further explanation
C. Ask the patient to sign the consent form anyway
D. Tell the patient that the doctor knows what is best
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The surgeon is legally responsible for providing the information necessary
for informed consent, including the risks and benefits. If a patient expresses a lack of
understanding, the nurse must advocate for the patient by contacting the surgeon. The
