NSG 3130 Exam 1 V3 | NSG 3130 Fundamental
Concepts & Skills for Nursing Practice II | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NSG3130 Exam 1) | Galen
College of Nursing
1. When preparing to administer a high-alert medication such as Heparin, which action is
mandatory for the nurse to ensure patient safety?
A. Consulting the pharmacist for the correct dose.
B. Asking the patient to verify the medication name.
C. Checking the medication label three times against the MAR.
D. Having a second registered nurse independently verify the dose.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: High-alert medications have a heightened risk of causing significant patient
harm when used in error. Independent double-checks by a second licensed nurse are
required to catch potential errors in calculation or selection. This standard practice is
supported by the Joint Commission to improve medication safety in acute care settings.
2. A patient is diagnosed with metabolic acidosis. Which laboratory value is most consistent
with this diagnosis?
A. pH 7.32, HCO3 18 mEq/L
B. pH 7.48, HCO3 28 mEq/L
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50 mmHg
,D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30 mmHg
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35) and a low
bicarbonate level (less than 22 mEq/L). Option B shows both a low pH and low HCO3,
which confirms a metabolic origin. The nurse must monitor for compensatory respiratory
changes, such as Kussmaul respirations, which the body uses to blow off excess CO2.
3. The nurse is assessing a patient for signs of hypocalcemia. Which clinical finding is
indicative of this electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hyporeflexia
B. Negative Trousseau sign
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Positive Chvostek sign
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular irritability, leading to signs such as
Chvostek’s sign, which is a facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped. Trousseau’s
sign, which is carpal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff, would also be
positive. Prompt recognition of these signs is vital to prevent progression to tetany or
seizures.
, 4. Which intravenous fluid is considered isotonic and commonly used for fluid resuscitation in
patients with hypovolemia?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. 3% Sodium Chloride
D. 10% Dextrose in Water
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) is an isotonic crystalloid that expands
the extracellular fluid volume without causing significant fluid shifts between
compartments. It is the preferred fluid for initial resuscitation in cases of shock or
hemorrhage. The nurse must monitor for signs of fluid volume overload, especially in
patients with heart failure.
5. Prior to a surgical procedure, the nurse notices that the patient is hesitant and states, ‘I am
not sure I really want to have this surgery.’ What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Explain the benefits of the surgery to the patient.
B. Notify the surgeon that the patient has concerns regarding the procedure.
C. Administer the pre-operative sedative as ordered.
D. Reassure the patient that the surgeon is highly skilled.
Correct Answer: B
Concepts & Skills for Nursing Practice II | Actual
Q&A with Rationale (NSG3130 Exam 1) | Galen
College of Nursing
1. When preparing to administer a high-alert medication such as Heparin, which action is
mandatory for the nurse to ensure patient safety?
A. Consulting the pharmacist for the correct dose.
B. Asking the patient to verify the medication name.
C. Checking the medication label three times against the MAR.
D. Having a second registered nurse independently verify the dose.
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: High-alert medications have a heightened risk of causing significant patient
harm when used in error. Independent double-checks by a second licensed nurse are
required to catch potential errors in calculation or selection. This standard practice is
supported by the Joint Commission to improve medication safety in acute care settings.
2. A patient is diagnosed with metabolic acidosis. Which laboratory value is most consistent
with this diagnosis?
A. pH 7.32, HCO3 18 mEq/L
B. pH 7.48, HCO3 28 mEq/L
C. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50 mmHg
,D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30 mmHg
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35) and a low
bicarbonate level (less than 22 mEq/L). Option B shows both a low pH and low HCO3,
which confirms a metabolic origin. The nurse must monitor for compensatory respiratory
changes, such as Kussmaul respirations, which the body uses to blow off excess CO2.
3. The nurse is assessing a patient for signs of hypocalcemia. Which clinical finding is
indicative of this electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hyporeflexia
B. Negative Trousseau sign
C. Hyperglycemia
D. Positive Chvostek sign
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Hypocalcemia increases neuromuscular irritability, leading to signs such as
Chvostek’s sign, which is a facial twitching when the facial nerve is tapped. Trousseau’s
sign, which is carpal spasm induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff, would also be
positive. Prompt recognition of these signs is vital to prevent progression to tetany or
seizures.
, 4. Which intravenous fluid is considered isotonic and commonly used for fluid resuscitation in
patients with hypovolemia?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. 3% Sodium Chloride
D. 10% Dextrose in Water
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: 0.9% Sodium Chloride (Normal Saline) is an isotonic crystalloid that expands
the extracellular fluid volume without causing significant fluid shifts between
compartments. It is the preferred fluid for initial resuscitation in cases of shock or
hemorrhage. The nurse must monitor for signs of fluid volume overload, especially in
patients with heart failure.
5. Prior to a surgical procedure, the nurse notices that the patient is hesitant and states, ‘I am
not sure I really want to have this surgery.’ What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Explain the benefits of the surgery to the patient.
B. Notify the surgeon that the patient has concerns regarding the procedure.
C. Administer the pre-operative sedative as ordered.
D. Reassure the patient that the surgeon is highly skilled.
Correct Answer: B
