RNSG 1128 Final Exam – Introduction to Health Care Concepts,
Complete Questions and Correct Answers & Rationales | New
Update 2026-2027
RNSG 1128 Final Exam – Introduction to Health Care Concepts
1. Which of the following best describes the concept of gas exchange?
A) The process by which oxygen is transported to cells and carbon dioxide is
transported from cells
B) The movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels
C) The regulation of body temperature through sweating and shivering
D) The breakdown of nutrients to produce energy
Correct Answer: The process by which oxygen is transported to cells and carbon
dioxide is transported from cells
•Rationale: Gas exchange is defined as the process by which oxygen is
transported to cells and carbon dioxide is transported from cells. This concept
involves the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and cellular metabolism
working together. It is not simply blood movement, thermoregulation, or nutrient
breakdown.
2. What is the primary function of perfusion in the human body?
A) The supply of oxygen to and removal of wastes from cells as a result of blood
flow through capillaries
B) The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli
C) The regulation of blood glucose levels through insulin and glucagon
D) The production of antibodies to fight infection
Correct Answer: The supply of oxygen to and removal of wastes from cells as a
result of blood flow through capillaries
•Rationale: Perfusion is the supply of oxygen to and removal of wastes from the
cells and tissues of the body as a result of the flow of blood through the
capillaries. It involves the cardiovascular system's ability to pump blood effectively.
,Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, glucose regulation is an endocrine function,
and antibody production is an immune function.
3. According to Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome, what occurs during the
alarm stage?
A) Mobilization of defenses, "fight or flight" response
B) Body returns to homeostasis
C) Exhaustion of adaptive mechanisms
D) Localized inflammatory response
Correct Answer: Mobilization of defenses, "fight or flight" response
•Rationale: The alarm stage involves hypothalamus activation, sympathetic
nervous system stimulation, and release of catecholamines and cortisol. This is the
body's initial response to a stressor, preparing for "fight or flight." The resistance
stage involves adaptation, and the exhaustion stage occurs when adaptive
mechanisms are depleted.
4. Which of the following are attributes of normal immune function?
A) Normal WBC and differential count, soft non-tender lymph nodes, recognition
of self vs foreign proteins
B) Elevated WBC count, fever, purulent drainage
C) Positive bacterial cultures, enlarged lymph nodes
D) Autoantibody production
Correct Answer: Normal WBC and differential count, soft non-tender lymph
nodes, recognition of self vs foreign proteins
•Rationale: Normal immune attributes include appropriate cell counts, non-
reactive lymph nodes, and proper self/non-self recognition. Elevated WBC count,
fever, and purulent drainage indicate infection. Enlarged lymph nodes and
autoantibody production suggest immune dysfunction.
5. Which electrolyte is the primary determinant of extracellular fluid
osmolality?
A) Sodium
B) Potassium
,C) Calcium
D) Magnesium
Correct Answer: Sodium
•Rationale: Sodium is the primary cation in extracellular fluid and is the main
determinant of extracellular fluid osmolality. Potassium is the primary intracellular
cation. Calcium and magnesium also play roles in fluid balance but are not the
primary determinants. This concept is fundamental to understanding fluid and
electrolyte balance.
6. What is the normal range for serum potassium?
A) 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
B) 135 to 145 mEq/L
C) 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL
D) 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
•Rationale: The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Potassium
is the primary intracellular cation and is critical for cardiac and neuromuscular
function. Abnormal potassium levels can cause life-threatening dysrhythmias. The
other options represent normal ranges for sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
7. Which finding is most consistent with respiratory acidosis?
A) pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, HCO₃ 24 mEq/L
B) pH 7.50, PaCO₂ 30 mmHg, HCO₃ 24 mEq/L
C) pH 7.30, HCO₃ 18 mEq/L, PaCO₂ 35 mmHg
D) pH 7.48, HCO₃ 30 mEq/L, PaCO₂ 40 mmHg
Correct Answer: pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, HCO₃ 24 mEq/L
•Rationale: The pH is below 7.35 (acidosis), PaCO₂ is elevated above 45 mmHg
(respiratory component), and HCO₃ is normal. This pattern indicates respiratory
acidosis due to hypoventilation and CO₂ retention. Identifying the primary acid-
base disturbance guides appropriate interventions.
8. What is the primary purpose of administering lactulose in a patient with
hepatic encephalopathy?
, A) To reduce ammonia levels by promoting its excretion
B) To increase protein synthesis in the liver
C) To lower blood glucose levels
D) To prevent bleeding from esophageal varices
Correct Answer: To reduce ammonia levels by promoting its excretion
•Rationale: Lactulose is a nonabsorbable disaccharide that acidifies the colon and
traps ammonia, promoting its excretion in stool. It reduces serum ammonia levels
and improves mental status in hepatic encephalopathy. It does not increase
protein synthesis, lower glucose, or prevent bleeding.
9. Which type of infection control precaution requires a negative-pressure
room?
A) Airborne precautions
B) Standard precautions
C) Contact precautions
D) Droplet precautions
Correct Answer: Airborne precautions
•Rationale: Airborne precautions are used for diseases spread through small
particles that remain suspended in the air, such as tuberculosis, measles, and
varicella. They require a negative-pressure room and N95 respirator. Droplet and
contact precautions do not require negative pressure.
10.Which finding is most consistent with hypokalemia?
A) Muscle weakness with flattened T waves on ECG
B) Peaked T waves on ECG
C) Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
D) Hypertension and tachycardia
Correct Answer: Muscle weakness with flattened T waves on ECG
•Rationale: Hypokalemia impairs neuromuscular and cardiac conduction, causing
muscle weakness, fatigue, and ECG changes such as flattened T waves and
prominent U waves. Peaked T waves are seen in hyperkalemia. Hyperactive
reflexes are associated with hypocalcemia.
Complete Questions and Correct Answers & Rationales | New
Update 2026-2027
RNSG 1128 Final Exam – Introduction to Health Care Concepts
1. Which of the following best describes the concept of gas exchange?
A) The process by which oxygen is transported to cells and carbon dioxide is
transported from cells
B) The movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels
C) The regulation of body temperature through sweating and shivering
D) The breakdown of nutrients to produce energy
Correct Answer: The process by which oxygen is transported to cells and carbon
dioxide is transported from cells
•Rationale: Gas exchange is defined as the process by which oxygen is
transported to cells and carbon dioxide is transported from cells. This concept
involves the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and cellular metabolism
working together. It is not simply blood movement, thermoregulation, or nutrient
breakdown.
2. What is the primary function of perfusion in the human body?
A) The supply of oxygen to and removal of wastes from cells as a result of blood
flow through capillaries
B) The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the alveoli
C) The regulation of blood glucose levels through insulin and glucagon
D) The production of antibodies to fight infection
Correct Answer: The supply of oxygen to and removal of wastes from cells as a
result of blood flow through capillaries
•Rationale: Perfusion is the supply of oxygen to and removal of wastes from the
cells and tissues of the body as a result of the flow of blood through the
capillaries. It involves the cardiovascular system's ability to pump blood effectively.
,Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, glucose regulation is an endocrine function,
and antibody production is an immune function.
3. According to Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome, what occurs during the
alarm stage?
A) Mobilization of defenses, "fight or flight" response
B) Body returns to homeostasis
C) Exhaustion of adaptive mechanisms
D) Localized inflammatory response
Correct Answer: Mobilization of defenses, "fight or flight" response
•Rationale: The alarm stage involves hypothalamus activation, sympathetic
nervous system stimulation, and release of catecholamines and cortisol. This is the
body's initial response to a stressor, preparing for "fight or flight." The resistance
stage involves adaptation, and the exhaustion stage occurs when adaptive
mechanisms are depleted.
4. Which of the following are attributes of normal immune function?
A) Normal WBC and differential count, soft non-tender lymph nodes, recognition
of self vs foreign proteins
B) Elevated WBC count, fever, purulent drainage
C) Positive bacterial cultures, enlarged lymph nodes
D) Autoantibody production
Correct Answer: Normal WBC and differential count, soft non-tender lymph
nodes, recognition of self vs foreign proteins
•Rationale: Normal immune attributes include appropriate cell counts, non-
reactive lymph nodes, and proper self/non-self recognition. Elevated WBC count,
fever, and purulent drainage indicate infection. Enlarged lymph nodes and
autoantibody production suggest immune dysfunction.
5. Which electrolyte is the primary determinant of extracellular fluid
osmolality?
A) Sodium
B) Potassium
,C) Calcium
D) Magnesium
Correct Answer: Sodium
•Rationale: Sodium is the primary cation in extracellular fluid and is the main
determinant of extracellular fluid osmolality. Potassium is the primary intracellular
cation. Calcium and magnesium also play roles in fluid balance but are not the
primary determinants. This concept is fundamental to understanding fluid and
electrolyte balance.
6. What is the normal range for serum potassium?
A) 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
B) 135 to 145 mEq/L
C) 8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL
D) 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
•Rationale: The normal range for serum potassium is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Potassium
is the primary intracellular cation and is critical for cardiac and neuromuscular
function. Abnormal potassium levels can cause life-threatening dysrhythmias. The
other options represent normal ranges for sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
7. Which finding is most consistent with respiratory acidosis?
A) pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, HCO₃ 24 mEq/L
B) pH 7.50, PaCO₂ 30 mmHg, HCO₃ 24 mEq/L
C) pH 7.30, HCO₃ 18 mEq/L, PaCO₂ 35 mmHg
D) pH 7.48, HCO₃ 30 mEq/L, PaCO₂ 40 mmHg
Correct Answer: pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, HCO₃ 24 mEq/L
•Rationale: The pH is below 7.35 (acidosis), PaCO₂ is elevated above 45 mmHg
(respiratory component), and HCO₃ is normal. This pattern indicates respiratory
acidosis due to hypoventilation and CO₂ retention. Identifying the primary acid-
base disturbance guides appropriate interventions.
8. What is the primary purpose of administering lactulose in a patient with
hepatic encephalopathy?
, A) To reduce ammonia levels by promoting its excretion
B) To increase protein synthesis in the liver
C) To lower blood glucose levels
D) To prevent bleeding from esophageal varices
Correct Answer: To reduce ammonia levels by promoting its excretion
•Rationale: Lactulose is a nonabsorbable disaccharide that acidifies the colon and
traps ammonia, promoting its excretion in stool. It reduces serum ammonia levels
and improves mental status in hepatic encephalopathy. It does not increase
protein synthesis, lower glucose, or prevent bleeding.
9. Which type of infection control precaution requires a negative-pressure
room?
A) Airborne precautions
B) Standard precautions
C) Contact precautions
D) Droplet precautions
Correct Answer: Airborne precautions
•Rationale: Airborne precautions are used for diseases spread through small
particles that remain suspended in the air, such as tuberculosis, measles, and
varicella. They require a negative-pressure room and N95 respirator. Droplet and
contact precautions do not require negative pressure.
10.Which finding is most consistent with hypokalemia?
A) Muscle weakness with flattened T waves on ECG
B) Peaked T waves on ECG
C) Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
D) Hypertension and tachycardia
Correct Answer: Muscle weakness with flattened T waves on ECG
•Rationale: Hypokalemia impairs neuromuscular and cardiac conduction, causing
muscle weakness, fatigue, and ECG changes such as flattened T waves and
prominent U waves. Peaked T waves are seen in hyperkalemia. Hyperactive
reflexes are associated with hypocalcemia.
