NUR 231 NURSING FUNDAMENTALS &
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100%
VERIFIED (2026/2027) | ILLINOIS STATE
UNIVERSITY
1. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance does the nurse identify?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause, and since the HCO3 is within normal range (22-26), it is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which EKG change
should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Prominent U waves
,B. Shortened PR interval
C. ST segment depression
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0) causes characteristic EKG
changes including tall, peaked T waves, prolonged PR intervals, and eventually widened
QRS complexes.
3. During the intraoperative period, a patient develops tachycardia, tachypnea, and a rapidly
rising body temperature. What is the immediate priority action?
A. Notify the family immediately
B. Increase the flow of inhalation anesthetic
C. Apply warm blankets
D. Administer IV Dantrolene
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: These are classic signs of Malignant Hyperthermia, a life-
threatening complication of general anesthesia. Dantrolene is the specific skeletal muscle
relaxant used to treat it.
, 4. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus presents with a blood glucose of 600 mg/dL and
positive ketones in the urine. Which condition is most likely occurring?
A. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS)
D. Dawn Phenomenon
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic
acidosis, commonly seen in Type 1 Diabetes.
5. Which intravenous fluid is considered isotonic and commonly used for rapid volume
expansion?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
C. 10% Dextrose in Water
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: 0.9% Normal Saline is an isotonic solution, meaning it has the
same osmolality as plasma, making it suitable for volume replacement.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY FINAL EXAM
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 100%
VERIFIED (2026/2027) | ILLINOIS STATE
UNIVERSITY
1. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 26
mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance does the nurse identify?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Acidosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause, and since the HCO3 is within normal range (22-26), it is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which EKG change
should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Prominent U waves
,B. Shortened PR interval
C. ST segment depression
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0) causes characteristic EKG
changes including tall, peaked T waves, prolonged PR intervals, and eventually widened
QRS complexes.
3. During the intraoperative period, a patient develops tachycardia, tachypnea, and a rapidly
rising body temperature. What is the immediate priority action?
A. Notify the family immediately
B. Increase the flow of inhalation anesthetic
C. Apply warm blankets
D. Administer IV Dantrolene
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: These are classic signs of Malignant Hyperthermia, a life-
threatening complication of general anesthesia. Dantrolene is the specific skeletal muscle
relaxant used to treat it.
, 4. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus presents with a blood glucose of 600 mg/dL and
positive ketones in the urine. Which condition is most likely occurring?
A. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Syndrome (HHS)
D. Dawn Phenomenon
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic
acidosis, commonly seen in Type 1 Diabetes.
5. Which intravenous fluid is considered isotonic and commonly used for rapid volume
expansion?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 3% Sodium Chloride
C. 10% Dextrose in Water
D. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: 0.9% Normal Saline is an isotonic solution, meaning it has the
same osmolality as plasma, making it suitable for volume replacement.
