NSG 122 Exam 4 V3 | NSG 122 Nursing
Fundamental Concepts | Herzing | 2026 Q&A with
Rationale (Herzing NSG122 Exam 4 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a patient who is 12 hours post-abdominal surgery. The patient reports
feeling ‘something pop’ after coughing. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Instruct the patient to perform a Valsalva maneuver.
B. Apply a sterile, saline-soaked dressing to the area.
C. Immediately place the patient in a High-Fowler’s position.
D. Administer the prescribed PRN pain medication.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The patient’s description suggests wound dehiscence or evisceration, which
is a medical emergency. The nurse must protect the exposed organs or tissue by applying a
sterile dressing moistened with normal saline to prevent drying and infection. The
healthcare provider should then be notified immediately while the nurse stays with the
patient.
2. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find in a patient with a potassium
level of 2.8 mEq/L?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds and diarrhea
B. Tall, peaked T-waves on an EKG
,C. Positive Chvostek’s sign
D. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Hypokalemia, defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L, affects muscle
contraction and nerve conduction. Patients often present with muscle weakness, leg
cramps, and potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmias. Peaked T-waves are associated with
hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia.
3. A patient is prescribed a 2L/min nasal cannula. What is the approximate fraction of
inspired oxygen (FiO2) the patient is receiving?
A. 28%
B. 24%
C. 32%
D. 36%
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Nasal cannula oxygen delivery starts at 21% (room air) and increases by
approximately 4% for every liter of oxygen flow. Therefore, 1L provides 24% and 2L
provides 28% FiO2. Monitoring the patient’s respiratory rate and effort remains a critical
nursing responsibility during oxygen therapy.
, 4. The nurse is caring for a patient with Respiratory Acidosis. Which of the following arterial
blood gas (ABG) results is consistent with this diagnosis?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30 mmHg, HCO3 23 mEq/L
B. pH 7.50, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3 32 mEq/L
C. pH 7.32, PaCO2 38 mmHg, HCO3 18 mEq/L
D. pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, HCO3 25 mEq/L
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35) and an
elevated PaCO2 (greater than 45 mmHg). This condition often results from hypoventilation
or impaired gas exchange in the lungs. The nurse should focus on improving ventilation to
help the patient blow off excess CO2.
5. A post-operative patient is instructed on the use of an incentive spirometer. What is the
primary purpose of this device?
A. To strengthen the abdominal muscles used for coughing.
B. To promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis.
C. To reduce the need for supplemental oxygen therapy.
D. To measure the patient’s forced expiratory volume (FEV).
Correct Answer: B
Fundamental Concepts | Herzing | 2026 Q&A with
Rationale (Herzing NSG122 Exam 4 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a patient who is 12 hours post-abdominal surgery. The patient reports
feeling ‘something pop’ after coughing. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Instruct the patient to perform a Valsalva maneuver.
B. Apply a sterile, saline-soaked dressing to the area.
C. Immediately place the patient in a High-Fowler’s position.
D. Administer the prescribed PRN pain medication.
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The patient’s description suggests wound dehiscence or evisceration, which
is a medical emergency. The nurse must protect the exposed organs or tissue by applying a
sterile dressing moistened with normal saline to prevent drying and infection. The
healthcare provider should then be notified immediately while the nurse stays with the
patient.
2. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find in a patient with a potassium
level of 2.8 mEq/L?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds and diarrhea
B. Tall, peaked T-waves on an EKG
,C. Positive Chvostek’s sign
D. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Hypokalemia, defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L, affects muscle
contraction and nerve conduction. Patients often present with muscle weakness, leg
cramps, and potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmias. Peaked T-waves are associated with
hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia.
3. A patient is prescribed a 2L/min nasal cannula. What is the approximate fraction of
inspired oxygen (FiO2) the patient is receiving?
A. 28%
B. 24%
C. 32%
D. 36%
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Nasal cannula oxygen delivery starts at 21% (room air) and increases by
approximately 4% for every liter of oxygen flow. Therefore, 1L provides 24% and 2L
provides 28% FiO2. Monitoring the patient’s respiratory rate and effort remains a critical
nursing responsibility during oxygen therapy.
, 4. The nurse is caring for a patient with Respiratory Acidosis. Which of the following arterial
blood gas (ABG) results is consistent with this diagnosis?
A. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30 mmHg, HCO3 23 mEq/L
B. pH 7.50, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3 32 mEq/L
C. pH 7.32, PaCO2 38 mmHg, HCO3 18 mEq/L
D. pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, HCO3 25 mEq/L
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (less than 7.35) and an
elevated PaCO2 (greater than 45 mmHg). This condition often results from hypoventilation
or impaired gas exchange in the lungs. The nurse should focus on improving ventilation to
help the patient blow off excess CO2.
5. A post-operative patient is instructed on the use of an incentive spirometer. What is the
primary purpose of this device?
A. To strengthen the abdominal muscles used for coughing.
B. To promote lung expansion and prevent atelectasis.
C. To reduce the need for supplemental oxygen therapy.
D. To measure the patient’s forced expiratory volume (FEV).
Correct Answer: B
