NSG 122 Exam 4 V2 | NSG 122 Nursing
Fundamental Concepts | Herzing | 2026 Q&A with
Rationale (Herzing NSG122 Exam 4 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a patient with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). Which clinical finding should the nurse expect when evaluating for chronic hypoxia?
A. Deep vein thrombosis
B. Peripheral edema
C. Elevated blood pressure
D. Clubbing of the fingers
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Clubbing of the fingers is a classic clinical manifestation of chronic hypoxia
resulting from long-term low oxygen saturation. This physical change occurs due to the
proliferation of distal connective tissue in response to poor perfusion. The nurse must
recognize this sign as an adaptation to chronic respiratory disease.
2. When performing tracheostomy suctioning, what is the maximum amount of time the
nurse should apply suction during a single pass?
A. 10 to 15 seconds
B. 5 to 10 seconds
C. 20 to 30 seconds
,D. 3 to 5 seconds
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Suctioning should never exceed 10 to 15 seconds to prevent significant
hypoxemia and trauma to the tracheal mucosa. Applying suction for too long can lead to
vagal stimulation and cardiac arrhythmias. The nurse must allow the patient to recover and
re-oxygenate between passes.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient who has developed respiratory acidosis. Which arterial blood
gas (ABG) result is consistent with this diagnosis?
A. pH 7.32, PaCO2 50 mmHg
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 32 mmHg
C. pH 7.31, HCO3 18 mEq/L
D. pH 7.50, HCO3 30 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35) and an
elevated PaCO2 (above 45 mmHg). This condition occurs when the lungs fail to excrete
carbon dioxide adequately, leading to its accumulation in the blood. Patients with COPD or
respiratory depression are at high risk for this imbalance.
4. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a patient at risk for developing pressure
ulcers according to the Braden Scale?
A. Implementing a turning schedule every 2 hours
, B. Keeping the head of the bed elevated at 45 degrees
C. Massaging reddened bony prominences daily
D. Limiting fluid intake to reduce incontinence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Repositioning the patient at least every 2 hours is a standard evidence-based
intervention to relieve pressure and maintain skin integrity. Massaging reddened areas is
contraindicated because it can cause deeper tissue damage. Maintaining the head of the bed
at 30 degrees or less helps prevent shearing forces.
5. A patient with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is admitted to the nursing unit. Which
assessment is the nurse’s priority?
A. Bowel sounds
B. Cardiac rhythm
C. Muscle strength
D. Skin turgor
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium above 5.0 mEq/L) can cause life-threatening
cardiac dysrhythmias and even cardiac arrest. The nurse must prioritize cardiac
monitoring to detect changes such as peaked T waves or widened QRS complexes.
Fundamental Concepts | Herzing | 2026 Q&A with
Rationale (Herzing NSG122 Exam 4 2026)
1. A nurse is assessing a patient with a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD). Which clinical finding should the nurse expect when evaluating for chronic hypoxia?
A. Deep vein thrombosis
B. Peripheral edema
C. Elevated blood pressure
D. Clubbing of the fingers
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Clubbing of the fingers is a classic clinical manifestation of chronic hypoxia
resulting from long-term low oxygen saturation. This physical change occurs due to the
proliferation of distal connective tissue in response to poor perfusion. The nurse must
recognize this sign as an adaptation to chronic respiratory disease.
2. When performing tracheostomy suctioning, what is the maximum amount of time the
nurse should apply suction during a single pass?
A. 10 to 15 seconds
B. 5 to 10 seconds
C. 20 to 30 seconds
,D. 3 to 5 seconds
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Suctioning should never exceed 10 to 15 seconds to prevent significant
hypoxemia and trauma to the tracheal mucosa. Applying suction for too long can lead to
vagal stimulation and cardiac arrhythmias. The nurse must allow the patient to recover and
re-oxygenate between passes.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient who has developed respiratory acidosis. Which arterial blood
gas (ABG) result is consistent with this diagnosis?
A. pH 7.32, PaCO2 50 mmHg
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 32 mmHg
C. pH 7.31, HCO3 18 mEq/L
D. pH 7.50, HCO3 30 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35) and an
elevated PaCO2 (above 45 mmHg). This condition occurs when the lungs fail to excrete
carbon dioxide adequately, leading to its accumulation in the blood. Patients with COPD or
respiratory depression are at high risk for this imbalance.
4. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate for a patient at risk for developing pressure
ulcers according to the Braden Scale?
A. Implementing a turning schedule every 2 hours
, B. Keeping the head of the bed elevated at 45 degrees
C. Massaging reddened bony prominences daily
D. Limiting fluid intake to reduce incontinence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Repositioning the patient at least every 2 hours is a standard evidence-based
intervention to relieve pressure and maintain skin integrity. Massaging reddened areas is
contraindicated because it can cause deeper tissue damage. Maintaining the head of the bed
at 30 degrees or less helps prevent shearing forces.
5. A patient with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is admitted to the nursing unit. Which
assessment is the nurse’s priority?
A. Bowel sounds
B. Cardiac rhythm
C. Muscle strength
D. Skin turgor
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium above 5.0 mEq/L) can cause life-threatening
cardiac dysrhythmias and even cardiac arrest. The nurse must prioritize cardiac
monitoring to detect changes such as peaked T waves or widened QRS complexes.
