NSG 122 Exam 3 V2 | NSG 122 Nursing
Fundamental Concepts | Herzing | 2026 Q&A with
Rationale (Herzing NSG122 Exam 3 2026)
1. A nurse is reviewing a patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mmHg,
and HCO3 25 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The pH level of 7.28 is below the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, indicating
acidosis. The PaCO2 level of 55 mmHg is above the normal range of 35 to 45 mmHg, which
points to a respiratory cause. Since the bicarbonate (HCO3) is within the normal range of
22 to 26 mEq/L, this confirms uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation
should the nurse prioritize for assessment?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Muscle tetany
C. Peaked T waves on ECG
,D. Cardiac dysrhythmias
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, as the normal range is
3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Low potassium levels significantly affect myocardial conduction and can
lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. The nurse must monitor the patient’s heart
rhythm closely and prepare for replacement therapy.
3. The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. Which intervention is most effective in
preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Encouraging early and frequent ambulation
B. Applying cold compresses to the calves
C. Massaging the lower extremities
D. Restricting fluid intake to reduce edema
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Early ambulation is the primary nursing intervention to prevent DVT
because it promotes venous return through the action of skeletal muscle pumps. Massaging
the legs is contraindicated because it could dislodge a pre-existing clot. Maintaining
adequate hydration is also important to prevent hemoconcentration and blood stasis.
4. A patient is scheduled for an elective surgery. Who is legally responsible for obtaining
informed consent from the patient?
A. The circulating nurse
, B. The anesthesiologist
C. The nurse manager
D. The surgeon
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The surgeon performing the procedure is legally responsible for explaining
the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient and obtaining their consent. The nurse’s
role is typically to witness the patient’s signature and ensure the patient understands the
information provided. If the patient expresses confusion, the nurse must notify the surgeon
to return and provide further clarification.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient with fluid volume deficit. Which finding is consistent with this
diagnosis?
A. Distended neck veins
B. Hypertension
C. Bounding peripheral pulses
D. Orthostatic hypotension
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Fluid volume deficit, or hypovolemia, leads to a decrease in circulating blood
volume, which often manifests as orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon
Fundamental Concepts | Herzing | 2026 Q&A with
Rationale (Herzing NSG122 Exam 3 2026)
1. A nurse is reviewing a patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mmHg,
and HCO3 25 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
C. Metabolic alkalosis
D. Respiratory acidosis
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The pH level of 7.28 is below the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, indicating
acidosis. The PaCO2 level of 55 mmHg is above the normal range of 35 to 45 mmHg, which
points to a respiratory cause. Since the bicarbonate (HCO3) is within the normal range of
22 to 26 mEq/L, this confirms uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
2. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation
should the nurse prioritize for assessment?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Muscle tetany
C. Peaked T waves on ECG
,D. Cardiac dysrhythmias
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, as the normal range is
3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Low potassium levels significantly affect myocardial conduction and can
lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias. The nurse must monitor the patient’s heart
rhythm closely and prepare for replacement therapy.
3. The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient. Which intervention is most effective in
preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?
A. Encouraging early and frequent ambulation
B. Applying cold compresses to the calves
C. Massaging the lower extremities
D. Restricting fluid intake to reduce edema
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Early ambulation is the primary nursing intervention to prevent DVT
because it promotes venous return through the action of skeletal muscle pumps. Massaging
the legs is contraindicated because it could dislodge a pre-existing clot. Maintaining
adequate hydration is also important to prevent hemoconcentration and blood stasis.
4. A patient is scheduled for an elective surgery. Who is legally responsible for obtaining
informed consent from the patient?
A. The circulating nurse
, B. The anesthesiologist
C. The nurse manager
D. The surgeon
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: The surgeon performing the procedure is legally responsible for explaining
the risks, benefits, and alternatives to the patient and obtaining their consent. The nurse’s
role is typically to witness the patient’s signature and ensure the patient understands the
information provided. If the patient expresses confusion, the nurse must notify the surgeon
to return and provide further clarification.
5. A nurse is assessing a patient with fluid volume deficit. Which finding is consistent with this
diagnosis?
A. Distended neck veins
B. Hypertension
C. Bounding peripheral pulses
D. Orthostatic hypotension
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Fluid volume deficit, or hypovolemia, leads to a decrease in circulating blood
volume, which often manifests as orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon
