1
, NUR 3300 Exam 4 | (2026) Nursing Exam
Questions | Practice II (PDF)
1. A patient with severe vomiting has a serum potassium
of 2.9 mEq/L. Which assessment finding is most
concerning?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Hypoactive bowel sounds
C. ST-segment depression
D. U waves on ECG
Answer: A
Rationale: Severe hypokalemia (K <3.0) can cause life-
threatening muscle weakness including respiratory muscles.
While ECG changes (U waves, ST depression) are
important, respiratory compromise is the priority.
2. A patient’s ABG shows: pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mm Hg,
HCO3 24 mEq/L. Which condition is this?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
2
,C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: C
Rationale: Low pH (acidosis) with elevated PaCO2 (>45)
and normal HCO3 indicates acute respiratory acidosis
(hypoventilation).
3. A nurse is infusing 3% saline for a patient with
hyponatremia (Na 118 mEq/L). Which complication
requires immediate action?
A. Thirst
B. Crackles in lung bases
C. Blood pressure 110/70
D. Headache
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertonic saline can cause fluid overload and
pulmonary edema. Crackles indicate pulmonary edema;
stop infusion and notify provider.
3
, 4. Which IV fluid is most appropriate for a patient with
diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hypotension?
A. 0.45% NaCl
B. 3% NaCl
C. 0.9% NaCl
D. D5W
Answer: C
Rationale: Isotonic saline (0.9% NaCl) is first-line to
restore volume and improve perfusion in DKA-induced
hypotension.
5. A patient with heart failure has edema and shortness
of breath. The nurse administers furosemide. Which
electrolyte imbalance is a common adverse effect?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
4
, NUR 3300 Exam 4 | (2026) Nursing Exam
Questions | Practice II (PDF)
1. A patient with severe vomiting has a serum potassium
of 2.9 mEq/L. Which assessment finding is most
concerning?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Hypoactive bowel sounds
C. ST-segment depression
D. U waves on ECG
Answer: A
Rationale: Severe hypokalemia (K <3.0) can cause life-
threatening muscle weakness including respiratory muscles.
While ECG changes (U waves, ST depression) are
important, respiratory compromise is the priority.
2. A patient’s ABG shows: pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mm Hg,
HCO3 24 mEq/L. Which condition is this?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
2
,C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Answer: C
Rationale: Low pH (acidosis) with elevated PaCO2 (>45)
and normal HCO3 indicates acute respiratory acidosis
(hypoventilation).
3. A nurse is infusing 3% saline for a patient with
hyponatremia (Na 118 mEq/L). Which complication
requires immediate action?
A. Thirst
B. Crackles in lung bases
C. Blood pressure 110/70
D. Headache
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertonic saline can cause fluid overload and
pulmonary edema. Crackles indicate pulmonary edema;
stop infusion and notify provider.
3
, 4. Which IV fluid is most appropriate for a patient with
diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hypotension?
A. 0.45% NaCl
B. 3% NaCl
C. 0.9% NaCl
D. D5W
Answer: C
Rationale: Isotonic saline (0.9% NaCl) is first-line to
restore volume and improve perfusion in DKA-induced
hypotension.
5. A patient with heart failure has edema and shortness
of breath. The nurse administers furosemide. Which
electrolyte imbalance is a common adverse effect?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypercalcemia
4
