NSG 3250 Final Exam V3 | NSG 3250 Adult
Health I | Galen College of Nursing | Q&A
with Rationale (Galen NSG3250 Final
Exam)
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following
ECG changes should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Shortened QT interval
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperkalemia, defined as a potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L, significantly
affects cardiac conduction. Tall, peaked T waves are one of the earliest signs of
hyperkalemia on an EKG. As levels rise, the PR interval lengthens and the QRS complex
widens, eventually leading to potential cardiac arrest.
2. A client is admitted with a pH of 7.25, a PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and an HCO3 of 24 mEq/L.
How should the nurse interpret these arterial blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
,C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and a PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a
respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L, there is no
compensation occurring. This profile is consistent with respiratory acidosis, often seen in
conditions like COPD or respiratory depression.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer intravenous furosemide to a patient with heart
failure. Which laboratory value should the nurse prioritize reviewing before administration?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum calcium
C. Serum potassium
D. Serum magnesium
Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of potassium along with
water and sodium. Administering this medication to a patient with pre-existing
hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The nurse must ensure the
potassium level is within a safe range before proceeding with the dose.
, 4. A patient who underwent a total hip arthroplasty 24 hours ago reports sudden chest pain
and shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect first?
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Pneumonia
C. Atelectasis
D. Pulmonary embolism
Answer: D
Rationale: Postoperative orthopedic patients are at high risk for venous
thromboembolism due to immobility and surgical trauma. Sudden onset of dyspnea and
chest pain are classic signs of a pulmonary embolism. The nurse should immediately assess
oxygen saturation and notify the rapid response team.
5. Which assessment finding in a patient with a chest tube requires immediate intervention
by the nurse?
A. Intermittent bubbling in the water seal chamber during expiration
B. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
C. Fluctuation of the water level with respiration (tidaling)
D. 200 mL of serosanguinous drainage in the first 2 hours
Answer: B
Health I | Galen College of Nursing | Q&A
with Rationale (Galen NSG3250 Final
Exam)
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which of the following
ECG changes should the nurse expect to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Shortened QT interval
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Rationale: Hyperkalemia, defined as a potassium level above 5.0 mEq/L, significantly
affects cardiac conduction. Tall, peaked T waves are one of the earliest signs of
hyperkalemia on an EKG. As levels rise, the PR interval lengthens and the QRS complex
widens, eventually leading to potential cardiac arrest.
2. A client is admitted with a pH of 7.25, a PaCO2 of 55 mmHg, and an HCO3 of 24 mEq/L.
How should the nurse interpret these arterial blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
,C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, and a PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a
respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range of 22-26 mEq/L, there is no
compensation occurring. This profile is consistent with respiratory acidosis, often seen in
conditions like COPD or respiratory depression.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer intravenous furosemide to a patient with heart
failure. Which laboratory value should the nurse prioritize reviewing before administration?
A. Serum sodium
B. Serum calcium
C. Serum potassium
D. Serum magnesium
Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of potassium along with
water and sodium. Administering this medication to a patient with pre-existing
hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The nurse must ensure the
potassium level is within a safe range before proceeding with the dose.
, 4. A patient who underwent a total hip arthroplasty 24 hours ago reports sudden chest pain
and shortness of breath. Which complication should the nurse suspect first?
A. Myocardial infarction
B. Pneumonia
C. Atelectasis
D. Pulmonary embolism
Answer: D
Rationale: Postoperative orthopedic patients are at high risk for venous
thromboembolism due to immobility and surgical trauma. Sudden onset of dyspnea and
chest pain are classic signs of a pulmonary embolism. The nurse should immediately assess
oxygen saturation and notify the rapid response team.
5. Which assessment finding in a patient with a chest tube requires immediate intervention
by the nurse?
A. Intermittent bubbling in the water seal chamber during expiration
B. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
C. Fluctuation of the water level with respiration (tidaling)
D. 200 mL of serosanguinous drainage in the first 2 hours
Answer: B
