NURS 103 FUNDAMENTALS OF
NURSING WEEK 7 COMPREHENSIVE
QUIZ 2026
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min
via nasal cannula. Which physiological mechanism primarily drives this patient’s respiratory
drive?
A. High serum carbon dioxide levels
B. Low serum oxygen levels
C. Increased blood pH levels
D. High serum bicarbonate levels
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In patients with chronic hypercapnia (COPD), the central
chemoreceptors become desensitized to high CO2. Their respiratory drive is primarily
triggered by low oxygen levels (hypoxic drive).
,2. When performing a sterile dressing change, which action by the nurse would result in a
break in sterile technique?
A. Opening the outermost flap of the sterile kit away from the body
B. Keeping sterile gloved hands above the waist level
C. Reaching over the sterile field to pick up a gauze pad
D. Maintaining a 1-inch border around the sterile field
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Reaching over a sterile field contaminates it due to the potential
for microorganisms to fall from the nurse’s non-sterile sleeve or arm onto the field.
3. A nurse is assessing a patient for orthostatic hypotension. After measuring the BP while the
patient is supine, what is the next appropriate step?
A. Have the patient stand immediately and take the BP
B. Assist the patient to a sitting position and wait 1 to 3 minutes before measuring BP
C. Wait 10 minutes between position changes to ensure stability
D. Check the pulse first, then wait 5 minutes to check BP sitting
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: To assess for orthostatic hypotension, the nurse should wait 1-3
minutes after the patient changes position (sitting or standing) before taking the blood
pressure to allow for physiological adjustment.
, 4. A patient has a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation should
the nurse prioritize for assessment?
A. Hypoactive bowel sounds
B. Increased muscle strength
C. Cardiac dysrhythmias
D. Hyperreflexia of deep tendons
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) can cause life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and ECG changes, making cardiac assessment the
priority.
5. The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection using the Z-track
method. What is the primary purpose of this technique?
A. To ensure the medication enters the subcutaneous tissue
B. To prevent the medication from leaking back into the subcutaneous tissue
C. To reduce the pain associated with the needle stick
D. To increase the rate of absorption into the bloodstream
Answer: B
NURSING WEEK 7 COMPREHENSIVE
QUIZ 2026
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min
via nasal cannula. Which physiological mechanism primarily drives this patient’s respiratory
drive?
A. High serum carbon dioxide levels
B. Low serum oxygen levels
C. Increased blood pH levels
D. High serum bicarbonate levels
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: In patients with chronic hypercapnia (COPD), the central
chemoreceptors become desensitized to high CO2. Their respiratory drive is primarily
triggered by low oxygen levels (hypoxic drive).
,2. When performing a sterile dressing change, which action by the nurse would result in a
break in sterile technique?
A. Opening the outermost flap of the sterile kit away from the body
B. Keeping sterile gloved hands above the waist level
C. Reaching over the sterile field to pick up a gauze pad
D. Maintaining a 1-inch border around the sterile field
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Reaching over a sterile field contaminates it due to the potential
for microorganisms to fall from the nurse’s non-sterile sleeve or arm onto the field.
3. A nurse is assessing a patient for orthostatic hypotension. After measuring the BP while the
patient is supine, what is the next appropriate step?
A. Have the patient stand immediately and take the BP
B. Assist the patient to a sitting position and wait 1 to 3 minutes before measuring BP
C. Wait 10 minutes between position changes to ensure stability
D. Check the pulse first, then wait 5 minutes to check BP sitting
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: To assess for orthostatic hypotension, the nurse should wait 1-3
minutes after the patient changes position (sitting or standing) before taking the blood
pressure to allow for physiological adjustment.
, 4. A patient has a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which clinical manifestation should
the nurse prioritize for assessment?
A. Hypoactive bowel sounds
B. Increased muscle strength
C. Cardiac dysrhythmias
D. Hyperreflexia of deep tendons
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) can cause life-
threatening cardiac dysrhythmias and ECG changes, making cardiac assessment the
priority.
5. The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular (IM) injection using the Z-track
method. What is the primary purpose of this technique?
A. To ensure the medication enters the subcutaneous tissue
B. To prevent the medication from leaking back into the subcutaneous tissue
C. To reduce the pain associated with the needle stick
D. To increase the rate of absorption into the bloodstream
Answer: B
