NSG 223 Exam 2 Medsurg - | Questions with 100% Correct
Answers | Verified | Latest Update 2026| Herzing
University
1. Using the following table of normal and abnormal arterial blood gas (ABG)
values, what lab abnormalities would you find with someone suffering from a
Respiratory Alkalosis?
pH greater than 7.45 and a HCO3 greater than 24
pH less than 7.35 and a HCO3 less than 18
pH greater than 7.45 and a PaCO2 less than 35
pH less than 7.35 and a PaCO2 greater than 45
2. A client complaining of severe shortness of breath is diagnosed with CHF.
The nurse observes a falling pulse ox. The client's color changes to gray and
she expectorates large amounts of pink frothy sputum. What would be the
first action of the nurse?
Call the physician
Administer O2
Check vitals
Position in high Fowler's
,3. Given the ABG results of pH 7.25, HCO3 33, and CO2 47, what nursing
intervention would be most appropriate for a patient suspected of having
respiratory acidosis?
Increase fluid intake to dilute acids.
Administer supplemental oxygen as needed.
Initiate a high-protein diet to buffer acids.
Encourage deep breathing exercises to increase CO2 elimination.
4. What factors influence the symptoms experienced by a patient with
pulmonary embolism?
The duration of the embolism.
The presence of comorbid conditions.
The size and location of the embolus.
The patient's age and gender.
5. Describe the main pathological changes that occur in the liver during
cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis involves the progressive destruction of liver cells and the
formation of fibrous scar tissue, leading to impaired liver function.
Cirrhosis is a reversible condition that can be cured with medication.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the sudden onset of liver inflammation
and swelling.
Cirrhosis results in the accumulation of bile in the liver.
6. Milk Thistle is used as a:
Kidney protectant
, Heart Protectant
Brain Protectant
Liver Protectant
7. What is a key consideration when administering oral medications to patients
with cirrhosis?
Patients should avoid all medications to prevent liver damage.
All oral medications are safe for patients with cirrhosis.
Medication dosages may need to be adjusted due to altered liver
function.
Oral medications should be taken only on an empty stomach.
8. Describe how acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) affects a patient's
breathing and oxygenation.
ARDS causes increased lung capacity and improved oxygenation.
ARDS leads to impaired gas exchange and severe shortness of
breath due to fluid accumulation in the alveoli.
ARDS results in decreased respiratory rate and shallow breathing.
ARDS primarily affects the heart's ability to pump blood.
9. Interpret the ABG results: pH - 7.5, HCO3 - 38, CO2 - 32. What does this
indicate about the patient's acid-base balance?
The results indicate normal acid-base balance.
The results indicate respiratory acidosis due to high CO2 levels.
The results indicate metabolic acidosis due to low pH.
, The results indicate metabolic alkalosis due to elevated bicarbonate
levels.
10. Describe how vomiting can lead to chronic metabolic alkalosis in a patient.
Vomiting increases the production of lactic acid, causing acidosis.
Vomiting causes loss of gastric acid, leading to an increase in
bicarbonate concentration in the blood.
Vomiting has no effect on blood pH levels.
Vomiting leads to dehydration, which decreases bicarbonate levels.
11. A patient presents with similar lab values (pH - 7.25, HCO3 - 18, CO2 - 42)
and exhibits symptoms of confusion and lethargy. What immediate nursing
intervention should be prioritized?
Encourage the patient to breathe deeply to reduce CO2 levels.
Prepare the patient for a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia.
Administer intravenous bicarbonate as per protocol to correct
metabolic acidosis.
Monitor the patient's blood glucose levels for hypoglycemia.
12. Describe the primary methods for preventing the transmission of Hepatitis A.
Regular exercise and maintaining hydration.
Using antibiotics and avoiding fatty foods.
Practicing good hygiene, such as handwashing, and vaccination.
Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding stress.
13. Describe the importance of vaccination in the prevention of Hepatitis B.
Vaccination is optional and has no significant impact on Hepatitis B.
Answers | Verified | Latest Update 2026| Herzing
University
1. Using the following table of normal and abnormal arterial blood gas (ABG)
values, what lab abnormalities would you find with someone suffering from a
Respiratory Alkalosis?
pH greater than 7.45 and a HCO3 greater than 24
pH less than 7.35 and a HCO3 less than 18
pH greater than 7.45 and a PaCO2 less than 35
pH less than 7.35 and a PaCO2 greater than 45
2. A client complaining of severe shortness of breath is diagnosed with CHF.
The nurse observes a falling pulse ox. The client's color changes to gray and
she expectorates large amounts of pink frothy sputum. What would be the
first action of the nurse?
Call the physician
Administer O2
Check vitals
Position in high Fowler's
,3. Given the ABG results of pH 7.25, HCO3 33, and CO2 47, what nursing
intervention would be most appropriate for a patient suspected of having
respiratory acidosis?
Increase fluid intake to dilute acids.
Administer supplemental oxygen as needed.
Initiate a high-protein diet to buffer acids.
Encourage deep breathing exercises to increase CO2 elimination.
4. What factors influence the symptoms experienced by a patient with
pulmonary embolism?
The duration of the embolism.
The presence of comorbid conditions.
The size and location of the embolus.
The patient's age and gender.
5. Describe the main pathological changes that occur in the liver during
cirrhosis.
Cirrhosis involves the progressive destruction of liver cells and the
formation of fibrous scar tissue, leading to impaired liver function.
Cirrhosis is a reversible condition that can be cured with medication.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the sudden onset of liver inflammation
and swelling.
Cirrhosis results in the accumulation of bile in the liver.
6. Milk Thistle is used as a:
Kidney protectant
, Heart Protectant
Brain Protectant
Liver Protectant
7. What is a key consideration when administering oral medications to patients
with cirrhosis?
Patients should avoid all medications to prevent liver damage.
All oral medications are safe for patients with cirrhosis.
Medication dosages may need to be adjusted due to altered liver
function.
Oral medications should be taken only on an empty stomach.
8. Describe how acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) affects a patient's
breathing and oxygenation.
ARDS causes increased lung capacity and improved oxygenation.
ARDS leads to impaired gas exchange and severe shortness of
breath due to fluid accumulation in the alveoli.
ARDS results in decreased respiratory rate and shallow breathing.
ARDS primarily affects the heart's ability to pump blood.
9. Interpret the ABG results: pH - 7.5, HCO3 - 38, CO2 - 32. What does this
indicate about the patient's acid-base balance?
The results indicate normal acid-base balance.
The results indicate respiratory acidosis due to high CO2 levels.
The results indicate metabolic acidosis due to low pH.
, The results indicate metabolic alkalosis due to elevated bicarbonate
levels.
10. Describe how vomiting can lead to chronic metabolic alkalosis in a patient.
Vomiting increases the production of lactic acid, causing acidosis.
Vomiting causes loss of gastric acid, leading to an increase in
bicarbonate concentration in the blood.
Vomiting has no effect on blood pH levels.
Vomiting leads to dehydration, which decreases bicarbonate levels.
11. A patient presents with similar lab values (pH - 7.25, HCO3 - 18, CO2 - 42)
and exhibits symptoms of confusion and lethargy. What immediate nursing
intervention should be prioritized?
Encourage the patient to breathe deeply to reduce CO2 levels.
Prepare the patient for a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia.
Administer intravenous bicarbonate as per protocol to correct
metabolic acidosis.
Monitor the patient's blood glucose levels for hypoglycemia.
12. Describe the primary methods for preventing the transmission of Hepatitis A.
Regular exercise and maintaining hydration.
Using antibiotics and avoiding fatty foods.
Practicing good hygiene, such as handwashing, and vaccination.
Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding stress.
13. Describe the importance of vaccination in the prevention of Hepatitis B.
Vaccination is optional and has no significant impact on Hepatitis B.
