NU 136 ADVANCED NURSING
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.28, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 28 mEq/L. How
should the nurse interpret these arterial blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
B. Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis
C. Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
D. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis), the PaCO2 is high (respiratory cause),
and the HCO3 is high (compensatory mechanism beginning). Because the pH is not yet in
normal range, it is partially compensated.
2. Which of the following ECG changes is most characteristic of hyperkalemia?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Prominent U waves
D. Prolonged QT interval
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia typically causes tall, peaked T waves, followed by
widening of the QRS and loss of P waves as levels rise.
3. A patient with a suspected spinal cord injury at C4 is admitted. What is the nurse’s priority
assessment?
A. Blood pressure and heart rate
B. Bladder distension
C. Respiratory effort and rate
D. Motor strength in lower extremities
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Injuries at or above C4 affect the diaphragm via the phrenic
nerve, making respiratory failure a life-threatening priority.
4. When administering Dopamine at a high dose (15 mcg/kg/min), what is the primary
intended effect?
A. Renal vasodilation
B. Bronchodilation
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Systemic vasoconstriction
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: High doses of dopamine (>10 mcg/kg/min) primarily stimulate
alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing systemic vasoconstriction to increase blood pressure.
5. A patient in the ICU has an ICP monitor showing a reading of 25 mmHg. Which nursing
intervention is contraindicated?
A. Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees
B. Administering Mannitol as ordered
C. Maintaining the head in a neutral midline position
D. Performing cluster care to minimize disturbances
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clustering care can significantly increase ICP in unstable
patients; care should be spaced out to allow ICP to return to baseline.
6. Which clinical finding is part of Cushing’s Triad, indicating late-stage increased intracranial
pressure?
A. Tachycardia
B. Widened pulse pressure
C. Hypotension
D. Increased respiratory rate
Answer: B
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.28, PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 28 mEq/L. How
should the nurse interpret these arterial blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
B. Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis
C. Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
D. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis), the PaCO2 is high (respiratory cause),
and the HCO3 is high (compensatory mechanism beginning). Because the pH is not yet in
normal range, it is partially compensated.
2. Which of the following ECG changes is most characteristic of hyperkalemia?
A. Tall, peaked T waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Prominent U waves
D. Prolonged QT interval
,Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia typically causes tall, peaked T waves, followed by
widening of the QRS and loss of P waves as levels rise.
3. A patient with a suspected spinal cord injury at C4 is admitted. What is the nurse’s priority
assessment?
A. Blood pressure and heart rate
B. Bladder distension
C. Respiratory effort and rate
D. Motor strength in lower extremities
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Injuries at or above C4 affect the diaphragm via the phrenic
nerve, making respiratory failure a life-threatening priority.
4. When administering Dopamine at a high dose (15 mcg/kg/min), what is the primary
intended effect?
A. Renal vasodilation
B. Bronchodilation
C. Decreased heart rate
D. Systemic vasoconstriction
Answer: D
, Conceptual Explanation: High doses of dopamine (>10 mcg/kg/min) primarily stimulate
alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing systemic vasoconstriction to increase blood pressure.
5. A patient in the ICU has an ICP monitor showing a reading of 25 mmHg. Which nursing
intervention is contraindicated?
A. Elevating the head of the bed to 30 degrees
B. Administering Mannitol as ordered
C. Maintaining the head in a neutral midline position
D. Performing cluster care to minimize disturbances
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Clustering care can significantly increase ICP in unstable
patients; care should be spaced out to allow ICP to return to baseline.
6. Which clinical finding is part of Cushing’s Triad, indicating late-stage increased intracranial
pressure?
A. Tachycardia
B. Widened pulse pressure
C. Hypotension
D. Increased respiratory rate
Answer: B
