NUR125 Practice Exam – Sample Questions
(Topics: Fluid/Electrolytes, Acid-Base, IV
Therapy, Nutrition, Elimination, Perioperative
Care)
1. A patient has a serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Abdominal cramping
C. ECG with U waves
D. Respiratory depression
Answer: D – Respiratory depression indicates severe hypokalemia affecting respiratory muscles, life-
threatening.
2. Which IV fluid is most appropriate for a patient with increased intracranial pressure?
A. 0.45% NaCl
B. 0.9% NaCl
C. D5W
D. Lactated Ringer's
Answer: B – Isotonic fluids like 0.9% NaCl maintain osmolality and prevent worsening cerebral
edema.
3. A patient with heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which breakfast selection indicates effective
teaching?
A. Banana and oatmeal
, B. Bacon and eggs
C. Orange juice and pancakes
D. Canned soup and crackers
Answer: A – Bananas provide potassium to offset hypokalemia from furosemide.
4. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result indicates uncompensated metabolic alkalosis?
A. pH 7.32, PaCO2 48, HCO3 26
B. pH 7.38, PaCO2 40, HCO3 24
C. pH 7.48, PaCO2 44, HCO3 30
D. pH 7.52, PaCO2 48, HCO3 32
Answer: C – Elevated pH and HCO3 with normal PaCO2 = uncompensated metabolic alkalosis.
5. A postoperative patient reports nausea and vomiting. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer antiemetic
B. Assess bowel sounds
C. Measure abdominal girth
D. Check for orthostatic hypotension
Answer: D – Vomiting causes fluid volume deficit; orthostatic hypotension indicates hypovolemia
requiring immediate intervention.
6. Which finding in a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) requires immediate action?
A. Blood glucose 180 mg/dL
B. Temperature 100.1°F
C. Infusion rate 10 mL/hr behind
D. Crackles in lung bases
Answer: D – Crackles suggest fluid overload; TPN is hypertonic and can cause pulmonary edema if
infused too rapidly.
7. A patient with chronic kidney disease has a phosphorus level of 6.2 mg/dL. Which food should the
nurse restrict?
A. Apples
B. White rice
C. Dairy products
D. Cranberry juice
Answer: C – Dairy is high in phosphorus; elevated phosphorus worsens renal osteodystrophy.
8. During a blood transfusion, a patient develops fever, chills, and low back pain. What is the first
action?
A. Stop the transfusion
B. Administer acetaminophen
C. Notify the provider
(Topics: Fluid/Electrolytes, Acid-Base, IV
Therapy, Nutrition, Elimination, Perioperative
Care)
1. A patient has a serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L. Which assessment finding is most concerning?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Abdominal cramping
C. ECG with U waves
D. Respiratory depression
Answer: D – Respiratory depression indicates severe hypokalemia affecting respiratory muscles, life-
threatening.
2. Which IV fluid is most appropriate for a patient with increased intracranial pressure?
A. 0.45% NaCl
B. 0.9% NaCl
C. D5W
D. Lactated Ringer's
Answer: B – Isotonic fluids like 0.9% NaCl maintain osmolality and prevent worsening cerebral
edema.
3. A patient with heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which breakfast selection indicates effective
teaching?
A. Banana and oatmeal
, B. Bacon and eggs
C. Orange juice and pancakes
D. Canned soup and crackers
Answer: A – Bananas provide potassium to offset hypokalemia from furosemide.
4. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result indicates uncompensated metabolic alkalosis?
A. pH 7.32, PaCO2 48, HCO3 26
B. pH 7.38, PaCO2 40, HCO3 24
C. pH 7.48, PaCO2 44, HCO3 30
D. pH 7.52, PaCO2 48, HCO3 32
Answer: C – Elevated pH and HCO3 with normal PaCO2 = uncompensated metabolic alkalosis.
5. A postoperative patient reports nausea and vomiting. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer antiemetic
B. Assess bowel sounds
C. Measure abdominal girth
D. Check for orthostatic hypotension
Answer: D – Vomiting causes fluid volume deficit; orthostatic hypotension indicates hypovolemia
requiring immediate intervention.
6. Which finding in a patient receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) requires immediate action?
A. Blood glucose 180 mg/dL
B. Temperature 100.1°F
C. Infusion rate 10 mL/hr behind
D. Crackles in lung bases
Answer: D – Crackles suggest fluid overload; TPN is hypertonic and can cause pulmonary edema if
infused too rapidly.
7. A patient with chronic kidney disease has a phosphorus level of 6.2 mg/dL. Which food should the
nurse restrict?
A. Apples
B. White rice
C. Dairy products
D. Cranberry juice
Answer: C – Dairy is high in phosphorus; elevated phosphorus worsens renal osteodystrophy.
8. During a blood transfusion, a patient develops fever, chills, and low back pain. What is the first
action?
A. Stop the transfusion
B. Administer acetaminophen
C. Notify the provider
