NU158 | NU 158 Medical-Surgical Nursing I Exam 1
v2 | Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A nurse is reviewing the preoperative checklist for a patient scheduled for surgery.
Which of the following is the primary responsibility of the nurse regarding informed
consent?
A. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure to the patient.
B. Providing alternative treatment options if the patient is hesitant.
C. Deciding if the patient is mentally competent to undergo the surgery.
D. Obtaining the patient’s signature and witnessing the consent.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The nurse’s primary role in informed consent is to witness the
patient’s signature and ensure that the signature is authentic and voluntary. It is the
surgeon’s legal responsibility to explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the
procedure. If the patient does not understand the surgery, the nurse must notify the
surgeon to return and provide further clarification.
,2. A patient is 24 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. The nurse notes
that the patient’s oxygen saturation is 88% and they are taking shallow breaths.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Notify the surgeon immediately.
B. Administer prescribed pain medication.
C. Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe.
D. Increase the oxygen flow rate via nasal cannula.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Shallow breathing after abdominal surgery often leads to
atelectasis, which is the most common cause of low oxygen saturation in the early
postoperative period. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing helps expand the
alveoli and improve gas exchange without immediate medical intervention. While
other actions may be necessary later, non-invasive respiratory hygiene is the
priority nursing intervention.
3. Which laboratory value is most important for a nurse to monitor in a patient
receiving a loop diuretic such as furosemide (Lasix)?
A. Serum sodium level
B. Serum magnesium level
,C. Serum calcium level
D. Serum potassium level
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Loop diuretics like furosemide cause the excretion of water,
sodium, and significantly, potassium through the kidneys. Hypokalemia is a
dangerous side effect that can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness.
Monitoring potassium levels allows for timely supplementation and prevents life-
threatening complications.
4. A patient presents with a serum sodium level of 152 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
A. Muscle weakness and cramping
B. Abdominal cramping and diarrhea
C. Increased thirst and dry mucous membranes
D. Confusion and seizures
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: A serum sodium level above 145 mEq/L indicates
hypernatremia, which commonly causes cellular dehydration. Clinical signs include
intense thirst, dry or sticky mucous membranes, and restlessness. While
, neurological symptoms can occur if levels continue to rise, thirst is a primary
compensatory mechanism and common early finding.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient with a phosphorus level of 1.8 mg/dL. Which of the
following conditions is most likely associated with this finding?
A. Chronic kidney disease
B. Malnutrition or starvation
C. Hypoparathyroidism
D. Vitamin D toxicity
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hypophosphatemia (less than 2.5 mg/dL) is frequently seen in
patients experiencing malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, or recovery from starvation.
These conditions lead to poor intake and shifted metabolism that depletes
phosphorus stores. In contrast, kidney disease usually results in
hyperphosphatemia due to decreased excretion.
6. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3
24 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
v2 | Questions with Correct Answers and Expert
Explanation for Each Question | Galen
1. A nurse is reviewing the preoperative checklist for a patient scheduled for surgery.
Which of the following is the primary responsibility of the nurse regarding informed
consent?
A. Explaining the risks and benefits of the procedure to the patient.
B. Providing alternative treatment options if the patient is hesitant.
C. Deciding if the patient is mentally competent to undergo the surgery.
D. Obtaining the patient’s signature and witnessing the consent.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: The nurse’s primary role in informed consent is to witness the
patient’s signature and ensure that the signature is authentic and voluntary. It is the
surgeon’s legal responsibility to explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives of the
procedure. If the patient does not understand the surgery, the nurse must notify the
surgeon to return and provide further clarification.
,2. A patient is 24 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. The nurse notes
that the patient’s oxygen saturation is 88% and they are taking shallow breaths.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Notify the surgeon immediately.
B. Administer prescribed pain medication.
C. Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe.
D. Increase the oxygen flow rate via nasal cannula.
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Shallow breathing after abdominal surgery often leads to
atelectasis, which is the most common cause of low oxygen saturation in the early
postoperative period. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing helps expand the
alveoli and improve gas exchange without immediate medical intervention. While
other actions may be necessary later, non-invasive respiratory hygiene is the
priority nursing intervention.
3. Which laboratory value is most important for a nurse to monitor in a patient
receiving a loop diuretic such as furosemide (Lasix)?
A. Serum sodium level
B. Serum magnesium level
,C. Serum calcium level
D. Serum potassium level
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Loop diuretics like furosemide cause the excretion of water,
sodium, and significantly, potassium through the kidneys. Hypokalemia is a
dangerous side effect that can lead to cardiac dysrhythmias and muscle weakness.
Monitoring potassium levels allows for timely supplementation and prevents life-
threatening complications.
4. A patient presents with a serum sodium level of 152 mEq/L. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
A. Muscle weakness and cramping
B. Abdominal cramping and diarrhea
C. Increased thirst and dry mucous membranes
D. Confusion and seizures
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: A serum sodium level above 145 mEq/L indicates
hypernatremia, which commonly causes cellular dehydration. Clinical signs include
intense thirst, dry or sticky mucous membranes, and restlessness. While
, neurological symptoms can occur if levels continue to rise, thirst is a primary
compensatory mechanism and common early finding.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient with a phosphorus level of 1.8 mg/dL. Which of the
following conditions is most likely associated with this finding?
A. Chronic kidney disease
B. Malnutrition or starvation
C. Hypoparathyroidism
D. Vitamin D toxicity
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Hypophosphatemia (less than 2.5 mg/dL) is frequently seen in
patients experiencing malnutrition, chronic alcoholism, or recovery from starvation.
These conditions lead to poor intake and shifted metabolism that depletes
phosphorus stores. In contrast, kidney disease usually results in
hyperphosphatemia due to decreased excretion.
6. A patient’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3
24 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
