NURS 120: Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing - Week 8
Comprehensive Quiz 2026 |WCU
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which
electrocardiogram (ECG) change should the nurse prioritize for monitoring?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Prolonged PR interval
C. Tall, peaked T waves
D. ST-segment depression
Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) is associated with tall, peaked T waves,
widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result would the nurse expect to see in a
patient with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
A. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30 mmHg, HCO3 22 mEq/L
B. pH 7.32, PaCO2 52 mmHg, HCO3 28 mEq/L
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L
D. pH 7.48, PaCO2 45 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L
Answer: B
Rationale: Patients with COPD often experience respiratory acidosis due to CO2 retention.
A pH below 7.35 and elevated PaCO2 indicate this, while elevated HCO3 suggests partial
renal compensation.
,3. The nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous (IV) solution of 3%
Normal Saline. Which assessment is the most critical during the infusion?
A. Daily weights
B. Peripheral edema in the lower extremities
C. Lung sounds for crackles
D. Bowel sounds
Answer: C
Rationale: 3% Normal Saline is a hypertonic solution that draws fluid into the
intravascular space, putting the patient at high risk for pulmonary edema and fluid volume
overload.
4. A patient post-thyroidectomy develops tetany and a positive Chvostek’s sign.
Which electrolyte imbalance does the nurse suspect?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hyponatremia
Answer: A
Rationale: Chvostek’s sign and tetany are classic clinical manifestations of hypocalcemia,
often occurring after accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands during
thyroid surgery.
, 5. In the preoperative phase, a patient reports a family history of ‘high fever’
during surgery. Which medication should the nurse ensure is readily available in
the operating room?
A. Atropine sulfate
B. Dantrolene sodium
C. Succinylcholine
D. Epinephrine
Answer: B
Rationale: A history of high fever during surgery suggests Malignant Hyperthermia, a life-
threatening genetic condition triggered by anesthesia. Dantrolene is the specific rescue
agent.
6. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of hypovolemic shock in its early
stages?
A. Bradycardia
B. Narrowing pulse pressure
C. Increased urine output
D. Decreased respiratory rate
Answer: B
Rationale: Early compensatory mechanisms for hypovolemia include tachycardia and a
narrowing pulse pressure (systolic drops while diastolic stays the same or rises slightly
due to vasoconstriction).
Comprehensive Quiz 2026 |WCU
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which
electrocardiogram (ECG) change should the nurse prioritize for monitoring?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Prolonged PR interval
C. Tall, peaked T waves
D. ST-segment depression
Answer: C
Rationale: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) is associated with tall, peaked T waves,
widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result would the nurse expect to see in a
patient with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
A. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30 mmHg, HCO3 22 mEq/L
B. pH 7.32, PaCO2 52 mmHg, HCO3 28 mEq/L
C. pH 7.35, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L
D. pH 7.48, PaCO2 45 mmHg, HCO3 30 mEq/L
Answer: B
Rationale: Patients with COPD often experience respiratory acidosis due to CO2 retention.
A pH below 7.35 and elevated PaCO2 indicate this, while elevated HCO3 suggests partial
renal compensation.
,3. The nurse is preparing to administer an intravenous (IV) solution of 3%
Normal Saline. Which assessment is the most critical during the infusion?
A. Daily weights
B. Peripheral edema in the lower extremities
C. Lung sounds for crackles
D. Bowel sounds
Answer: C
Rationale: 3% Normal Saline is a hypertonic solution that draws fluid into the
intravascular space, putting the patient at high risk for pulmonary edema and fluid volume
overload.
4. A patient post-thyroidectomy develops tetany and a positive Chvostek’s sign.
Which electrolyte imbalance does the nurse suspect?
A. Hypocalcemia
B. Hypermagnesemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hyponatremia
Answer: A
Rationale: Chvostek’s sign and tetany are classic clinical manifestations of hypocalcemia,
often occurring after accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands during
thyroid surgery.
, 5. In the preoperative phase, a patient reports a family history of ‘high fever’
during surgery. Which medication should the nurse ensure is readily available in
the operating room?
A. Atropine sulfate
B. Dantrolene sodium
C. Succinylcholine
D. Epinephrine
Answer: B
Rationale: A history of high fever during surgery suggests Malignant Hyperthermia, a life-
threatening genetic condition triggered by anesthesia. Dantrolene is the specific rescue
agent.
6. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of hypovolemic shock in its early
stages?
A. Bradycardia
B. Narrowing pulse pressure
C. Increased urine output
D. Decreased respiratory rate
Answer: B
Rationale: Early compensatory mechanisms for hypovolemia include tachycardia and a
narrowing pulse pressure (systolic drops while diastolic stays the same or rises slightly
due to vasoconstriction).
