NIGHTINGALE BSN 346 COMPLEX CARE NURSING –
EXAM 3|QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS|GRADED A+|2026
UPDATE|100% CORRECT
1. A patient with COPD is retaining CO₂. Which ABG result is expected?
A. pH 7.50, CO₂ low
B. pH 7.30, CO₂ high
C. pH 7.45, CO₂ normal
D. pH 7.40, CO₂ low
Answer: B
Rationale: CO₂ retention causes respiratory acidosis (low pH, high CO₂).
2. Priority intervention for pulmonary embolism is:
A. Oxygen
B. Ambulation
C. Oral fluids
D. Diuretics
Answer: A
Rationale: Oxygen supports immediate gas exchange in hypoxia.
3. SATA: Signs of left-sided heart failure include:
A. Crackles
B. Dyspnea
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Ascites
Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: Left HF causes pulmonary congestion.
4. A patient in DKA will most likely have:
,A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Normal glucose
D. Low potassium only
Answer: B
Rationale: DKA is caused by severe insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia.
5. First priority in DKA treatment is:
A. Insulin
B. IV fluids
C. Sodium restriction
D. Antibiotics
Answer: B
Rationale: Fluid replacement corrects dehydration before insulin.
6. SATA: Hyperkalemia findings include:
A. Peaked T waves
B. Bradycardia
C. Weakness
D. Polyuria
Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: High potassium affects cardiac and muscle function.
7. A stroke patient has dysphagia. Nursing action:
A. Give thin liquids
B. Keep NPO
C. Feed upright
D. Encourage swallowing
Answer: B
Rationale: Prevent aspiration pneumonia.
8. Normal sodium range is:
, A. 120–130
B. 135–145
C. 145–155
D. 150–160
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal sodium is 135–145 mEq/L.
9. SATA: Hypoglycemia symptoms include:
A. Sweating
B. Tremors
C. Confusion
D. Fruity breath
Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: Adrenergic + neuro symptoms.
10. Priority for MI patient is:
A. Oxygen
B. Antibiotics
C. Diuretics
D. Laxatives
Answer: A
Rationale: Oxygen reduces myocardial ischemia.
11. Life-threatening rhythm is:
A. Sinus rhythm
B. Ventricular fibrillation
C. Sinus bradycardia
D. Atrial flutter
Answer: B
Rationale: VF causes no cardiac output.
12. SATA: Dehydration signs include:
EXAM 3|QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS|GRADED A+|2026
UPDATE|100% CORRECT
1. A patient with COPD is retaining CO₂. Which ABG result is expected?
A. pH 7.50, CO₂ low
B. pH 7.30, CO₂ high
C. pH 7.45, CO₂ normal
D. pH 7.40, CO₂ low
Answer: B
Rationale: CO₂ retention causes respiratory acidosis (low pH, high CO₂).
2. Priority intervention for pulmonary embolism is:
A. Oxygen
B. Ambulation
C. Oral fluids
D. Diuretics
Answer: A
Rationale: Oxygen supports immediate gas exchange in hypoxia.
3. SATA: Signs of left-sided heart failure include:
A. Crackles
B. Dyspnea
C. Pulmonary edema
D. Ascites
Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: Left HF causes pulmonary congestion.
4. A patient in DKA will most likely have:
,A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Normal glucose
D. Low potassium only
Answer: B
Rationale: DKA is caused by severe insulin deficiency and hyperglycemia.
5. First priority in DKA treatment is:
A. Insulin
B. IV fluids
C. Sodium restriction
D. Antibiotics
Answer: B
Rationale: Fluid replacement corrects dehydration before insulin.
6. SATA: Hyperkalemia findings include:
A. Peaked T waves
B. Bradycardia
C. Weakness
D. Polyuria
Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: High potassium affects cardiac and muscle function.
7. A stroke patient has dysphagia. Nursing action:
A. Give thin liquids
B. Keep NPO
C. Feed upright
D. Encourage swallowing
Answer: B
Rationale: Prevent aspiration pneumonia.
8. Normal sodium range is:
, A. 120–130
B. 135–145
C. 145–155
D. 150–160
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal sodium is 135–145 mEq/L.
9. SATA: Hypoglycemia symptoms include:
A. Sweating
B. Tremors
C. Confusion
D. Fruity breath
Answer: A, B, C
Rationale: Adrenergic + neuro symptoms.
10. Priority for MI patient is:
A. Oxygen
B. Antibiotics
C. Diuretics
D. Laxatives
Answer: A
Rationale: Oxygen reduces myocardial ischemia.
11. Life-threatening rhythm is:
A. Sinus rhythm
B. Ventricular fibrillation
C. Sinus bradycardia
D. Atrial flutter
Answer: B
Rationale: VF causes no cardiac output.
12. SATA: Dehydration signs include:
