NUR 330 COMPREHENSIVE EXAM STUDY
GUIDE TEST PAPER QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS 2026
◉ what type of patients will have metabolic acidosis?
Answer: •DKA, renal failure, shock, sepsis, salicylate overdose, and
diarrhea
•Compensatory mechanisms
•Increased CO2 elimination through Kussmaul's respirations and the
kidneys excrete acid
◉ what type of patients will have metabolic alkalosis?
Answer: •prolonged vomiting or gastric suction, overuse of antacids
(sodium bicarbonate), and Potassium-wasting diuretics
•Compensatory mechanisms
•Decreased respiratory rate to increase plasma CO2 and renal
excretion of HCO3-
◉ Respiratory Alkalosis S/S
Answer: dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, headache,
tachycardia, dysrhythmias (related to hypokalemia from
compensation), N/V, diarrhea, epigastric pain, tetany, numbness,
tingling of extremities, hyperreflexia, seizures, hyperventilation
,◉ metabolic alkalosis s/s
Answer: irritability, lethargy, confusion, headache, tachycardia,
dysrhythmias (related to hypokalemia from compensation), N/V,
anorexia, tetany, tremors, tingling of fingers and toes, muscle
cramps, hypertonic muscles, seizures, hypoventilation
◉ ABG values
Answer: •pH
•7.35-7.45
•PaCO ² ( Resp)
•35-45 mm Hg
•HCO³ (metabolic)
•21-28 mEq/L
•PaO²
•80-100 mm Hg
•SpaO²
• >95%
◉ co2
Answer: low= alkalosis
high= acidosis
, ◉ pH
Answer: low= acidosis
high= alkalosis
◉ bicarb
Answer: low=acidosis
high=alkalosis
◉ 6 QSEN compentencies
Answer: 1. PATIENT-CENTERED CARE
· Recognize patient as full partner in care
· Respect patient values, preferences, and needs
· Involve family in decision-making
2. TEAMWORK & COLLABORATION
· Work effectively with interprofessional team (physicians, APRNs,
respiratory therapists, pharmacists, social workers)
· Understand each team member's role and scope of practice
· Communicate clearly across disciplines
3. EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE (EBP)
· Use current research to guide clinical decisions
· Follow Core Measures for conditions like heart failure, stroke, VTE
GUIDE TEST PAPER QUESTIONS AND
SOLUTIONS 2026
◉ what type of patients will have metabolic acidosis?
Answer: •DKA, renal failure, shock, sepsis, salicylate overdose, and
diarrhea
•Compensatory mechanisms
•Increased CO2 elimination through Kussmaul's respirations and the
kidneys excrete acid
◉ what type of patients will have metabolic alkalosis?
Answer: •prolonged vomiting or gastric suction, overuse of antacids
(sodium bicarbonate), and Potassium-wasting diuretics
•Compensatory mechanisms
•Decreased respiratory rate to increase plasma CO2 and renal
excretion of HCO3-
◉ Respiratory Alkalosis S/S
Answer: dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, headache,
tachycardia, dysrhythmias (related to hypokalemia from
compensation), N/V, diarrhea, epigastric pain, tetany, numbness,
tingling of extremities, hyperreflexia, seizures, hyperventilation
,◉ metabolic alkalosis s/s
Answer: irritability, lethargy, confusion, headache, tachycardia,
dysrhythmias (related to hypokalemia from compensation), N/V,
anorexia, tetany, tremors, tingling of fingers and toes, muscle
cramps, hypertonic muscles, seizures, hypoventilation
◉ ABG values
Answer: •pH
•7.35-7.45
•PaCO ² ( Resp)
•35-45 mm Hg
•HCO³ (metabolic)
•21-28 mEq/L
•PaO²
•80-100 mm Hg
•SpaO²
• >95%
◉ co2
Answer: low= alkalosis
high= acidosis
, ◉ pH
Answer: low= acidosis
high= alkalosis
◉ bicarb
Answer: low=acidosis
high=alkalosis
◉ 6 QSEN compentencies
Answer: 1. PATIENT-CENTERED CARE
· Recognize patient as full partner in care
· Respect patient values, preferences, and needs
· Involve family in decision-making
2. TEAMWORK & COLLABORATION
· Work effectively with interprofessional team (physicians, APRNs,
respiratory therapists, pharmacists, social workers)
· Understand each team member's role and scope of practice
· Communicate clearly across disciplines
3. EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE (EBP)
· Use current research to guide clinical decisions
· Follow Core Measures for conditions like heart failure, stroke, VTE
