Fundamental Concepts | Herzing | 2026
Q&A with Rationale (Herzing NSG122
Exam 4 2026)
1. A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving oxygen therapy via a nasal cannula at 2 L/min.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take first if the client reports sudden
shortness of breath?
A. Verify that the oxygen tubing is connected to the wall outlet.
B. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min.
C. Assess the client’s lung sounds.
D. Check the pulse oximetry reading.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should first verify the equipment is functioning properly and
connected. If the tubing is disconnected, other assessments will not fix the immediate cause
of distress. This action follows the safety and basic equipment check priority before moving
to advanced assessment.
2. A nurse is assessing a client’s Stage 2 pressure injury. Which of the following findings
should the nurse expect?
A. Visible subcutaneous fat.
,B. A deep crater with exposed muscle or bone.
C. Partial-thickness skin loss with a pink or red wound bed.
D. Intact skin with non-blanchable redness.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Stage 2 pressure injuries involve partial-thickness loss of the dermis. They
typically manifest as a shallow, open ulcer with a red-pink wound bed or as an intact or
ruptured serum-filled blister. This stage does not involve slough or visible fat tissue.
3. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has a serum potassium level of
3.2 mEq/L. Which of the following clinical manifestations should the nurse expect?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds.
B. Peaked T waves on ECG.
C. Muscle weakness and leg cramps.
D. Numbness and tingling in the extremities.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hypokalemia, defined as potassium less than 3.5 mEq/L, affects muscle
contraction and nerve conduction. Clients often experience muscle weakness, cramps, and
decreased deep tendon reflexes. Cardiac dysrhythmias and flattened T waves are also
common indicators of low potassium.
, 4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for a low-
sodium diet. Which of the following food choices by the client indicates an understanding of
the teaching?
A. Fresh green beans and a grilled chicken breast.
B. Smoked turkey slices.
C. Canned soup with crackers.
D. Frozen pepperoni pizza.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fresh vegetables and lean meats naturally contain less sodium than processed
foods. Canned, smoked, and frozen prepared foods are typically high in sodium for
preservation and flavor. Choosing fresh ingredients is a key strategy for managing
hypertension and fluid balance.
5. A nurse is assessing a client for signs of hypocalcemia. Which of the following techniques
should the nurse use to check for Chvostek’s sign?
A. Tapping the client’s facial nerve in front of the ear.
B. Inflating a blood pressure cuff on the client’s upper arm.
C. Applying pressure to the client’s carotid sinus.
D. Checking the client’s deep tendon reflexes.
Correct Answer: A