WGU D439
WGU - Foundations of Nursing D439 Exam
Study Questions and Answers 2025
What is the nursing process?
Assessment
Diagnosis
Planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Maslow's Pyramid of Needs
1. basic needs
2. safety and security needs
3. belonging and love needs
4. esteem needs
5. self-actualization needs
ABC's of nursing
airway, breathing, circulation
what is a SMART goal?
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely
alectasis
collapsed alveoli
What is ventilation?
movement of air into and out of the lungs
hypokalemia
serum potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L
ss: paralysis, heart arrhythmia, respiratory failure, decreased muscle contractility,
numbness and tingling in extremities
WGU D439
,WGU D439
hyperkalemia
serum potassium level greater than 5 mEq/L
ss: heart palpitations, numbness, abdominal pain, NVD
hyponatremia
serum sodium level less than 135 mEq/L
ss: confusion, stupor, anuria, convulsions/seizures, coma, low bp, weakness
hypernatremia
serum sodium level greater than 145 mEq/L
ss: irritability, xerostomia, polydipsia, edema, high bp, seizures
hypomagnesemia
serum magnesium level less than 1.5 mEq/L
ss: tetany, tremors, convulsions/seizures, delirium, ekg changes
hypermagnesemia
serum magnesium level greater than 2.5 mEq/L
ss: hypothyroidism, slurred speech, flushing, lethargy, NVD, decreased deep
tendon reflex
hypocalcemia
serum calcium level less than 8.5 md/dL
ss: nervousness, excitability, tetany, Trousseau's sign, Chvotek's sign, seizures
hypercalcemia
serum calcium level greater than 10.5 mg/dL
ss: coma, somnolence, anorexia, immobilization, ECG changes
BUN
blood urea nitrogen levels (10-20mg/dL)
Creatinine
nitrogenous waste excreted in the urine (0.6-1.3mg/dL)
Albumine
WGU D439
, WGU D439
3.5 - 5.5 g/dL
when do you measure peaks and troughs?
Peaks: 1 hour after IM injection, 30 minutes after IV infusion
Troughs: 30 minutes before next dose
What are the levels of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs from bottom (most important)
to top?
physiological needs, safety and security, love and belonging, esteem, self-
actualization
Patient rights
Right to continuity of care
Right to be treated respectfully
Right to refuse or consent
Right to information
Right to privacy and confidentiality
Right to review medical records
Right to consent or refuse research
Right to health alternatives
Right to the explanation of charges
Adult vital signs (normal ranges)
Bp: 120/80
Pulse: 60-80
RR: 12-20
Temp: 96.8 - 100.4
O2: 95-100
Pain: fifth vital sign is subjective
Temperature taking techniques form most accurate to least accurate
Rectal, tympanic, oral, axillary, temporal
Neurovascular assessment
WGU D439
WGU - Foundations of Nursing D439 Exam
Study Questions and Answers 2025
What is the nursing process?
Assessment
Diagnosis
Planning
Implementation
Evaluation
Maslow's Pyramid of Needs
1. basic needs
2. safety and security needs
3. belonging and love needs
4. esteem needs
5. self-actualization needs
ABC's of nursing
airway, breathing, circulation
what is a SMART goal?
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely
alectasis
collapsed alveoli
What is ventilation?
movement of air into and out of the lungs
hypokalemia
serum potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L
ss: paralysis, heart arrhythmia, respiratory failure, decreased muscle contractility,
numbness and tingling in extremities
WGU D439
,WGU D439
hyperkalemia
serum potassium level greater than 5 mEq/L
ss: heart palpitations, numbness, abdominal pain, NVD
hyponatremia
serum sodium level less than 135 mEq/L
ss: confusion, stupor, anuria, convulsions/seizures, coma, low bp, weakness
hypernatremia
serum sodium level greater than 145 mEq/L
ss: irritability, xerostomia, polydipsia, edema, high bp, seizures
hypomagnesemia
serum magnesium level less than 1.5 mEq/L
ss: tetany, tremors, convulsions/seizures, delirium, ekg changes
hypermagnesemia
serum magnesium level greater than 2.5 mEq/L
ss: hypothyroidism, slurred speech, flushing, lethargy, NVD, decreased deep
tendon reflex
hypocalcemia
serum calcium level less than 8.5 md/dL
ss: nervousness, excitability, tetany, Trousseau's sign, Chvotek's sign, seizures
hypercalcemia
serum calcium level greater than 10.5 mg/dL
ss: coma, somnolence, anorexia, immobilization, ECG changes
BUN
blood urea nitrogen levels (10-20mg/dL)
Creatinine
nitrogenous waste excreted in the urine (0.6-1.3mg/dL)
Albumine
WGU D439
, WGU D439
3.5 - 5.5 g/dL
when do you measure peaks and troughs?
Peaks: 1 hour after IM injection, 30 minutes after IV infusion
Troughs: 30 minutes before next dose
What are the levels of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs from bottom (most important)
to top?
physiological needs, safety and security, love and belonging, esteem, self-
actualization
Patient rights
Right to continuity of care
Right to be treated respectfully
Right to refuse or consent
Right to information
Right to privacy and confidentiality
Right to review medical records
Right to consent or refuse research
Right to health alternatives
Right to the explanation of charges
Adult vital signs (normal ranges)
Bp: 120/80
Pulse: 60-80
RR: 12-20
Temp: 96.8 - 100.4
O2: 95-100
Pain: fifth vital sign is subjective
Temperature taking techniques form most accurate to least accurate
Rectal, tympanic, oral, axillary, temporal
Neurovascular assessment
WGU D439
