NSG-3800 EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS 100% CORRECT RATED A+
LATEST UPDATED 2026/2027
Question 1: A nurse is designing a dietary plan for a patient diagnosed with
hypocalcemia (a decreased blood calcium level). Which of the following foods are
excellent dietary sources of calcium that the nurse should recommend? (Select all
that apply.)
[ ] A) Canned sardines (with bones) ✔️✔️
[ ] B) Dairy milk ✔️✔️
[ ] C) Hard and soft cheeses ✔️✔️
[ ] D) Skinless chicken breasts
[ ] E) White white rice
Explanation: Dairy products like milk and cheese are classic, highly bioavailable
sources of calcium. Additionally, small canned fish eaten with their soft bones,
such as sardines, provide an exceptionally concentrated amount of dietary calcium.
Plain chicken breast and refined white rice contain virtually no significant calcium
content.
Question 2: While reviewing laboratory results, a nurse notes a patient's serum
sodium level is 130 mEq/L, indicating hyponatremia. Which of the following
neurological signs and symptoms should the nurse closely monitor the patient for?
(Select all that apply.)
[ ] A) Generalized seizures or convulsions ✔️✔️
[ ] B) A noticeable decline in consciousness (decreased LOC) ✔️✔️
[ ] C) Hyperactive, bounding peripheral pulses
[ ] D) Uncontrolled flushed, dry skin outbreaks
[ ] E) Rapidly improving short-term memory recall
, Explanation: A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L falls well below the standard
135–145 mEq/L reference range. As sodium levels drop, fluid shifts osmotically
into brain cells, causing cerebral edema. This direct neurological strain manifests
as a decreased level of consciousness (ranging from lethargy to coma) and can
trigger severe convulsions or seizures. Flushed skin and hyperactive peripheral
pulses are not standard features of hyponatremia.
What labs help us determine fluid status? (Select all that apply). -ANSWER ✔️✔️a.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
b. Serum Sodium (Na+)
c. Creatinine
d. Serum Potassium (K+)
The nurse is providing care for a client who has a serum potassium level of 5.2
mEq/L. Which of the following signs and symptoms should the nurse monitor for?
(Select all that apply). -ANSWER ✔️✔️a. Irregular pulses
b. Hypotension
c. Muscle weakness
d. Cardiac dysrhythmias
While the nurse is washing the face of a patient in renal failure, the patient
demonstrates a spasm of the lips and face. The nurse examines the recent
electrolyte levels to assess the level of -ANSWER ✔️✔️a. calcium
Decreased blood pressure is the #1 sign of fluid volume deficit. -ANSWER ✔️✔️a.
False
Explanation: Tachycardia is the #1 sign of fluid volume deficit. Heart rate will
increase first to compensate and maintain blood pressure. Blood pressure may drop
but it is a later sign.
ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS 100% CORRECT RATED A+
LATEST UPDATED 2026/2027
Question 1: A nurse is designing a dietary plan for a patient diagnosed with
hypocalcemia (a decreased blood calcium level). Which of the following foods are
excellent dietary sources of calcium that the nurse should recommend? (Select all
that apply.)
[ ] A) Canned sardines (with bones) ✔️✔️
[ ] B) Dairy milk ✔️✔️
[ ] C) Hard and soft cheeses ✔️✔️
[ ] D) Skinless chicken breasts
[ ] E) White white rice
Explanation: Dairy products like milk and cheese are classic, highly bioavailable
sources of calcium. Additionally, small canned fish eaten with their soft bones,
such as sardines, provide an exceptionally concentrated amount of dietary calcium.
Plain chicken breast and refined white rice contain virtually no significant calcium
content.
Question 2: While reviewing laboratory results, a nurse notes a patient's serum
sodium level is 130 mEq/L, indicating hyponatremia. Which of the following
neurological signs and symptoms should the nurse closely monitor the patient for?
(Select all that apply.)
[ ] A) Generalized seizures or convulsions ✔️✔️
[ ] B) A noticeable decline in consciousness (decreased LOC) ✔️✔️
[ ] C) Hyperactive, bounding peripheral pulses
[ ] D) Uncontrolled flushed, dry skin outbreaks
[ ] E) Rapidly improving short-term memory recall
, Explanation: A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L falls well below the standard
135–145 mEq/L reference range. As sodium levels drop, fluid shifts osmotically
into brain cells, causing cerebral edema. This direct neurological strain manifests
as a decreased level of consciousness (ranging from lethargy to coma) and can
trigger severe convulsions or seizures. Flushed skin and hyperactive peripheral
pulses are not standard features of hyponatremia.
What labs help us determine fluid status? (Select all that apply). -ANSWER ✔️✔️a.
Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
b. Serum Sodium (Na+)
c. Creatinine
d. Serum Potassium (K+)
The nurse is providing care for a client who has a serum potassium level of 5.2
mEq/L. Which of the following signs and symptoms should the nurse monitor for?
(Select all that apply). -ANSWER ✔️✔️a. Irregular pulses
b. Hypotension
c. Muscle weakness
d. Cardiac dysrhythmias
While the nurse is washing the face of a patient in renal failure, the patient
demonstrates a spasm of the lips and face. The nurse examines the recent
electrolyte levels to assess the level of -ANSWER ✔️✔️a. calcium
Decreased blood pressure is the #1 sign of fluid volume deficit. -ANSWER ✔️✔️a.
False
Explanation: Tachycardia is the #1 sign of fluid volume deficit. Heart rate will
increase first to compensate and maintain blood pressure. Blood pressure may drop
but it is a later sign.
