NUR2115/NUR 2115 Exam 3 V3 |
Fundamentals of Professional
Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L. Which assessment
finding is most consistent with this lab value?
A. Peaked T-waves on EKG
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
C. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
D. Hyperreflexia and twitching
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia is defined as a serum potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L
and often manifests as muscle weakness. The deficiency affects the resting membrane
potential of muscle cells, leading to fatigue and cramps. Monitoring cardiac rhythm is also
essential because low potassium can cause life-threatening dysrhythmias.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result would the nurse expect for a patient experiencing an
acute anxiety attack and hyperventilation?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 24
,B. pH 7.50, PaCO2 45, HCO3 32
C. pH 7.32, PaCO2 40, HCO3 18
D. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hyperventilation causes the excessive ‘blowing off’ of carbon dioxide,
which leads to respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH
(greater than 7.45) and a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mmHg). The nurse should encourage the
patient to breathe slowly or into a paper bag to retain CO2.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer an IV fluid that has the same osmolality as blood
plasma. Which solution should be selected?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. 3% Sodium Chloride
D. 10% Dextrose in Water
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Normal saline, or 0.9% Sodium Chloride, is considered an isotonic
solution because its concentration matches the body’s natural fluids. Isotonic solutions are
used to expand extracellular fluid volume without shifting water in or out of the cells. This
is the preferred fluid for volume replacement in patients with dehydration or shock.
, 4. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse monitor for in a patient with fluid volume
excess (FVE)?
A. Poor skin turgor
B. Bounding peripheral pulses
C. Flat neck veins when supine
D. Decreased urine output
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Fluid volume excess leads to an increased volume of blood circulating
in the vascular space, resulting in bounding pulses. Other common signs include distended
neck veins, edema, and crackles in the lungs. Nurses should weigh these patients daily to
monitor for rapid weight changes associated with fluid retention.
5. A patient presents with a positive Chvostek’s sign. The nurse knows this is a physical
assessment finding for which electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer: C
Fundamentals of Professional
Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Rasmussen University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with a potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L. Which assessment
finding is most consistent with this lab value?
A. Peaked T-waves on EKG
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
C. Muscle weakness and leg cramps
D. Hyperreflexia and twitching
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Hypokalemia is defined as a serum potassium level below 3.5 mEq/L
and often manifests as muscle weakness. The deficiency affects the resting membrane
potential of muscle cells, leading to fatigue and cramps. Monitoring cardiac rhythm is also
essential because low potassium can cause life-threatening dysrhythmias.
2. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result would the nurse expect for a patient experiencing an
acute anxiety attack and hyperventilation?
A. pH 7.30, PaCO2 50, HCO3 24
,B. pH 7.50, PaCO2 45, HCO3 32
C. pH 7.32, PaCO2 40, HCO3 18
D. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Hyperventilation causes the excessive ‘blowing off’ of carbon dioxide,
which leads to respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a high pH
(greater than 7.45) and a low PaCO2 (less than 35 mmHg). The nurse should encourage the
patient to breathe slowly or into a paper bag to retain CO2.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer an IV fluid that has the same osmolality as blood
plasma. Which solution should be selected?
A. 0.45% Sodium Chloride
B. 0.9% Sodium Chloride
C. 3% Sodium Chloride
D. 10% Dextrose in Water
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Normal saline, or 0.9% Sodium Chloride, is considered an isotonic
solution because its concentration matches the body’s natural fluids. Isotonic solutions are
used to expand extracellular fluid volume without shifting water in or out of the cells. This
is the preferred fluid for volume replacement in patients with dehydration or shock.
, 4. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse monitor for in a patient with fluid volume
excess (FVE)?
A. Poor skin turgor
B. Bounding peripheral pulses
C. Flat neck veins when supine
D. Decreased urine output
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Fluid volume excess leads to an increased volume of blood circulating
in the vascular space, resulting in bounding pulses. Other common signs include distended
neck veins, edema, and crackles in the lungs. Nurses should weigh these patients daily to
monitor for rapid weight changes associated with fluid retention.
5. A patient presents with a positive Chvostek’s sign. The nurse knows this is a physical
assessment finding for which electrolyte imbalance?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypermagnesemia
Correct Answer: C
