Galen NUR 242 Exams 1 – Med-Surg Concepts (2026) Actual Questions and
Answers (PDF
Unit 1: Foundational Concepts & Skin Integrity (Questions 1-25)
1. A nurse is implementing a "No Lift Policy" at a rehabilitation center. What is the
primary purpose of this policy?
A. To reduce the need for staff training on body mechanics
B. To provide proper equipment to reduce risks associated with manual patient
handling
C. To encourage patients to transfer independently
D. To comply with insurance requirements for reimbursement
Answer: B. The concept of a no-lift policy is a pledge from administrators that
proper equipment, adequately maintained and in sufficient numbers, will be
available to care providers to reduce the risks associated with manual patient
handling .
2. A patient is immobile due to a recent stroke. Which interventions should the
nurse implement to decrease the effects of immobility? (Select all that apply)
A. Utilizing a waffle mattress to reduce the need for repositioning
B. Applying TEDs/SCDs
C. Rubbing reddened bony prominences
,D. Limiting fluid intake to reduce bathroom trips
E. Performing range-of-motion (ROM) exercises
Answer: B and E.
Rationale: TEDs/SCDs help prevent venous stasis and DVT. ROM exercises
maintain joint function and muscle strength.
Incorrect: (A) Patients still need repositioning every 2 hours regardless of mattress
type. (C) Rubbing reddened areas increases the risk of skin breakdown. (D)
Adequate hydration is necessary for skin health and bodily functions .
3. A nurse is educating a nursing student about skin assessments. Which
statement by the student indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should perform a full skin assessment at least once per shift."
B. "A Stage 1 pressure injury involves non-blanchable redness over intact skin."
C. "Weekly skin assessments are sufficient for stable patients."
D. "I need to assess high-risk areas like the sacrum and heels."
,Answer: C. Nurses should perform full skin assessments a minimum of once per
shift, not weekly .
4. A patient presents to the ER with swelling, pain, and redness in the right calf
that occurred after an accidental cut. Which skin condition does the nurse
suspect?
A. Impetigo
B. Cellulitis
C. Psoriasis
D. Contact dermatitis
Answer: B. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue,
often following a break in the skin, presenting with localized pain, swelling,
warmth, and erythema .
5. A patient is admitted from a nursing home with a Stage 3 pressure ulcer on the
coccyx. Which interdisciplinary team members should be involved in the plan of
care?
A. Wound care nurse, dietician, physical therapist
B. Respiratory therapist only
C. Pharmacy only
, D. Social work only
Answer: A. Stage 3 injuries require an interdisciplinary approach: wound care for
staging/treatment, nutrition to support healing (protein/calories), and PT/OT to
optimize mobility and offloading .
6. An 85-year-old patient is admitted. Which factors increase this patient's risk for
pressure injuries? (Select all that apply)
A. Immobility
B. Incontinence
C. Diabetes mellitus
D. Dehydration
E. Decreased sensory perception
Answer: A, B, C, D, E. All of these factors contribute to pressure injury risk.
Immobility and decreased sensation cause prolonged pressure. Incontinence
causes skin moisture. Comorbidities (like diabetes/PVD) impair perfusion.
Malnutrition/dehydration compromise tissue health .
7. The nurse observes a localized area of non-blanchable erythema over a
patient's coccyx. How should the nurse document this finding?
Answers (PDF
Unit 1: Foundational Concepts & Skin Integrity (Questions 1-25)
1. A nurse is implementing a "No Lift Policy" at a rehabilitation center. What is the
primary purpose of this policy?
A. To reduce the need for staff training on body mechanics
B. To provide proper equipment to reduce risks associated with manual patient
handling
C. To encourage patients to transfer independently
D. To comply with insurance requirements for reimbursement
Answer: B. The concept of a no-lift policy is a pledge from administrators that
proper equipment, adequately maintained and in sufficient numbers, will be
available to care providers to reduce the risks associated with manual patient
handling .
2. A patient is immobile due to a recent stroke. Which interventions should the
nurse implement to decrease the effects of immobility? (Select all that apply)
A. Utilizing a waffle mattress to reduce the need for repositioning
B. Applying TEDs/SCDs
C. Rubbing reddened bony prominences
,D. Limiting fluid intake to reduce bathroom trips
E. Performing range-of-motion (ROM) exercises
Answer: B and E.
Rationale: TEDs/SCDs help prevent venous stasis and DVT. ROM exercises
maintain joint function and muscle strength.
Incorrect: (A) Patients still need repositioning every 2 hours regardless of mattress
type. (C) Rubbing reddened areas increases the risk of skin breakdown. (D)
Adequate hydration is necessary for skin health and bodily functions .
3. A nurse is educating a nursing student about skin assessments. Which
statement by the student indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I should perform a full skin assessment at least once per shift."
B. "A Stage 1 pressure injury involves non-blanchable redness over intact skin."
C. "Weekly skin assessments are sufficient for stable patients."
D. "I need to assess high-risk areas like the sacrum and heels."
,Answer: C. Nurses should perform full skin assessments a minimum of once per
shift, not weekly .
4. A patient presents to the ER with swelling, pain, and redness in the right calf
that occurred after an accidental cut. Which skin condition does the nurse
suspect?
A. Impetigo
B. Cellulitis
C. Psoriasis
D. Contact dermatitis
Answer: B. Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue,
often following a break in the skin, presenting with localized pain, swelling,
warmth, and erythema .
5. A patient is admitted from a nursing home with a Stage 3 pressure ulcer on the
coccyx. Which interdisciplinary team members should be involved in the plan of
care?
A. Wound care nurse, dietician, physical therapist
B. Respiratory therapist only
C. Pharmacy only
, D. Social work only
Answer: A. Stage 3 injuries require an interdisciplinary approach: wound care for
staging/treatment, nutrition to support healing (protein/calories), and PT/OT to
optimize mobility and offloading .
6. An 85-year-old patient is admitted. Which factors increase this patient's risk for
pressure injuries? (Select all that apply)
A. Immobility
B. Incontinence
C. Diabetes mellitus
D. Dehydration
E. Decreased sensory perception
Answer: A, B, C, D, E. All of these factors contribute to pressure injury risk.
Immobility and decreased sensation cause prolonged pressure. Incontinence
causes skin moisture. Comorbidities (like diabetes/PVD) impair perfusion.
Malnutrition/dehydration compromise tissue health .
7. The nurse observes a localized area of non-blanchable erythema over a
patient's coccyx. How should the nurse document this finding?
