GALEN COLLEGE NUR 255 FINAL EXAM TEST BANK QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 2026/2027 EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Galen College NUR 255 Final
Exam Test Bank Questions &
Answers 2026/2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
100 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document features 100 exam questions with provided correct answers and comprehensive rationales,
focusing on critical aspects of nursing practice. It serves as an essential resource for students aiming to
enhance their understanding of various clinical scenarios in nursing. The detailed explanations allow for
effective study, review, and preparation for certification exams.
CONTENTS
01 Acute Kidney Injury Q1–Q8
02 Chronic Kidney Disease Q9–Q11
03 Dialysis Management Q12–Q15
04 Gastrointestinal Disorders Q16–Q41
05 Liver Disease Q42–Q65
06 Additional Questions Q66–Q100
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 100
In assessing a patient with acute renal failure, which of the following conditions is primarily associated with a decrease in
renal perfusion due to reduced blood volume or blood pressure?
A) Post-renal obstruction from urinary retention
B) Intrinsic renal damage from acute tubular necrosis
C) Pre-renal failure linked to hypovolemia
D) Chronic renal insufficiency affecting overall kidney function
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Pre-renal failure linked to hypovolemia
RATIONALE
Pre-renal failure arises from inadequate blood flow to the kidneys, often due to hypovolemia or hypotension, leading to impaired
glomerular filtration and potential renal injury if unresolved.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 100
What condition results from direct injury to the renal parenchyma due to factors such as toxins, infections, or inadequate
blood flow?
A) Post-renal acute kidney injury
B) Intrarenal acute kidney injury
C) Chronic kidney disease
D) Pre-renal acute kidney injury
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Intrarenal acute kidney injury
RATIONALE
Intrarenal acute kidney injury occurs when the renal tissues suffer damage from various insults, potentially leading to impaired renal
function. Understanding the different types of kidney injury is crucial for appropriate intervention and management of renal failure.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 100
A patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. As the on-call resident, you must
prioritize your actions to prevent complications associated with hyperkalemia. What intervention should you implement
first?
Page 2
,A) Administer a potassium binder as prescribed
B) Increase the patient's intravenous fluid rate
C) Obtain an ECG to assess for cardiac changes
D) Prepare the patient for hemodialysis
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Obtain an ECG to assess for cardiac changes
RATIONALE
Elevated potassium levels can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias; therefore, obtaining an ECG is critical to determine the
extent of myocardial effects before initiating other interventions. Prompt cardiac monitoring allows for timely identification of
dangerous changes and facilitates appropriate therapeutic decisions.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 100
The nurse is monitoring a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) who has a urine output of 20 mL/hour and recent lab results
showing elevated serum creatinine levels of 3.5 mg/dL. Which action should the nurse prioritize at this time to manage the
patient's condition effectively?
A) Administer a loop diuretic to increase urine output
B) Restrict the patient’s fluid intake to prevent overload
C) Review the patient's latest electrolyte levels for abnormalities
D) Initiate intravenous fluid therapy to promote kidney perfusion
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Initiate intravenous fluid therapy to promote kidney perfusion
RATIONALE
Initiating intravenous fluid therapy is critical to enhance renal perfusion and mitigate further kidney damage, especially when faced
with low urine output and elevated creatinine levels, which indicate impaired renal function.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 100
A nurse evaluating a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) recognizes that which complication can arise due to an
accumulation of waste products in the bloodstream, potentially leading to neurological symptoms?
A) Fluid overload resulting in pulmonary edema
B) Metabolic acidosis from impaired renal function
Page 3
, C) Hyperkalemia affecting cardiac rhythm
D) Uremia causing gastrointestinal distress
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Hyperkalemia affecting cardiac rhythm
RATIONALE
Hyperkalemia occurs as potassium excretion decreases in AKI, leading to potentially life-threatening cardiac complications.
Uremia also poses risks but is less directly connected to immediate cardiac function compared to hyperkalemia.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 100
Identifying patients at higher risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) is critical in clinical practice. Which of the following
conditions is most closely associated with an increased likelihood of developing AKI?
A) Severe dehydration from prolonged vomiting
B) Recent major cardiac surgery requiring general anesthesia
C) Immediate postoperative recovery from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy
D) Uncontrolled hypertension in a stable outpatient
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Recent major cardiac surgery requiring general anesthesia
RATIONALE
Cardiac surgery can lead to decreased renal perfusion and subsequent acute kidney injury, particularly in the context of
intraoperative hypotension or significant blood loss, making it a significant risk factor compared to other conditions listed.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 100
During a routine assessment, the transplant coordinator observes that a client who received a renal transplant two weeks
ago has developed a fever of 101.5°F, decreased urine output, and reports body aches. What is the most critical nursing
intervention at this time?
A) Encourage increased fluid intake to manage dehydration.
B) Document the findings and schedule a follow-up appointment.
C) Administer antipyretics as prescribed to reduce fever.
D) Notify the healthcare provider immediately regarding potential rejection.
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Notify the healthcare provider immediately regarding potential rejection.
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Galen College NUR 255 Final
Exam Test Bank Questions &
Answers 2026/2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
100 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document features 100 exam questions with provided correct answers and comprehensive rationales,
focusing on critical aspects of nursing practice. It serves as an essential resource for students aiming to
enhance their understanding of various clinical scenarios in nursing. The detailed explanations allow for
effective study, review, and preparation for certification exams.
CONTENTS
01 Acute Kidney Injury Q1–Q8
02 Chronic Kidney Disease Q9–Q11
03 Dialysis Management Q12–Q15
04 Gastrointestinal Disorders Q16–Q41
05 Liver Disease Q42–Q65
06 Additional Questions Q66–Q100
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 100
In assessing a patient with acute renal failure, which of the following conditions is primarily associated with a decrease in
renal perfusion due to reduced blood volume or blood pressure?
A) Post-renal obstruction from urinary retention
B) Intrinsic renal damage from acute tubular necrosis
C) Pre-renal failure linked to hypovolemia
D) Chronic renal insufficiency affecting overall kidney function
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Pre-renal failure linked to hypovolemia
RATIONALE
Pre-renal failure arises from inadequate blood flow to the kidneys, often due to hypovolemia or hypotension, leading to impaired
glomerular filtration and potential renal injury if unresolved.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 100
What condition results from direct injury to the renal parenchyma due to factors such as toxins, infections, or inadequate
blood flow?
A) Post-renal acute kidney injury
B) Intrarenal acute kidney injury
C) Chronic kidney disease
D) Pre-renal acute kidney injury
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Intrarenal acute kidney injury
RATIONALE
Intrarenal acute kidney injury occurs when the renal tissues suffer damage from various insults, potentially leading to impaired renal
function. Understanding the different types of kidney injury is crucial for appropriate intervention and management of renal failure.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 100
A patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. As the on-call resident, you must
prioritize your actions to prevent complications associated with hyperkalemia. What intervention should you implement
first?
Page 2
,A) Administer a potassium binder as prescribed
B) Increase the patient's intravenous fluid rate
C) Obtain an ECG to assess for cardiac changes
D) Prepare the patient for hemodialysis
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Obtain an ECG to assess for cardiac changes
RATIONALE
Elevated potassium levels can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias; therefore, obtaining an ECG is critical to determine the
extent of myocardial effects before initiating other interventions. Prompt cardiac monitoring allows for timely identification of
dangerous changes and facilitates appropriate therapeutic decisions.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 100
The nurse is monitoring a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) who has a urine output of 20 mL/hour and recent lab results
showing elevated serum creatinine levels of 3.5 mg/dL. Which action should the nurse prioritize at this time to manage the
patient's condition effectively?
A) Administer a loop diuretic to increase urine output
B) Restrict the patient’s fluid intake to prevent overload
C) Review the patient's latest electrolyte levels for abnormalities
D) Initiate intravenous fluid therapy to promote kidney perfusion
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Initiate intravenous fluid therapy to promote kidney perfusion
RATIONALE
Initiating intravenous fluid therapy is critical to enhance renal perfusion and mitigate further kidney damage, especially when faced
with low urine output and elevated creatinine levels, which indicate impaired renal function.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 100
A nurse evaluating a patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) recognizes that which complication can arise due to an
accumulation of waste products in the bloodstream, potentially leading to neurological symptoms?
A) Fluid overload resulting in pulmonary edema
B) Metabolic acidosis from impaired renal function
Page 3
, C) Hyperkalemia affecting cardiac rhythm
D) Uremia causing gastrointestinal distress
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Hyperkalemia affecting cardiac rhythm
RATIONALE
Hyperkalemia occurs as potassium excretion decreases in AKI, leading to potentially life-threatening cardiac complications.
Uremia also poses risks but is less directly connected to immediate cardiac function compared to hyperkalemia.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 100
Identifying patients at higher risk for acute kidney injury (AKI) is critical in clinical practice. Which of the following
conditions is most closely associated with an increased likelihood of developing AKI?
A) Severe dehydration from prolonged vomiting
B) Recent major cardiac surgery requiring general anesthesia
C) Immediate postoperative recovery from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy
D) Uncontrolled hypertension in a stable outpatient
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Recent major cardiac surgery requiring general anesthesia
RATIONALE
Cardiac surgery can lead to decreased renal perfusion and subsequent acute kidney injury, particularly in the context of
intraoperative hypotension or significant blood loss, making it a significant risk factor compared to other conditions listed.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 100
During a routine assessment, the transplant coordinator observes that a client who received a renal transplant two weeks
ago has developed a fever of 101.5°F, decreased urine output, and reports body aches. What is the most critical nursing
intervention at this time?
A) Encourage increased fluid intake to manage dehydration.
B) Document the findings and schedule a follow-up appointment.
C) Administer antipyretics as prescribed to reduce fever.
D) Notify the healthcare provider immediately regarding potential rejection.
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Notify the healthcare provider immediately regarding potential rejection.
Page 4
