Exam 2: NUR201 Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 2026/2027 Update | Fortis College Grade A - Verified Answers
Exam 2: NUR201 / NUR 201
Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Latest 2026/2027 Update | Questions and Verified Answers | Grade A
Fortis College
100
Total Questions 7
Clinical Sections 100%
Verified Answers Grade A
Quality
Aligned with 2026-2027 Fortis College NUR201 Medical-Surgical Nursing I curriculum standards
and nursing competencies. Covers cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine,
musculoskeletal, and neurological disorders with evidence-based rationales and clinical reasoning.
1. Cardiovascular System Disorders (Q1-Q20)
2. Respiratory System Disorders (Q21-Q35)
3. Gastrointestinal System Disorders (Q36-Q50)
4. Renal and Genitourinary System Disorders (Q51-Q60)
5. Endocrine System Disorders (Q61-Q75)
6. Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders (Q76-Q90)
7. Integrated Clinical Case Scenarios (Q91-Q100)
Page 1
,Exam 2: NUR201 Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 2026/2027 Update | Fortis College Grade A - Verified Answers
Exam 2: NUR201 Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Latest 2026/2027 Update | Questions and Verified Answers | Grade A
Fortis College | Aligned with NUR201 Curriculum Standards
Section 1: Cardiovascular System Disorders
Questions 1-20 | Hypertension, Heart Failure, CAD, MI, Valvular Disorders
Q1: A nurse is assessing a patient with hypertension. The patient's blood pressure is 158/96 mmHg. How
should the nurse classify this reading?
A. Normal
B. Elevated
C. Stage 1 Hypertension
D. Stage 2 Hypertension [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A blood pressure of 158/96 mmHg meets Stage 2 Hypertension criteria (systolic 140 or
higher, OR diastolic 90 or higher). Normal is less than 120/80, Elevated is systolic 120-129 with
diastolic less than 80, and Stage 1 is systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89. Stage 2 hypertension requires
pharmacologic treatment in addition to lifestyle modifications. The nurse should educate the patient on
the DASH diet, sodium restriction, exercise, and the importance of medication adherence.
Q2: A patient with stage 2 hypertension reports an occipital headache, nosebleed, and dizziness. The
nurse assesses the blood pressure at 186/118 mmHg. Which interpretation is correct?
A. The patient is experiencing a hypertensive urgency and should be seen within 24 hours
B. The patient is experiencing a hypertensive crisis requiring immediate intervention [CORRECT]
C. These symptoms are expected for stage 2 hypertension and require no urgent action
D. The patient should take an extra dose of their antihypertensive medication at home
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A blood pressure greater than 180/120 mmHg with target organ damage symptoms
(headache, epistaxis, dizziness, vision changes) constitutes a hypertensive emergency requiring
immediate hospitalization, IV antihypertensive therapy, and continuous monitoring. Without symptoms,
it is classified as hypertensive urgency. The nurse should NOT advise the patient to take extra
medication at home. Immediate provider notification and emergency care are the priority actions.
Page 2
,Exam 2: NUR201 Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 2026/2027 Update | Fortis College Grade A - Verified Answers
Q3: A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension. Which
statement by the patient indicates understanding of lifestyle modifications?
A. I will season my food with salt substitutes that contain potassium
B. I will follow the DASH diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy [CORRECT]
C. I will limit aerobic exercise to once per week to avoid cardiac stress
D. I will drink at least four glasses of wine per day for cardiovascular protection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, low-fat dairy, and reduced saturated fat, and has been proven to lower blood pressure. Salt
substitutes containing potassium are contraindicated for patients on ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or
potassium-sparing diuretics due to hyperkalemia risk. Regular aerobic exercise (at least 30 minutes, 5
days per week) is recommended. Alcohol should be limited to no more than two drinks per day for men
and one for women.
Q4: A patient is prescribed lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, for hypertension. Which teaching point is most
important for the nurse to include?
A. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions due to risk of orthostatic hypotension [CORRECT]
B. Expect a persistent dry cough as a harmless side effect
C. Increase potassium-rich foods in the diet while taking this medication
D. Take the medication at bedtime to avoid daytime dizziness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors commonly cause orthostatic hypotension, especially after the first dose. The
nurse should instruct the patient to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions, sit on the edge of the bed
before standing, and avoid sudden position changes. A persistent dry cough is a known side effect that
should be reported to the provider (may require switch to ARB). ACE inhibitors cause potassium
retention, so the patient should AVOID potassium supplements and potassium-rich foods. The
medication can be taken at any time but consistency matters more than timing.
Page 3
, Exam 2: NUR201 Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 2026/2027 Update | Fortis College Grade A - Verified Answers
Q5: A nurse is caring for a patient with left-sided heart failure. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to assess?
A. Jugular venous distension and peripheral edema
B. Dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea, and crackles in the lung bases [CORRECT]
C. Hepatomegaly and ascites
D. Weight gain and nocturia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes backward overflow of blood into the pulmonary circulation,
producing pulmonary congestion. Classic manifestations include dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea
(shortness of breath when lying flat), paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), crackles at the lung bases,
S3 gallop, pink frothy sputum, and tachycardia. Right-sided heart failure produces systemic venous
congestion: JVD, peripheral edema, hepatomegaly, ascites, and weight gain.
Q6: A nurse is caring for a patient with right-sided heart failure. Which finding is the nurse most likely
to observe?
A. Crackles auscultated over bilateral lung fields
B. S3 gallop on cardiac auscultation
C. Jugular venous distension and bilateral pedal edema [CORRECT]
D. Pink frothy sputum and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic venous congestion because the right ventricle
cannot effectively pump blood to the lungs. This results in jugular venous distension (JVD), peripheral
edema (pedal, sacral, scrotal), hepatomegaly, ascites, weight gain from fluid retention, and nocturia
(fluid redistribution at night). Crackles, S3 gallop, pink frothy sputum, and PND are manifestations of
left-sided heart failure from pulmonary congestion.
Q7: A patient with heart failure has gained 4 pounds in 2 days and reports increasing shortness of
breath. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Restrict the patient's fluid intake to 500 mL per day
B. Document the weight gain and reassess in 24 hours
C. Report the weight gain immediately to the provider and assess for fluid overload [CORRECT]
D. Administer the prescribed diuretic and encourage the patient to rest
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A weight gain greater than 2-3 pounds in 24 hours indicates fluid retention requiring
immediate provider notification and assessment for fluid overload. This is a critical finding because it
can precede overt pulmonary edema. The nurse should assess breath sounds, edema, JVD, oxygen
saturation, and daily weights. While administering diuretics may be ordered, the nurse must first notify
the provider and obtain orders. Waiting 24 hours to reassess is unsafe because the patient's condition can
deteriorate rapidly.
Page 4
Exam 2: NUR201 / NUR 201
Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Latest 2026/2027 Update | Questions and Verified Answers | Grade A
Fortis College
100
Total Questions 7
Clinical Sections 100%
Verified Answers Grade A
Quality
Aligned with 2026-2027 Fortis College NUR201 Medical-Surgical Nursing I curriculum standards
and nursing competencies. Covers cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, endocrine,
musculoskeletal, and neurological disorders with evidence-based rationales and clinical reasoning.
1. Cardiovascular System Disorders (Q1-Q20)
2. Respiratory System Disorders (Q21-Q35)
3. Gastrointestinal System Disorders (Q36-Q50)
4. Renal and Genitourinary System Disorders (Q51-Q60)
5. Endocrine System Disorders (Q61-Q75)
6. Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders (Q76-Q90)
7. Integrated Clinical Case Scenarios (Q91-Q100)
Page 1
,Exam 2: NUR201 Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 2026/2027 Update | Fortis College Grade A - Verified Answers
Exam 2: NUR201 Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Latest 2026/2027 Update | Questions and Verified Answers | Grade A
Fortis College | Aligned with NUR201 Curriculum Standards
Section 1: Cardiovascular System Disorders
Questions 1-20 | Hypertension, Heart Failure, CAD, MI, Valvular Disorders
Q1: A nurse is assessing a patient with hypertension. The patient's blood pressure is 158/96 mmHg. How
should the nurse classify this reading?
A. Normal
B. Elevated
C. Stage 1 Hypertension
D. Stage 2 Hypertension [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A blood pressure of 158/96 mmHg meets Stage 2 Hypertension criteria (systolic 140 or
higher, OR diastolic 90 or higher). Normal is less than 120/80, Elevated is systolic 120-129 with
diastolic less than 80, and Stage 1 is systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89. Stage 2 hypertension requires
pharmacologic treatment in addition to lifestyle modifications. The nurse should educate the patient on
the DASH diet, sodium restriction, exercise, and the importance of medication adherence.
Q2: A patient with stage 2 hypertension reports an occipital headache, nosebleed, and dizziness. The
nurse assesses the blood pressure at 186/118 mmHg. Which interpretation is correct?
A. The patient is experiencing a hypertensive urgency and should be seen within 24 hours
B. The patient is experiencing a hypertensive crisis requiring immediate intervention [CORRECT]
C. These symptoms are expected for stage 2 hypertension and require no urgent action
D. The patient should take an extra dose of their antihypertensive medication at home
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A blood pressure greater than 180/120 mmHg with target organ damage symptoms
(headache, epistaxis, dizziness, vision changes) constitutes a hypertensive emergency requiring
immediate hospitalization, IV antihypertensive therapy, and continuous monitoring. Without symptoms,
it is classified as hypertensive urgency. The nurse should NOT advise the patient to take extra
medication at home. Immediate provider notification and emergency care are the priority actions.
Page 2
,Exam 2: NUR201 Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 2026/2027 Update | Fortis College Grade A - Verified Answers
Q3: A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient newly diagnosed with hypertension. Which
statement by the patient indicates understanding of lifestyle modifications?
A. I will season my food with salt substitutes that contain potassium
B. I will follow the DASH diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy [CORRECT]
C. I will limit aerobic exercise to once per week to avoid cardiac stress
D. I will drink at least four glasses of wine per day for cardiovascular protection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, low-fat dairy, and reduced saturated fat, and has been proven to lower blood pressure. Salt
substitutes containing potassium are contraindicated for patients on ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or
potassium-sparing diuretics due to hyperkalemia risk. Regular aerobic exercise (at least 30 minutes, 5
days per week) is recommended. Alcohol should be limited to no more than two drinks per day for men
and one for women.
Q4: A patient is prescribed lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, for hypertension. Which teaching point is most
important for the nurse to include?
A. Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions due to risk of orthostatic hypotension [CORRECT]
B. Expect a persistent dry cough as a harmless side effect
C. Increase potassium-rich foods in the diet while taking this medication
D. Take the medication at bedtime to avoid daytime dizziness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ACE inhibitors commonly cause orthostatic hypotension, especially after the first dose. The
nurse should instruct the patient to rise slowly from sitting or lying positions, sit on the edge of the bed
before standing, and avoid sudden position changes. A persistent dry cough is a known side effect that
should be reported to the provider (may require switch to ARB). ACE inhibitors cause potassium
retention, so the patient should AVOID potassium supplements and potassium-rich foods. The
medication can be taken at any time but consistency matters more than timing.
Page 3
, Exam 2: NUR201 Medical-Surgical Nursing I | 2026/2027 Update | Fortis College Grade A - Verified Answers
Q5: A nurse is caring for a patient with left-sided heart failure. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to assess?
A. Jugular venous distension and peripheral edema
B. Dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea, and crackles in the lung bases [CORRECT]
C. Hepatomegaly and ascites
D. Weight gain and nocturia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes backward overflow of blood into the pulmonary circulation,
producing pulmonary congestion. Classic manifestations include dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea
(shortness of breath when lying flat), paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND), crackles at the lung bases,
S3 gallop, pink frothy sputum, and tachycardia. Right-sided heart failure produces systemic venous
congestion: JVD, peripheral edema, hepatomegaly, ascites, and weight gain.
Q6: A nurse is caring for a patient with right-sided heart failure. Which finding is the nurse most likely
to observe?
A. Crackles auscultated over bilateral lung fields
B. S3 gallop on cardiac auscultation
C. Jugular venous distension and bilateral pedal edema [CORRECT]
D. Pink frothy sputum and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Right-sided heart failure causes systemic venous congestion because the right ventricle
cannot effectively pump blood to the lungs. This results in jugular venous distension (JVD), peripheral
edema (pedal, sacral, scrotal), hepatomegaly, ascites, weight gain from fluid retention, and nocturia
(fluid redistribution at night). Crackles, S3 gallop, pink frothy sputum, and PND are manifestations of
left-sided heart failure from pulmonary congestion.
Q7: A patient with heart failure has gained 4 pounds in 2 days and reports increasing shortness of
breath. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Restrict the patient's fluid intake to 500 mL per day
B. Document the weight gain and reassess in 24 hours
C. Report the weight gain immediately to the provider and assess for fluid overload [CORRECT]
D. Administer the prescribed diuretic and encourage the patient to rest
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A weight gain greater than 2-3 pounds in 24 hours indicates fluid retention requiring
immediate provider notification and assessment for fluid overload. This is a critical finding because it
can precede overt pulmonary edema. The nurse should assess breath sounds, edema, JVD, oxygen
saturation, and daily weights. While administering diuretics may be ordered, the nurse must first notify
the provider and obtain orders. Waiting 24 hours to reassess is unsafe because the patient's condition can
deteriorate rapidly.
Page 4
