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NUR 170 EXAM 3 MED SURG VERIFIED EXAM ANSWERS
2026 ACTUAL EXAM [ QUESTION 1- 200] AND ANSWERS
UPDATED 2026/2027| 100% VERIFIED|DETAILED
RATIONALES –PASS GUARANTEED A+ GRADED |INSTANT
DOWNLOAD
Introduction:
**This original NUR 170 Exam 3 Medical-Surgical practice set is designed to provide advanced,
exam-level preparation across major medical-surgical nursing concepts. The questions
emphasize clinical judgment, prioritization, assessment, intervention, patient safety,
interpretation of clinical findings, and evaluation of outcomes. Rather than reproducing a
confidential or leaked examination, this material uses original scenarios modeled on commonly
tested nursing competencies and medical-surgical learning objectives. Candidates will encounter
situations involving acute and chronic illness, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders,
neurologic conditions, gastrointestinal and renal problems, musculoskeletal disorders, fluid and
electrolyte disturbances, infection prevention, and postoperative care. Each question includes
four answer choices with one best answer, followed by an educational rationale explaining the
clinical reasoning behind the correct response and the limitations of the distractors. Working
through these questions can strengthen recognition of priority findings, appropriate nursing
interventions, delegation decisions, and patient-teaching principles. For best results, candidates
should answer each question independently before reviewing the rationale and should compare
missed questions with their course notes, instructor guidance, and assigned textbook material.**
Core Domains Covered:
1. Cardiovascular Nursing: Assessment and management of heart failure, acute coronary
syndromes, dysrhythmias, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disorders.
2. Respiratory Nursing: Recognition and management of respiratory compromise, oxygenation
problems, COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and pulmonary emergencies.
3. Neurologic Nursing: Assessment and priority interventions for stroke, seizures, increased
intracranial pressure, and neurologic deterioration.
4. Renal, Fluid, and Electrolyte Management: Assessment of renal dysfunction, fluid
imbalance, acid-base disturbances, and clinically significant electrolyte abnormalities.
5. Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Nursing: Care of patients with gastrointestinal disorders, liver
dysfunction, pancreatitis, and nutritional complications.
6. Musculoskeletal and Postoperative Care: Management of fractures, mobility limitations,
postoperative complications, pain, and rehabilitation needs.
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7. Infection, Safety, and Clinical Prioritization: Infection prevention, sepsis recognition, patient
safety, delegation, prioritization, and emergency nursing care.
QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient with left-sided heart failure reports increasing shortness of breath and difficulty
sleeping flat. Which assessment finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A) Bilateral ankle edema
B) Crackles throughout both lung fields
C) Weight gain of 1 kilogram over several days
D) Fatigue during routine activities
Rationale: Crackles throughout both lungs suggest pulmonary congestion caused by worsening
left-sided heart failure and impaired gas exchange. This finding requires prompt assessment and
intervention. Peripheral edema and gradual weight gain also indicate fluid retention but are less
immediately threatening. Fatigue is common with reduced cardiac output but is not the priority
finding.**
Question 2
A patient experiencing an acute myocardial infarction suddenly becomes pale and diaphoretic
and reports worsening chest pressure. What should the nurse do first?
A) Encourage the patient to ambulate
B) Assess vital signs and cardiac rhythm immediately
C) Provide a high-fat snack
D) Place the patient in a flat position
Rationale: Sudden worsening symptoms may indicate extension of myocardial ischemia or a life-
threatening dysrhythmia. Immediate assessment of vital signs and cardiac rhythm helps identify
deterioration. Ambulation increases cardiac workload, a high-fat snack is inappropriate during
acute symptoms, and lying flat may worsen respiratory distress.**
Question 3
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory result is most important
for the nurse to monitor?
A) Hemoglobin
B) Serum potassium
C) Platelet count
D) Serum amylase
,Page | 3
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss. Hypokalemia can
increase the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias, especially in patients with cardiac disease.
Hemoglobin, platelets, and amylase are not the primary laboratory concerns associated with
routine furosemide therapy.**
Question 4
A patient taking digoxin reports nausea, loss of appetite, and seeing yellow-green halos around
lights. Which action should the nurse take?
A) Administer the next dose with food
B) Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider
C) Encourage increased sodium intake
D) Reassure the patient that these effects are expected
Rationale: Gastrointestinal symptoms and visual disturbances can indicate digoxin toxicity. The
nurse should withhold the medication and promptly notify the healthcare provider for further
evaluation. These findings should not be dismissed as expected effects.**
Question 5
A patient with hypertension asks why blood pressure should be controlled even when there are
no symptoms. Which response is best?
A) "Hypertension always causes severe headaches."
B) "Uncontrolled hypertension can progressively damage organs such as the heart, brain,
kidneys, and eyes."
C) "Blood pressure medication prevents every cardiovascular disease."
D) "You only need treatment when your blood pressure feels high."
Rationale: Hypertension is frequently asymptomatic but can cause progressive target-organ
damage. Long-term uncontrolled blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular,
cerebrovascular, renal, and retinal complications.**
Question 6
A patient with peripheral arterial disease reports severe calf pain while walking that improves
with rest. The nurse recognizes this as:
A) Venous stasis
B) Intermittent claudication
C) Deep vein thrombosis
D) Neuropathic pain
, Page | 4
Rationale: Intermittent claudication is ischemic muscle pain caused by inadequate arterial
blood flow during activity and is relieved by rest. Venous disease more commonly produces
swelling and aching, while DVT typically presents with unilateral swelling and tenderness.**
Question 7
A patient with deep vein thrombosis suddenly develops dyspnea and chest pain. What
complication should the nurse suspect?
A) Pneumonia
B) Pulmonary embolism
C) Pleural effusion
D) Atelectasis
Rationale: A DVT can dislodge and travel to the pulmonary circulation, producing a pulmonary
embolism. Sudden dyspnea and chest pain are important warning signs requiring immediate
evaluation.**
Question 8
A patient with acute pulmonary edema is severely dyspneic and coughing frothy sputum. Which
position should the nurse use?
A) Supine
B) High-Fowler position
C) Trendelenburg position
D) Prone position
Rationale: High-Fowler positioning promotes lung expansion and decreases venous return to
the heart, helping reduce pulmonary congestion. Supine and Trendelenburg positions can
worsen respiratory compromise.**
Question 9
A patient with COPD has an oxygen prescription. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate?
A) Administer unrestricted high-flow oxygen without assessment
B) Administer oxygen as prescribed and monitor respiratory status and oxygenation
C) Withhold all oxygen because oxygen is dangerous in COPD
D) Encourage prolonged breath-holding
Rationale: Patients with COPD may require carefully titrated oxygen therapy. Oxygen should
not automatically be withheld, but the nurse should administer it according to the prescribed
target and monitor respiratory status and oxygenation closely.**
NUR 170 EXAM 3 MED SURG VERIFIED EXAM ANSWERS
2026 ACTUAL EXAM [ QUESTION 1- 200] AND ANSWERS
UPDATED 2026/2027| 100% VERIFIED|DETAILED
RATIONALES –PASS GUARANTEED A+ GRADED |INSTANT
DOWNLOAD
Introduction:
**This original NUR 170 Exam 3 Medical-Surgical practice set is designed to provide advanced,
exam-level preparation across major medical-surgical nursing concepts. The questions
emphasize clinical judgment, prioritization, assessment, intervention, patient safety,
interpretation of clinical findings, and evaluation of outcomes. Rather than reproducing a
confidential or leaked examination, this material uses original scenarios modeled on commonly
tested nursing competencies and medical-surgical learning objectives. Candidates will encounter
situations involving acute and chronic illness, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders,
neurologic conditions, gastrointestinal and renal problems, musculoskeletal disorders, fluid and
electrolyte disturbances, infection prevention, and postoperative care. Each question includes
four answer choices with one best answer, followed by an educational rationale explaining the
clinical reasoning behind the correct response and the limitations of the distractors. Working
through these questions can strengthen recognition of priority findings, appropriate nursing
interventions, delegation decisions, and patient-teaching principles. For best results, candidates
should answer each question independently before reviewing the rationale and should compare
missed questions with their course notes, instructor guidance, and assigned textbook material.**
Core Domains Covered:
1. Cardiovascular Nursing: Assessment and management of heart failure, acute coronary
syndromes, dysrhythmias, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disorders.
2. Respiratory Nursing: Recognition and management of respiratory compromise, oxygenation
problems, COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and pulmonary emergencies.
3. Neurologic Nursing: Assessment and priority interventions for stroke, seizures, increased
intracranial pressure, and neurologic deterioration.
4. Renal, Fluid, and Electrolyte Management: Assessment of renal dysfunction, fluid
imbalance, acid-base disturbances, and clinically significant electrolyte abnormalities.
5. Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Nursing: Care of patients with gastrointestinal disorders, liver
dysfunction, pancreatitis, and nutritional complications.
6. Musculoskeletal and Postoperative Care: Management of fractures, mobility limitations,
postoperative complications, pain, and rehabilitation needs.
,Page | 2
7. Infection, Safety, and Clinical Prioritization: Infection prevention, sepsis recognition, patient
safety, delegation, prioritization, and emergency nursing care.
QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A patient with left-sided heart failure reports increasing shortness of breath and difficulty
sleeping flat. Which assessment finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
A) Bilateral ankle edema
B) Crackles throughout both lung fields
C) Weight gain of 1 kilogram over several days
D) Fatigue during routine activities
Rationale: Crackles throughout both lungs suggest pulmonary congestion caused by worsening
left-sided heart failure and impaired gas exchange. This finding requires prompt assessment and
intervention. Peripheral edema and gradual weight gain also indicate fluid retention but are less
immediately threatening. Fatigue is common with reduced cardiac output but is not the priority
finding.**
Question 2
A patient experiencing an acute myocardial infarction suddenly becomes pale and diaphoretic
and reports worsening chest pressure. What should the nurse do first?
A) Encourage the patient to ambulate
B) Assess vital signs and cardiac rhythm immediately
C) Provide a high-fat snack
D) Place the patient in a flat position
Rationale: Sudden worsening symptoms may indicate extension of myocardial ischemia or a life-
threatening dysrhythmia. Immediate assessment of vital signs and cardiac rhythm helps identify
deterioration. Ambulation increases cardiac workload, a high-fat snack is inappropriate during
acute symptoms, and lying flat may worsen respiratory distress.**
Question 3
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory result is most important
for the nurse to monitor?
A) Hemoglobin
B) Serum potassium
C) Platelet count
D) Serum amylase
,Page | 3
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss. Hypokalemia can
increase the risk of cardiac dysrhythmias, especially in patients with cardiac disease.
Hemoglobin, platelets, and amylase are not the primary laboratory concerns associated with
routine furosemide therapy.**
Question 4
A patient taking digoxin reports nausea, loss of appetite, and seeing yellow-green halos around
lights. Which action should the nurse take?
A) Administer the next dose with food
B) Hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider
C) Encourage increased sodium intake
D) Reassure the patient that these effects are expected
Rationale: Gastrointestinal symptoms and visual disturbances can indicate digoxin toxicity. The
nurse should withhold the medication and promptly notify the healthcare provider for further
evaluation. These findings should not be dismissed as expected effects.**
Question 5
A patient with hypertension asks why blood pressure should be controlled even when there are
no symptoms. Which response is best?
A) "Hypertension always causes severe headaches."
B) "Uncontrolled hypertension can progressively damage organs such as the heart, brain,
kidneys, and eyes."
C) "Blood pressure medication prevents every cardiovascular disease."
D) "You only need treatment when your blood pressure feels high."
Rationale: Hypertension is frequently asymptomatic but can cause progressive target-organ
damage. Long-term uncontrolled blood pressure increases the risk of cardiovascular,
cerebrovascular, renal, and retinal complications.**
Question 6
A patient with peripheral arterial disease reports severe calf pain while walking that improves
with rest. The nurse recognizes this as:
A) Venous stasis
B) Intermittent claudication
C) Deep vein thrombosis
D) Neuropathic pain
, Page | 4
Rationale: Intermittent claudication is ischemic muscle pain caused by inadequate arterial
blood flow during activity and is relieved by rest. Venous disease more commonly produces
swelling and aching, while DVT typically presents with unilateral swelling and tenderness.**
Question 7
A patient with deep vein thrombosis suddenly develops dyspnea and chest pain. What
complication should the nurse suspect?
A) Pneumonia
B) Pulmonary embolism
C) Pleural effusion
D) Atelectasis
Rationale: A DVT can dislodge and travel to the pulmonary circulation, producing a pulmonary
embolism. Sudden dyspnea and chest pain are important warning signs requiring immediate
evaluation.**
Question 8
A patient with acute pulmonary edema is severely dyspneic and coughing frothy sputum. Which
position should the nurse use?
A) Supine
B) High-Fowler position
C) Trendelenburg position
D) Prone position
Rationale: High-Fowler positioning promotes lung expansion and decreases venous return to
the heart, helping reduce pulmonary congestion. Supine and Trendelenburg positions can
worsen respiratory compromise.**
Question 9
A patient with COPD has an oxygen prescription. Which nursing intervention is most
appropriate?
A) Administer unrestricted high-flow oxygen without assessment
B) Administer oxygen as prescribed and monitor respiratory status and oxygenation
C) Withhold all oxygen because oxygen is dangerous in COPD
D) Encourage prolonged breath-holding
Rationale: Patients with COPD may require carefully titrated oxygen therapy. Oxygen should
not automatically be withheld, but the nurse should administer it according to the prescribed
target and monitor respiratory status and oxygenation closely.**
