NU 155 Medical-Surgical Nursing 1
NU 155 Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Exam 1 – 400-Questions| Actual Test
Bank 2026/2027 – Complete Exam-Style
Questions | 100% Verified – Pass
Guaranteed – A+ Graded
Passing Score: 100% (400/400)
Cognitive Distribution: 10% Recall | 55% Application | 35% Analysis
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR NURSING (Questions 1-60)
Q1: A nurse is assessing a patient with left-sided heart failure. Which finding is most consistent
with this condition?
A. Jugular vein distention
B. Hepatomegaly
C. Crackles in the lung bases [CORRECT]
D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation,
resulting in pulmonary congestion manifested as crackles in the lung bases. Jugular vein
distention, hepatomegaly, and peripheral edema are manifestations of right-sided heart failure.
Q2: A patient with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. The nurse should include which
instruction in patient teaching?
A. "Take this medication with food to prevent stomach upset."
B. "Report a persistent dry cough to your healthcare provider." [CORRECT]
C. "This medication may cause your heart rate to increase."
D. "You can stop taking this medication once your blood pressure is normal."
Correct Answer: B
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, NU 155 Medical-Surgical Nursing 2
Rationale: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause a persistent dry cough as a common side
effect due to accumulation of bradykinin. Patients should be taught to report this side effect so
the provider can consider switching to an ARB. Antihypertensive medications should not be
stopped abruptly, and ACE inhibitors do not need to be taken with food.
Q3: A nurse is monitoring a patient receiving a unit of packed red blood cells. Fifteen minutes
into the transfusion, the patient reports chills, back pain, and appears flushed. What should the
nurse do FIRST?
A. Slow the transfusion rate and reassess in 15 minutes
B. Administer acetaminophen as ordered
C. Stop the transfusion immediately and maintain IV access with normal saline [CORRECT]
D. Notify the blood bank to request a new unit
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient is exhibiting signs of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction (chills, back
pain, flushing). The first action is to stop the transfusion immediately to prevent further infusion
of incompatible blood. The IV line should be maintained with normal saline using new tubing.
This is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Q4: A nurse is interpreting a patient's ECG rhythm and notes no discernible P waves with an
irregular ventricular rhythm. Which dysrhythmia is most likely present?
A. Atrial fibrillation [CORRECT]
B. Ventricular tachycardia
C. First-degree heart block
D. Sinus tachycardia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation is characterized by absent P waves and an irregularly irregular
ventricular rhythm due to chaotic electrical activity in the atria. Ventricular tachycardia has wide
QRS complexes, first-degree heart block shows prolonged PR interval with P waves present, and
sinus tachycardia has regular rhythm with normal P waves.
Q5: A patient is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. Which nursing intervention is essential
prior to the procedure?
A. Administer a full meal to prevent hypoglycemia
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, NU 155 Medical-Surgical Nursing 3
B. Assess for allergies to shellfish or iodinated contrast [CORRECT]
C. Encourage ambulation to prepare for post-procedure activity
D. Discontinue all cardiac medications
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing for allergies to iodinated contrast media, including shellfish allergies (which
may indicate iodine sensitivity), is essential before cardiac catheterization. Patients should be
NPO prior to the procedure, cardiac medications are typically continued as ordered, and bed
rest is required after the procedure, not before.
Q6: A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient prescribed digoxin. Which statement by
the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will take my pulse before each dose."
B. "I should report visual changes such as yellow halos."
C. "I can take an antacid at the same time as my digoxin." [CORRECT]
D. "I will report nausea and vomiting to my provider."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antacids can decrease the absorption of digoxin and should not be taken at the same
time. Digoxin should be taken 2 hours apart from antacids. Taking pulse before each dose,
reporting visual disturbances (sign of toxicity), and reporting GI symptoms are all correct patient
teachings.
Q7: A patient develops deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left lower extremity. Which nursing
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Massage the affected extremity to promote circulation
B. Elevate the affected extremity and apply warm, moist heat [CORRECT]
C. Encourage active range of motion of the affected leg
D. Apply a tight elastic bandage from the knee down
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the affected extremity and applying warm, moist heat promotes venous
return and reduces edema and pain. Massaging the extremity could dislodge a thrombus,
causing pulmonary embolism. Active range of motion of the affected extremity is also
contraindicated during acute DVT.
2026/2027
, NU 155 Medical-Surgical Nursing 4
Q8: A patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) asks the nurse why their legs hurt when
walking. Which response is most accurate?
A. "The pain is caused by inflammation of your veins."
B. "Your arteries are narrowed, so your muscles don't receive enough oxygen during exercise."
[CORRECT]
C. "The pain is due to nerve compression in your spine."
D. "Walking causes fluid to accumulate in your tissues."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PAD is characterized by narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow to the extremities.
During exercise, muscles require more oxygen, but the narrowed arteries cannot deliver
adequate blood flow, resulting in ischemic pain known as intermittent claudication.
Q9: A nurse is assessing a patient and suspects pulmonary embolism. Which assessment finding
requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider?
A. Temperature of 99.2°F
B. Complaint of mild anxiety
C. Sudden onset of dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain [CORRECT]
D. Productive cough with green sputum
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sudden onset of dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain are classic signs of pulmonary
embolism and require immediate notification. These symptoms indicate that a thrombus has
traveled to the pulmonary vasculature, causing obstruction and impaired gas exchange. This is a
life-threatening emergency requiring rapid intervention.
Q10: A patient is prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness?
A. Platelet count
B. Prothrombin time (PT) / INR [CORRECT]
C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D. Bleeding time
Correct Answer: B
2026/2027
NU 155 Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Exam 1 – 400-Questions| Actual Test
Bank 2026/2027 – Complete Exam-Style
Questions | 100% Verified – Pass
Guaranteed – A+ Graded
Passing Score: 100% (400/400)
Cognitive Distribution: 10% Recall | 55% Application | 35% Analysis
SECTION 1: CARDIOVASCULAR NURSING (Questions 1-60)
Q1: A nurse is assessing a patient with left-sided heart failure. Which finding is most consistent
with this condition?
A. Jugular vein distention
B. Hepatomegaly
C. Crackles in the lung bases [CORRECT]
D. Peripheral edema
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation,
resulting in pulmonary congestion manifested as crackles in the lung bases. Jugular vein
distention, hepatomegaly, and peripheral edema are manifestations of right-sided heart failure.
Q2: A patient with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. The nurse should include which
instruction in patient teaching?
A. "Take this medication with food to prevent stomach upset."
B. "Report a persistent dry cough to your healthcare provider." [CORRECT]
C. "This medication may cause your heart rate to increase."
D. "You can stop taking this medication once your blood pressure is normal."
Correct Answer: B
2026/2027
, NU 155 Medical-Surgical Nursing 2
Rationale: Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause a persistent dry cough as a common side
effect due to accumulation of bradykinin. Patients should be taught to report this side effect so
the provider can consider switching to an ARB. Antihypertensive medications should not be
stopped abruptly, and ACE inhibitors do not need to be taken with food.
Q3: A nurse is monitoring a patient receiving a unit of packed red blood cells. Fifteen minutes
into the transfusion, the patient reports chills, back pain, and appears flushed. What should the
nurse do FIRST?
A. Slow the transfusion rate and reassess in 15 minutes
B. Administer acetaminophen as ordered
C. Stop the transfusion immediately and maintain IV access with normal saline [CORRECT]
D. Notify the blood bank to request a new unit
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The patient is exhibiting signs of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction (chills, back
pain, flushing). The first action is to stop the transfusion immediately to prevent further infusion
of incompatible blood. The IV line should be maintained with normal saline using new tubing.
This is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Q4: A nurse is interpreting a patient's ECG rhythm and notes no discernible P waves with an
irregular ventricular rhythm. Which dysrhythmia is most likely present?
A. Atrial fibrillation [CORRECT]
B. Ventricular tachycardia
C. First-degree heart block
D. Sinus tachycardia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation is characterized by absent P waves and an irregularly irregular
ventricular rhythm due to chaotic electrical activity in the atria. Ventricular tachycardia has wide
QRS complexes, first-degree heart block shows prolonged PR interval with P waves present, and
sinus tachycardia has regular rhythm with normal P waves.
Q5: A patient is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. Which nursing intervention is essential
prior to the procedure?
A. Administer a full meal to prevent hypoglycemia
2026/2027
, NU 155 Medical-Surgical Nursing 3
B. Assess for allergies to shellfish or iodinated contrast [CORRECT]
C. Encourage ambulation to prepare for post-procedure activity
D. Discontinue all cardiac medications
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assessing for allergies to iodinated contrast media, including shellfish allergies (which
may indicate iodine sensitivity), is essential before cardiac catheterization. Patients should be
NPO prior to the procedure, cardiac medications are typically continued as ordered, and bed
rest is required after the procedure, not before.
Q6: A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a patient prescribed digoxin. Which statement by
the patient indicates a need for further teaching?
A. "I will take my pulse before each dose."
B. "I should report visual changes such as yellow halos."
C. "I can take an antacid at the same time as my digoxin." [CORRECT]
D. "I will report nausea and vomiting to my provider."
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Antacids can decrease the absorption of digoxin and should not be taken at the same
time. Digoxin should be taken 2 hours apart from antacids. Taking pulse before each dose,
reporting visual disturbances (sign of toxicity), and reporting GI symptoms are all correct patient
teachings.
Q7: A patient develops deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the left lower extremity. Which nursing
intervention is most appropriate?
A. Massage the affected extremity to promote circulation
B. Elevate the affected extremity and apply warm, moist heat [CORRECT]
C. Encourage active range of motion of the affected leg
D. Apply a tight elastic bandage from the knee down
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Elevating the affected extremity and applying warm, moist heat promotes venous
return and reduces edema and pain. Massaging the extremity could dislodge a thrombus,
causing pulmonary embolism. Active range of motion of the affected extremity is also
contraindicated during acute DVT.
2026/2027
, NU 155 Medical-Surgical Nursing 4
Q8: A patient with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) asks the nurse why their legs hurt when
walking. Which response is most accurate?
A. "The pain is caused by inflammation of your veins."
B. "Your arteries are narrowed, so your muscles don't receive enough oxygen during exercise."
[CORRECT]
C. "The pain is due to nerve compression in your spine."
D. "Walking causes fluid to accumulate in your tissues."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PAD is characterized by narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow to the extremities.
During exercise, muscles require more oxygen, but the narrowed arteries cannot deliver
adequate blood flow, resulting in ischemic pain known as intermittent claudication.
Q9: A nurse is assessing a patient and suspects pulmonary embolism. Which assessment finding
requires immediate notification of the healthcare provider?
A. Temperature of 99.2°F
B. Complaint of mild anxiety
C. Sudden onset of dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain [CORRECT]
D. Productive cough with green sputum
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sudden onset of dyspnea and pleuritic chest pain are classic signs of pulmonary
embolism and require immediate notification. These symptoms indicate that a thrombus has
traveled to the pulmonary vasculature, causing obstruction and impaired gas exchange. This is a
life-threatening emergency requiring rapid intervention.
Q10: A patient is prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation. Which laboratory value should the
nurse monitor to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness?
A. Platelet count
B. Prothrombin time (PT) / INR [CORRECT]
C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
D. Bleeding time
Correct Answer: B
2026/2027
