NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts Exam 3 … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts Exam 3 Study
Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE Galen College
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts Exam 3 … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is in the diuretic phase. Which clinical
manifestation is the priority for the nurse to monitor?
A. Hypokalemia and dehydration
B. Hypervolemia and hypertension
C. Metabolic acidosis and Kussmaul respirations
D. Elevated serum creatinine and BUN
Answer: A
Rationale: In the diuretic phase of AKI, the kidneys begin to recover but cannot yet concentrate urine,
leading to massive fluid loss (polyuria). The nurse must prioritize monitoring for dehydration and
electrolyte imbalances, specifically hypokalemia. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer
makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and
matches the priority need. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer makes it easier to rule out
the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and matches the priority need.
2. Which assessment finding in a patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) indicates a
need for immediate intervention?
A. Hemoglobin level of 9.0 g/dL
B. Presence of uremic frost on the skin
C. Blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg
D. indicates a need for immediate intervention?
Answer: D
Rationale: A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is life-threatening as it can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
While the other findings are common in CKD, hyperkalemia requires immediate pharmacological
intervention (e.g., calcium gluconate, insulin/dextrose). Knowing the reason behind the correct answer
makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and
matches the priority need. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the client and
family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts Exam 3 … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is scheduled for hemodialysis. Which
medication should the nurse withhold until after the procedure?
A. Calcium carbonate
B. Epoetin alfa
C. Lisinopril
D. is scheduled for hemodialysis. Which medication should the nurse withhold until after the
procedure?
Answer: C
Rationale: Antihypertensives like Lisinopril are typically withheld before hemodialysis to prevent
severe hypotension during the fluid removal process. Many medications are also ‘dialyzed out,’
rendering them ineffective if given before. This is important because the nurse must choose the action
that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first when
answering these questions. Understanding this helps the nurse notice early warning signs and act
before the problem gets worse. Early action often prevents bigger complications for the client.
4. When assessing a patient’s new arteriovenous (AV) fistula, which finding is considered
normal?
A. Complaints of numbness in the fingers
B. Redness and warmth at the site
C. Presence of a thrill upon palpation
D. Ecchymosis covering the entire forearm
Answer: C
Rationale: A palpable thrill and an audible bruit are normal findings indicating the fistula is patent.
Numbness could indicate steal syndrome, and redness might indicate infection. In practice, this guides
the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication
are frequent priorities. In practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from
harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication are frequent priorities.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts Exam 3 Study
Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE Galen College
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts Exam 3 … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is in the diuretic phase. Which clinical
manifestation is the priority for the nurse to monitor?
A. Hypokalemia and dehydration
B. Hypervolemia and hypertension
C. Metabolic acidosis and Kussmaul respirations
D. Elevated serum creatinine and BUN
Answer: A
Rationale: In the diuretic phase of AKI, the kidneys begin to recover but cannot yet concentrate urine,
leading to massive fluid loss (polyuria). The nurse must prioritize monitoring for dehydration and
electrolyte imbalances, specifically hypokalemia. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer
makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and
matches the priority need. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer makes it easier to rule out
the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and matches the priority need.
2. Which assessment finding in a patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) indicates a
need for immediate intervention?
A. Hemoglobin level of 9.0 g/dL
B. Presence of uremic frost on the skin
C. Blood pressure of 148/92 mmHg
D. indicates a need for immediate intervention?
Answer: D
Rationale: A potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is life-threatening as it can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
While the other findings are common in CKD, hyperkalemia requires immediate pharmacological
intervention (e.g., calcium gluconate, insulin/dextrose). Knowing the reason behind the correct answer
makes it easier to rule out the wrong options quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and
matches the priority need. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the client and
family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts Exam 3 … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is scheduled for hemodialysis. Which
medication should the nurse withhold until after the procedure?
A. Calcium carbonate
B. Epoetin alfa
C. Lisinopril
D. is scheduled for hemodialysis. Which medication should the nurse withhold until after the
procedure?
Answer: C
Rationale: Antihypertensives like Lisinopril are typically withheld before hemodialysis to prevent
severe hypotension during the fluid removal process. Many medications are also ‘dialyzed out,’
rendering them ineffective if given before. This is important because the nurse must choose the action
that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first when
answering these questions. Understanding this helps the nurse notice early warning signs and act
before the problem gets worse. Early action often prevents bigger complications for the client.
4. When assessing a patient’s new arteriovenous (AV) fistula, which finding is considered
normal?
A. Complaints of numbness in the fingers
B. Redness and warmth at the site
C. Presence of a thrill upon palpation
D. Ecchymosis covering the entire forearm
Answer: C
Rationale: A palpable thrill and an audible bruit are normal findings indicating the fistula is patent.
Numbness could indicate steal syndrome, and redness might indicate infection. In practice, this guides
the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication
are frequent priorities. In practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from
harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication are frequent priorities.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
