NUR 242 Med-Surg Concepts Exam 2 Comprehensive Qu… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 242 Med-Surg Concepts Exam 2 Comprehensive Quiz
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 Med-Surg Concepts Exam 2 Comprehensive Qu… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with a pH of 7.30,
PaCO2 of 58 mmHg, and HCO3 of 30 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Respiratory acidosis, partially compensated
B. Metabolic acidosis, fully compensated
C. Respiratory alkalosis, uncompensated
D. presents with a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 58 mmHg, and HCO3 of 30 mEq/L. Which acid-base
imbalance is occurring?
Answer: A
Rationale: The pH is acidic (<7.35), the PaCO2 is high (>45, indicating respiratory cause), and the
HCO3 is high (>26, indicating the kidneys are attempting to compensate but the pH is not yet normal).
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.
2. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of a patient experiencing Left-Sided Heart
Failure?
A. Jugular venous distention (JVD)
B. Dependent peripheral edema
C. Hepatosplenomegaly
D. B. Dependent peripheral edema
Answer: D
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure results in backflow of blood into the pulmonary circulation, leading
to pulmonary symptoms like crackles, dyspnea, and orthopnea. Remembering this point will help you
decide the best nursing action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the
client’s current condition and risk level. Remembering this point will help you decide the best nursing
action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the client’s current condition and
risk level.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 242 Med-Surg Concepts Exam 2 Comprehensive Qu… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient is admitted with suspected Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Which
early assessment finding is typical for this condition?
A. Refractory hypoxemia despite oxygen therapy
B. Hypercapnia and bradycardia
C. Productive cough with pink frothy sputum
D. Decreased heart rate and low blood pressure
Answer: A
Rationale: A hallmark sign of ARDS is refractory hypoxemia, where the patient’s oxygen saturation
does not improve significantly even with high concentrations of supplemental oxygen. 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.
4. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient exhibiting Ventricular Fibrillation (V-
Fib) on the cardiac monitor?
A. Administer IV Amiodarone
B. Perform immediate synchronized cardioversion
C. Assess the patient’s carotid pulse
D. Initiate high-quality CPR and prepare for defibrillation
Answer: D
Rationale: V-fib is a lethal rhythm. The priority is immediate CPR and defibrillation. Assess for a pulse
only if the rhythm changes or to verify the monitor initially, but defibrillation is the definitive treatment. In
practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and
clear communication are frequent priorities. Exam questions often test whether you can pick the most
practical and safe choice for the client in real situations. Focus on what the nurse can actually do right
now.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 242 Med-Surg Concepts Exam 2 Comprehensive Quiz
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 Med-Surg Concepts Exam 2 Comprehensive Qu… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with a pH of 7.30,
PaCO2 of 58 mmHg, and HCO3 of 30 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is occurring?
A. Respiratory acidosis, partially compensated
B. Metabolic acidosis, fully compensated
C. Respiratory alkalosis, uncompensated
D. presents with a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 58 mmHg, and HCO3 of 30 mEq/L. Which acid-base
imbalance is occurring?
Answer: A
Rationale: The pH is acidic (<7.35), the PaCO2 is high (>45, indicating respiratory cause), and the
HCO3 is high (>26, indicating the kidneys are attempting to compensate but the pH is not yet normal).
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.
2. Which clinical finding is most characteristic of a patient experiencing Left-Sided Heart
Failure?
A. Jugular venous distention (JVD)
B. Dependent peripheral edema
C. Hepatosplenomegaly
D. B. Dependent peripheral edema
Answer: D
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure results in backflow of blood into the pulmonary circulation, leading
to pulmonary symptoms like crackles, dyspnea, and orthopnea. Remembering this point will help you
decide the best nursing action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the
client’s current condition and risk level. Remembering this point will help you decide the best nursing
action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the client’s current condition and
risk level.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 242 Med-Surg Concepts Exam 2 Comprehensive Qu… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient is admitted with suspected Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). Which
early assessment finding is typical for this condition?
A. Refractory hypoxemia despite oxygen therapy
B. Hypercapnia and bradycardia
C. Productive cough with pink frothy sputum
D. Decreased heart rate and low blood pressure
Answer: A
Rationale: A hallmark sign of ARDS is refractory hypoxemia, where the patient’s oxygen saturation
does not improve significantly even with high concentrations of supplemental oxygen. 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.
4. What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient exhibiting Ventricular Fibrillation (V-
Fib) on the cardiac monitor?
A. Administer IV Amiodarone
B. Perform immediate synchronized cardioversion
C. Assess the patient’s carotid pulse
D. Initiate high-quality CPR and prepare for defibrillation
Answer: D
Rationale: V-fib is a lethal rhythm. The priority is immediate CPR and defibrillation. Assess for a pulse
only if the rhythm changes or to verify the monitor initially, but defibrillation is the definitive treatment. In
practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and
clear communication are frequent priorities. Exam questions often test whether you can pick the most
practical and safe choice for the client in real situations. Focus on what the nurse can actually do right
now.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
