NUR 265 Exam 2: Medical-Surgical Nursing - Cardio… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 265 Exam 2: Medical-Surgical Nursing - Cardiovascular
and Shock 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 265 Exam 2: Medical-Surgical Nursing - Cardio… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with left-sided heart failure is most likely to exhibit which of the following clinical
manifestations?
A. Jugular venous distention
B. Peripheral edema
C. Hepatomegaly
D. Crackles in the lungs
Answer: D
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation, leading to
pulmonary congestion and crackles. Options A, B, and D are signs of right-sided heart failure. This
knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear
teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the
nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces
anxiety.
2. Which rhythm is characterized by the absence of P waves and an irregularly irregular QRS
rhythm?
A. Atrial Flutter
B. Atrial Fibrillation
C. Ventricular Tachycardia
D. First-degree AV block
Answer: B
Rationale: Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is defined by the loss of organized atrial activity (no P waves) and
an irregular ventricular response. 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.
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.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 265 Exam 2: Medical-Surgical Nursing - Cardio… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. The nurse is caring for a patient in hypovolemic shock. Which hemodynamic finding
should the nurse expect?
A. Increased Central Venous Pressure (CVP)
B. Decreased Cardiac Output (CO)
C. Decreased Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
D. Increased Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP)
Answer: B
Rationale: In hypovolemic shock, the lack of circulating volume leads to a decrease in cardiac output,
CVP, and PAWP. SVR usually increases as a compensatory mechanism. In practice, this guides the
nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication are
frequent priorities. Clear understanding of this concept improves both test performance and everyday
clinical judgment. Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the idea in place.
4. Which medication is the first-line treatment for a patient experiencing symptomatic
bradycardia?
A. Amiodarone
B. Adenosine
C. Atropine
D. Epinephrine
Answer: C
Rationale: Atropine is an anticholinergic used to increase the heart rate in symptomatic bradycardia.
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 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 265 Exam 2: Medical-Surgical Nursing - Cardiovascular
and Shock 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 265 Exam 2: Medical-Surgical Nursing - Cardio… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with left-sided heart failure is most likely to exhibit which of the following clinical
manifestations?
A. Jugular venous distention
B. Peripheral edema
C. Hepatomegaly
D. Crackles in the lungs
Answer: D
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation, leading to
pulmonary congestion and crackles. Options A, B, and D are signs of right-sided heart failure. This
knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear
teaching improves cooperation and reduces anxiety. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the
nurse teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces
anxiety.
2. Which rhythm is characterized by the absence of P waves and an irregularly irregular QRS
rhythm?
A. Atrial Flutter
B. Atrial Fibrillation
C. Ventricular Tachycardia
D. First-degree AV block
Answer: B
Rationale: Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) is defined by the loss of organized atrial activity (no P waves) and
an irregular ventricular response. 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.
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.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 265 Exam 2: Medical-Surgical Nursing - Cardio… 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. The nurse is caring for a patient in hypovolemic shock. Which hemodynamic finding
should the nurse expect?
A. Increased Central Venous Pressure (CVP)
B. Decreased Cardiac Output (CO)
C. Decreased Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
D. Increased Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP)
Answer: B
Rationale: In hypovolemic shock, the lack of circulating volume leads to a decrease in cardiac output,
CVP, and PAWP. SVR usually increases as a compensatory mechanism. In practice, this guides the
nurse to set priorities and protect the client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication are
frequent priorities. Clear understanding of this concept improves both test performance and everyday
clinical judgment. Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the idea in place.
4. Which medication is the first-line treatment for a patient experiencing symptomatic
bradycardia?
A. Amiodarone
B. Adenosine
C. Atropine
D. Epinephrine
Answer: C
Rationale: Atropine is an anticholinergic used to increase the heart rate in symptomatic bradycardia.
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 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
