NUR 265 Med-Surg Exam 1 Comprehensive Assessment … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 265 Med-Surg Exam 1 Comprehensive Assessment
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 Med-Surg Exam 1 Comprehensive Assessment … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A client is admitted with a serum sodium level of 118 mEq/L. Which nursing intervention is
the highest priority for this client?
A. Encouraging increased oral fluid intake
B. Administering low-dose diuretics
C. Initiating seizure precautions
D. Monitoring daily weights
Answer: C
Rationale: Severe hyponatremia (below 120 mEq/L) puts the client at high risk for cerebral edema and
seizures; safety through seizure precautions is the priority. 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. 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.
2. A patient has the following ABG results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L. How
should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Uncompensated Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Partially Compensated Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: B
Rationale: The pH is low (acidosis), PaCO2 is high (respiratory cause), and HCO3 is normal, meaning
no compensation has occurred yet. 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 2
, NUR 265 Med-Surg Exam 1 Comprehensive Assessment … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. During the emergent phase of a burn injury, which electrolyte imbalance is most
commonly expected?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: In the emergent phase, cell destruction releases intracellular potassium into the
extracellular fluid, resulting in hyperkalemia. 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. 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.
4. A client in the ICU has a Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP) of 22 mmHg. Which
clinical finding should the nurse anticipate?
A. Dehydration
B. Jugular venous distention and crackles
C. Hypovolemic shock
D. Flattened neck veins
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal PAWP is 6-12 mmHg. An elevation to 22 mmHg indicates left-sided heart failure or
fluid volume overload, leading to pulmonary congestion. 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 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 Med-Surg Exam 1 Comprehensive Assessment
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 Med-Surg Exam 1 Comprehensive Assessment … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A client is admitted with a serum sodium level of 118 mEq/L. Which nursing intervention is
the highest priority for this client?
A. Encouraging increased oral fluid intake
B. Administering low-dose diuretics
C. Initiating seizure precautions
D. Monitoring daily weights
Answer: C
Rationale: Severe hyponatremia (below 120 mEq/L) puts the client at high risk for cerebral edema and
seizures; safety through seizure precautions is the priority. 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. 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.
2. A patient has the following ABG results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 52 mmHg, HCO3 24 mEq/L. How
should the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Uncompensated Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Partially Compensated Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: B
Rationale: The pH is low (acidosis), PaCO2 is high (respiratory cause), and HCO3 is normal, meaning
no compensation has occurred yet. 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 2
, NUR 265 Med-Surg Exam 1 Comprehensive Assessment … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. During the emergent phase of a burn injury, which electrolyte imbalance is most
commonly expected?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: In the emergent phase, cell destruction releases intracellular potassium into the
extracellular fluid, resulting in hyperkalemia. 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. 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.
4. A client in the ICU has a Pulmonary Artery Wedge Pressure (PAWP) of 22 mmHg. Which
clinical finding should the nurse anticipate?
A. Dehydration
B. Jugular venous distention and crackles
C. Hypovolemic shock
D. Flattened neck veins
Answer: B
Rationale: Normal PAWP is 6-12 mmHg. An elevation to 22 mmHg indicates left-sided heart failure or
fluid volume overload, leading to pulmonary congestion. 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 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
