Galen College of Nursing | NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts
NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts
Exam 3 Comprehensive Examination
2026/2027 | Verified Questions
Galen College of Nursing | NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts | University-Level Nursing
Students
50 Verified Questions | 4 Core Domains | Academic Year 2026/2027
Prepared by
Galen College of Nursing | NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts
Examination 3 Actual Exam | Academic Year 2026/2027
NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts Exam 3 Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, INTRODUCTION
This document contains 50 original verified questions designed for the NUR 242 Medical-Surgical
Nursing Concepts Examination 3 for the academic year 2026/2027. The questions are distributed across
four core domains: Domain 1 Respiratory System and Alterations (13 questions), Domain 2
Cardiovascular System and Alterations (13 questions), Domain 3 Hematologic and Immune System
Alterations (12 questions), and Domain 4 Oncology and Palliative Care Concepts (12 questions). Content
is original and constructed to reinforce the official NUR 242 course objectives for actual exam readiness
and clinical proficiency in medical-surgical nursing, aligned to the 2026/2027 academic year. Each
question includes a correct answer designation and a rationale grounded in foundational medical-surgical
nursing methodology.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Respiratory System and Alterations
Question 1. A client with COPD is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which
finding indicates the need for immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min with use of accessory muscles and decreased level of
consciousness
B. Oxygen saturation of 90% on current therapy
C. Mild expiratory wheezes bilaterally
D. Productive cough with thick sputum
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In COPD, rising respiratory rate with accessory muscle use and declining consciousness
suggest impending respiratory failure and possible CO2 retention; urgent assessment and possible
ventilatory support are required.
Question 2. Which nursing action is priority for a client with a newly inserted chest tube
connected to water-seal drainage?
A. Milk the tubing vigorously every hour
B. Keep the drainage system below chest level and monitor for continuous bubbling in the water seal
C. Clamp the tube for 4 hours after insertion
D. Empty the collection chamber every 15 minutes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The drainage system must remain below chest level to prevent fluid backflow; continuous
bubbling in the water seal may indicate an air leak requiring assessment.
Question 3. A client with pneumonia has an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. What is
the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage ambulation in the hallway
B. Notify the provider after completing all other assessments
C. Apply supplemental oxygen as ordered and reassess saturation and respiratory status
D. Administer a PRN antitussive and reassess in 2 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoxemia requires prompt oxygen support per order and reassessment of response;
delaying oxygen therapy prioritizes less urgent actions.
Question 4. Which position is most appropriate for a client with unilateral pneumonia to
optimize oxygenation?
A. Supine with the head of bed flat
B. Lying on the affected side exclusively
NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts Exam 3 Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts
Exam 3 Comprehensive Examination
2026/2027 | Verified Questions
Galen College of Nursing | NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts | University-Level Nursing
Students
50 Verified Questions | 4 Core Domains | Academic Year 2026/2027
Prepared by
Galen College of Nursing | NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts
Examination 3 Actual Exam | Academic Year 2026/2027
NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts Exam 3 Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
, INTRODUCTION
This document contains 50 original verified questions designed for the NUR 242 Medical-Surgical
Nursing Concepts Examination 3 for the academic year 2026/2027. The questions are distributed across
four core domains: Domain 1 Respiratory System and Alterations (13 questions), Domain 2
Cardiovascular System and Alterations (13 questions), Domain 3 Hematologic and Immune System
Alterations (12 questions), and Domain 4 Oncology and Palliative Care Concepts (12 questions). Content
is original and constructed to reinforce the official NUR 242 course objectives for actual exam readiness
and clinical proficiency in medical-surgical nursing, aligned to the 2026/2027 academic year. Each
question includes a correct answer designation and a rationale grounded in foundational medical-surgical
nursing methodology.
ACTUAL QUESTIONS
Domain 1: Respiratory System and Alterations
Question 1. A client with COPD is receiving oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. Which
finding indicates the need for immediate intervention?
A. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min with use of accessory muscles and decreased level of
consciousness
B. Oxygen saturation of 90% on current therapy
C. Mild expiratory wheezes bilaterally
D. Productive cough with thick sputum
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In COPD, rising respiratory rate with accessory muscle use and declining consciousness
suggest impending respiratory failure and possible CO2 retention; urgent assessment and possible
ventilatory support are required.
Question 2. Which nursing action is priority for a client with a newly inserted chest tube
connected to water-seal drainage?
A. Milk the tubing vigorously every hour
B. Keep the drainage system below chest level and monitor for continuous bubbling in the water seal
C. Clamp the tube for 4 hours after insertion
D. Empty the collection chamber every 15 minutes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The drainage system must remain below chest level to prevent fluid backflow; continuous
bubbling in the water seal may indicate an air leak requiring assessment.
Question 3. A client with pneumonia has an oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. What is
the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage ambulation in the hallway
B. Notify the provider after completing all other assessments
C. Apply supplemental oxygen as ordered and reassess saturation and respiratory status
D. Administer a PRN antitussive and reassess in 2 hours
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypoxemia requires prompt oxygen support per order and reassessment of response;
delaying oxygen therapy prioritizes less urgent actions.
Question 4. Which position is most appropriate for a client with unilateral pneumonia to
optimize oxygenation?
A. Supine with the head of bed flat
B. Lying on the affected side exclusively
NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts Exam 3 Comprehensive Examination 2026/2027 | Verified Questions
