NU 185
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING II
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Review 2
UPDATE
50 Multiple-Choice Questions
Complete Answers with Detailed Rationales
Aligned with Medical-Surgical Nursing Standards
Galen College | NU 185 | Medical-Surgical Nursing II
Cardiac • Respiratory • Endocrine • GI • Renal • Neurological • Perioperative
For academic study and exam review • Verify with current course materials
,NU 185 | Review 2 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
How to Use This Review
This comprehensive exam review contains high-yield multiple-choice questions covering the core clinical topics of NU 185
Medical-Surgical Nursing II. Each item is followed by the correct answer and an expanded rationale that explains the
underlying pathophysiology or nursing priority, why the correct option is preferred, and why the distractors are incorrect.
Topics span cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal, renal, neurological, and perioperative care. Study tip:
Attempt each question before reading the answer. Then carefully review the detailed rationale and relate the concepts to
clinical practice.
Topic Index (Selected High-Yield Areas)
• Heart failure (left vs right), ACS, arrhythmias, hypertension management
• COPD, asthma, pneumonia, respiratory failure, ABG interpretation
• Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, adrenal crises and emergencies
• GI bleeding, pancreatitis, liver disease, bowel obstruction priorities
• Acute kidney injury, CKD, fluid & electrolyte imbalances
• Stroke, increased ICP, seizures, neurological assessment
• Perioperative care, post-op complications, pain management
• Infection, sepsis, shock states, and priority nursing interventions
Page 2
, NU 185 | Review 2 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
Question 1
A patient is admitted with a suspected ischemic stroke. Which intervention is the nurse’s priority within the first 60
minutes of arrival?
A. Administering a loading dose of aspirin
B. Starting a continuous heparin infusion
C. Obtaining a non-contrast CT scan of the head
D. Performing a comprehensive lumbar puncture
Answer: C
Rationale
Rapid assessment with a non-contrast CT scan is critical to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, which
determines whether fibrinolytic therapy can be safely administered. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical
decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions about pathophysiology or prioritization. Always link
assessment data to the primary disease process and anticipated complications.
Question 2
A patient with Type 1 Diabetes presents with Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath, and a blood glucose of 450 mg/dL.
Which acid-base imbalance does the nurse expect?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: A
Rationale
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) results in an accumulation of ketones, which are acidic, leading to a primary metabolic acidosis.
Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism to blow off CO2. Understanding this concept is essential for safe
clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions about pathophysiology or prioritization.
Always link assessment data to the primary disease process and anticipated complications.
Page 3
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING II
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Review 2
UPDATE
50 Multiple-Choice Questions
Complete Answers with Detailed Rationales
Aligned with Medical-Surgical Nursing Standards
Galen College | NU 185 | Medical-Surgical Nursing II
Cardiac • Respiratory • Endocrine • GI • Renal • Neurological • Perioperative
For academic study and exam review • Verify with current course materials
,NU 185 | Review 2 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
How to Use This Review
This comprehensive exam review contains high-yield multiple-choice questions covering the core clinical topics of NU 185
Medical-Surgical Nursing II. Each item is followed by the correct answer and an expanded rationale that explains the
underlying pathophysiology or nursing priority, why the correct option is preferred, and why the distractors are incorrect.
Topics span cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal, renal, neurological, and perioperative care. Study tip:
Attempt each question before reading the answer. Then carefully review the detailed rationale and relate the concepts to
clinical practice.
Topic Index (Selected High-Yield Areas)
• Heart failure (left vs right), ACS, arrhythmias, hypertension management
• COPD, asthma, pneumonia, respiratory failure, ABG interpretation
• Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, adrenal crises and emergencies
• GI bleeding, pancreatitis, liver disease, bowel obstruction priorities
• Acute kidney injury, CKD, fluid & electrolyte imbalances
• Stroke, increased ICP, seizures, neurological assessment
• Perioperative care, post-op complications, pain management
• Infection, sepsis, shock states, and priority nursing interventions
Page 2
, NU 185 | Review 2 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
Question 1
A patient is admitted with a suspected ischemic stroke. Which intervention is the nurse’s priority within the first 60
minutes of arrival?
A. Administering a loading dose of aspirin
B. Starting a continuous heparin infusion
C. Obtaining a non-contrast CT scan of the head
D. Performing a comprehensive lumbar puncture
Answer: C
Rationale
Rapid assessment with a non-contrast CT scan is critical to differentiate between ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, which
determines whether fibrinolytic therapy can be safely administered. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical
decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions about pathophysiology or prioritization. Always link
assessment data to the primary disease process and anticipated complications.
Question 2
A patient with Type 1 Diabetes presents with Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath, and a blood glucose of 450 mg/dL.
Which acid-base imbalance does the nurse expect?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: A
Rationale
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) results in an accumulation of ketones, which are acidic, leading to a primary metabolic acidosis.
Kussmaul respirations are a compensatory mechanism to blow off CO2. Understanding this concept is essential for safe
clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions about pathophysiology or prioritization.
Always link assessment data to the primary disease process and anticipated complications.
Page 3
