NU 185
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING II
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Review 6
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 6 | 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 6 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
Question 1
A patient with ARDS is receiving mechanical ventilation with high PEEP. The nurse notes a sudden drop in blood
pressure and decreased breath sounds on the right side. What is the priority action?
A. Increase the PEEP setting to improve oxygenation
B. Prepare for immediate needle decompression or chest tube insertion
C. Suction the patient to clear mucus plugs
D. Administer a bolus of IV crystalloids
Answer: B
Rationale
High PEEP levels increase the risk of barotrauma, leading to a tension pneumothorax. A sudden drop in BP and absent breath
sounds are hallmark signs requiring emergent decompression. 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
When assessing a patient with a traumatic brain injury, the nurse observes a blood pressure of 180/60, a heart rate of
48, and irregular respirations. This set of findings is known as:
A. Virchow’s Triad
B. Horner’s Syndrome
C. Beck’s Triad
D. Cushing’s Triad
Answer: D
Rationale
Cushing’s Triad consists of widened pulse pressure (hypertension), bradycardia, and irregular respirations, indicating
increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and impending herniation. 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 6
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 6 | 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 6 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
Question 1
A patient with ARDS is receiving mechanical ventilation with high PEEP. The nurse notes a sudden drop in blood
pressure and decreased breath sounds on the right side. What is the priority action?
A. Increase the PEEP setting to improve oxygenation
B. Prepare for immediate needle decompression or chest tube insertion
C. Suction the patient to clear mucus plugs
D. Administer a bolus of IV crystalloids
Answer: B
Rationale
High PEEP levels increase the risk of barotrauma, leading to a tension pneumothorax. A sudden drop in BP and absent breath
sounds are hallmark signs requiring emergent decompression. 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
When assessing a patient with a traumatic brain injury, the nurse observes a blood pressure of 180/60, a heart rate of
48, and irregular respirations. This set of findings is known as:
A. Virchow’s Triad
B. Horner’s Syndrome
C. Beck’s Triad
D. Cushing’s Triad
Answer: D
Rationale
Cushing’s Triad consists of widened pulse pressure (hypertension), bradycardia, and irregular respirations, indicating
increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and impending herniation. 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
