NU 185
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING II
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Review 16
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 16 | 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 16 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
Question 1
A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which EKG finding should
the nurse anticipate?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: B
Rationale
Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) causes tall, peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest.
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
Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most consistent with a patient experiencing a severe exacerbation of COPD?
A. pH 7.32, PaCO2 58, HCO3 30
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
C. pH 7.25, PaCO2 40, HCO3 18
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 45, HCO3 34
Answer: A
Rationale
COPD causes respiratory acidosis (low pH, high PaCO2) with partial metabolic compensation (elevated HCO3).
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 16
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 16 | 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 16 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
Question 1
A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which EKG finding should
the nurse anticipate?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Tall, peaked T waves
C. ST-segment depression
D. Shortened PR interval
Answer: B
Rationale
Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) causes tall, peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest.
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
Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most consistent with a patient experiencing a severe exacerbation of COPD?
A. pH 7.32, PaCO2 58, HCO3 30
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
C. pH 7.25, PaCO2 40, HCO3 18
D. pH 7.50, PaCO2 45, HCO3 34
Answer: A
Rationale
COPD causes respiratory acidosis (low pH, high PaCO2) with partial metabolic compensation (elevated HCO3).
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
