NU 185
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING II
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Review 22
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 22 | 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 22 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
Question 1
A patient presents with a blood glucose of 850 mg/dL, arterial pH of 7.36, and negative ketones in the urine. Which
condition does the nurse suspect?
A. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
B. Metabolic Acidosis
C. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
D. Diabetes Insipidus
Answer: C
Rationale
HHS is characterized by profound hyperglycemia (usually >600 mg/dL) and hyperosmolarity without significant ketoacidosis,
often seen in Type 2 diabetics. 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 EKG rhythm is characterized by a ‘sawtooth’ pattern and requires assessment for stroke risk?
A. Ventricular Tachycardia
B. Atrial Fibrillation
C. Sinus Bradycardia
D. Atrial Flutter
Answer: D
Rationale
Atrial flutter typically displays a sawtooth P-wave pattern. Like atrial fibrillation, it increases the risk of thrombus formation and
stroke. 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 22
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 22 | 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 22 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
Question 1
A patient presents with a blood glucose of 850 mg/dL, arterial pH of 7.36, and negative ketones in the urine. Which
condition does the nurse suspect?
A. Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
B. Metabolic Acidosis
C. Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
D. Diabetes Insipidus
Answer: C
Rationale
HHS is characterized by profound hyperglycemia (usually >600 mg/dL) and hyperosmolarity without significant ketoacidosis,
often seen in Type 2 diabetics. 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 EKG rhythm is characterized by a ‘sawtooth’ pattern and requires assessment for stroke risk?
A. Ventricular Tachycardia
B. Atrial Fibrillation
C. Sinus Bradycardia
D. Atrial Flutter
Answer: D
Rationale
Atrial flutter typically displays a sawtooth P-wave pattern. Like atrial fibrillation, it increases the risk of thrombus formation and
stroke. 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
