NU 185
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING II
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Review 24
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 24 | 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 24 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
Question 1
A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is on mechanical ventilation. The nurse notes a sudden
decrease in SpO2 and increased peak airway pressures. Which action is the priority?
A. Suction the endotracheal tube
B. Increase the Fio2 to 100%
C. Assess bilateral breath sounds
D. Call for a chest X-ray
Answer: C
Rationale
Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. Decreased SpO2 and increased pressure may indicate a pneumothorax,
tube displacement, or obstruction; breath sound assessment helps differentiate the cause before intervening.
Question 2
A patient is admitted with a suspected pheochromocytoma. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse prioritize for
immediate reporting?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Diaphoresis
C. Heart rate of 95 bpm
D. Blood pressure of 210/110 mmHg
Answer: D
Rationale
Pheochromocytoma causes excessive catecholamine release, leading to severe hypertension which can result in stroke or
organ damage. This is a life-threatening priority. 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 24
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 24 | 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 24 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
Question 1
A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is on mechanical ventilation. The nurse notes a sudden
decrease in SpO2 and increased peak airway pressures. Which action is the priority?
A. Suction the endotracheal tube
B. Increase the Fio2 to 100%
C. Assess bilateral breath sounds
D. Call for a chest X-ray
Answer: C
Rationale
Assessment is the first step of the nursing process. Decreased SpO2 and increased pressure may indicate a pneumothorax,
tube displacement, or obstruction; breath sound assessment helps differentiate the cause before intervening.
Question 2
A patient is admitted with a suspected pheochromocytoma. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse prioritize for
immediate reporting?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Diaphoresis
C. Heart rate of 95 bpm
D. Blood pressure of 210/110 mmHg
Answer: D
Rationale
Pheochromocytoma causes excessive catecholamine release, leading to severe hypertension which can result in stroke or
organ damage. This is a life-threatening priority. 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
