NUR 265
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam
3 Practice Questions
Exam 3 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 265
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 265 Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam 3 Practice Questions 2026/2027 UPDATE –
Galen
1. A patient with septic shock has a MAP of 55 mmHg despite adequate fluid resuscitation.
Which vasopressor is the first-line agent to increase systemic vascular resistance?
A. Dopamine
B. Epinephrine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Vasopressin
Answer: C
Rationale: Norepinephrine (Levophed) is the first-line vasopressor for septic shock that is
unresponsive to fluid resuscitation because it increases MAP with minimal effect on heart
rate compared to dopamine.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient on a mechanical ventilator. The high-pressure alarm sounds.
Which of the following is the most likely cause?
A. The patient is biting the endotracheal tube
B. A leak in the ventilator circuit
C. Self-extubation
D. Disconnection of the humidifier
, Answer: A
Rationale: High-pressure alarms are triggered by increased resistance, such as secretions,
bronchospasm, or the patient biting the ETT. Low-pressure alarms are triggered by leaks or
disconnections.
3. A patient in the ICU develops Sinus Bradycardia (HR 42) and is symptomatic with
hypotension and dizziness. What is the initial pharmacological intervention?
A. Amiodarone 150 mg IV
B. Dopamine infusion at 10 mcg/kg/min
C. Adenosine 6 mg rapid IV push
D. Atropine 1 mg IV push
Answer: D
Rationale: Atropine is the primary drug used to treat symptomatic bradycardia. The dose
is currently 1 mg every 3-5 minutes (max 3 mg) per ACLS guidelines.
4. A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is placed in the prone position.
What is the primary physiological benefit of this intervention?
A. Decreased risk of pressure ulcers
B. Reduced need for sedation
C. Improvement in ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) matching
D. Prevention of aspiration
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam
3 Practice Questions
Exam 3 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 265
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 265 Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam 3 Practice Questions 2026/2027 UPDATE –
Galen
1. A patient with septic shock has a MAP of 55 mmHg despite adequate fluid resuscitation.
Which vasopressor is the first-line agent to increase systemic vascular resistance?
A. Dopamine
B. Epinephrine
C. Norepinephrine
D. Vasopressin
Answer: C
Rationale: Norepinephrine (Levophed) is the first-line vasopressor for septic shock that is
unresponsive to fluid resuscitation because it increases MAP with minimal effect on heart
rate compared to dopamine.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient on a mechanical ventilator. The high-pressure alarm sounds.
Which of the following is the most likely cause?
A. The patient is biting the endotracheal tube
B. A leak in the ventilator circuit
C. Self-extubation
D. Disconnection of the humidifier
, Answer: A
Rationale: High-pressure alarms are triggered by increased resistance, such as secretions,
bronchospasm, or the patient biting the ETT. Low-pressure alarms are triggered by leaks or
disconnections.
3. A patient in the ICU develops Sinus Bradycardia (HR 42) and is symptomatic with
hypotension and dizziness. What is the initial pharmacological intervention?
A. Amiodarone 150 mg IV
B. Dopamine infusion at 10 mcg/kg/min
C. Adenosine 6 mg rapid IV push
D. Atropine 1 mg IV push
Answer: D
Rationale: Atropine is the primary drug used to treat symptomatic bradycardia. The dose
is currently 1 mg every 3-5 minutes (max 3 mg) per ACLS guidelines.
4. A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is placed in the prone position.
What is the primary physiological benefit of this intervention?
A. Decreased risk of pressure ulcers
B. Reduced need for sedation
C. Improvement in ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) matching
D. Prevention of aspiration
