NUR 265
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing Final Exam
Final Exam • Comprehensive Study Guide
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)
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,NUR 265 Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing Final Exam 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient with severe burns covering 40% of their body is in the emergent phase. Which
laboratory finding would the nurse most likely expect?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Decreased hematocrit
Answer: B
Rationale: During the emergent phase of a burn injury, massive cell destruction leads to
the release of potassium into the extracellular space, causing hyperkalemia.
Hemoconcentration usually increases hematocrit, and sodium levels typically drop.
2. A client is admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse notes Kussmaul
respirations. What is the physiological purpose of this breathing pattern?
A. To compensate for respiratory alkalosis
B. To increase oxygen saturation
C. To reduce the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)
D. To decrease the pH of the blood
, Answer: C
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that serve as a compensatory
mechanism to blow off excess CO2, thereby attempting to correct metabolic acidosis.
3. A patient in the ICU is being monitored for increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of
the following manifestations is part of Cushing’s Triad?
A. Tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea
B. Bradycardia, widening pulse pressure, and irregular respirations
C. Bradycardia, narrowed pulse pressure, and Cheyne-Stokes respirations
D. Tachycardia, hypertension, and shallow breathing
Answer: B
Rationale: Cushing’s Triad is a late sign of increased ICP consisting of systolic
hypertension with a widening pulse pressure, bradycardia, and irregular or altered
respirations.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) on
mechanical ventilation. The provider adds Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP). What is
the primary goal of PEEP?
A. To decrease the risk of barotrauma
B. To decrease the work of breathing during inspiration
C. To increase the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing Final Exam
Final Exam • Comprehensive Study Guide
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 Final Exam 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient with severe burns covering 40% of their body is in the emergent phase. Which
laboratory finding would the nurse most likely expect?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Decreased hematocrit
Answer: B
Rationale: During the emergent phase of a burn injury, massive cell destruction leads to
the release of potassium into the extracellular space, causing hyperkalemia.
Hemoconcentration usually increases hematocrit, and sodium levels typically drop.
2. A client is admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse notes Kussmaul
respirations. What is the physiological purpose of this breathing pattern?
A. To compensate for respiratory alkalosis
B. To increase oxygen saturation
C. To reduce the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)
D. To decrease the pH of the blood
, Answer: C
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that serve as a compensatory
mechanism to blow off excess CO2, thereby attempting to correct metabolic acidosis.
3. A patient in the ICU is being monitored for increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which of
the following manifestations is part of Cushing’s Triad?
A. Tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea
B. Bradycardia, widening pulse pressure, and irregular respirations
C. Bradycardia, narrowed pulse pressure, and Cheyne-Stokes respirations
D. Tachycardia, hypertension, and shallow breathing
Answer: B
Rationale: Cushing’s Triad is a late sign of increased ICP consisting of systolic
hypertension with a widening pulse pressure, bradycardia, and irregular or altered
respirations.
4. A nurse is caring for a client with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) on
mechanical ventilation. The provider adds Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP). What is
the primary goal of PEEP?
A. To decrease the risk of barotrauma
B. To decrease the work of breathing during inspiration
C. To increase the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
