NUR 265
Exam 1 Comprehensive Review
(Medical-Surgical Nursing)
Exam Review • High-Yield Practice
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 Exam 1 Comprehensive Review (Medical-Surgical Nursing) 2026/2027 UPDATE –
Galen
1. A patient with ARDS is placed on mechanical ventilation with High-Level PEEP. Which
assessment finding is most critical for the nurse to monitor?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Presence of a productive cough
C. Decrease in cardiac output
D. Improved oxygen saturation
Answer: C
Rationale: High levels of PEEP increase intrathoracic pressure, which can decrease venous
return to the heart, leading to reduced cardiac output and hypotension.
2. Which clinical manifestation is considered an early sign of septic shock?
A. Increased cardiac output and tachycardia
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
C. Cold, clammy skin
D. Severe metabolic acidosis
Answer: A
, Rationale: In the early (hyperdynamic/warm) phase of septic shock, cardiac output is
typically increased as a compensatory mechanism for peripheral vasodilation.
3. A client is admitted with full-thickness burns to 40% of the body. In the emergent phase,
which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse prioritize?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia occurs during the emergent burn phase due to massive cell
destruction, which releases potassium into the extracellular fluid.
4. An ABG shows pH 7.28, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 28 mEq/L. Which interpretation is
correct?
A. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
B. Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
C. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
D. Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis
Answer: A
Exam 1 Comprehensive Review
(Medical-Surgical Nursing)
Exam Review • High-Yield Practice
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 Exam 1 Comprehensive Review (Medical-Surgical Nursing) 2026/2027 UPDATE –
Galen
1. A patient with ARDS is placed on mechanical ventilation with High-Level PEEP. Which
assessment finding is most critical for the nurse to monitor?
A. Increased urinary output
B. Presence of a productive cough
C. Decrease in cardiac output
D. Improved oxygen saturation
Answer: C
Rationale: High levels of PEEP increase intrathoracic pressure, which can decrease venous
return to the heart, leading to reduced cardiac output and hypotension.
2. Which clinical manifestation is considered an early sign of septic shock?
A. Increased cardiac output and tachycardia
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds
C. Cold, clammy skin
D. Severe metabolic acidosis
Answer: A
, Rationale: In the early (hyperdynamic/warm) phase of septic shock, cardiac output is
typically increased as a compensatory mechanism for peripheral vasodilation.
3. A client is admitted with full-thickness burns to 40% of the body. In the emergent phase,
which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse prioritize?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Rationale: Hyperkalemia occurs during the emergent burn phase due to massive cell
destruction, which releases potassium into the extracellular fluid.
4. An ABG shows pH 7.28, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 28 mEq/L. Which interpretation is
correct?
A. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
B. Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
C. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
D. Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis
Answer: A
