NUR 265
Exam 1 Medical-Surgical Nursing (2026)
Exam 1 • 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 Exam 1 Medical-Surgical Nursing (2026) UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient in the early stage of septic shock is likely to exhibit which of the following clinical
manifestations?
A. Hypotension and cool, clammy skin
B. Bradycardia and decreased cardiac output
C. Tachycardia and warm, flushed skin
D. Severe oliguria and metabolic alkalosis
Answer: C
Rationale: In the hyperdynamic (warm) phase of septic shock, vasodilation leads to warm,
flushed skin and a compensatory increase in heart rate.
2. Using the Parkland formula, calculate the total fluid volume needed in the first 24 hours for
a 70kg patient with 40% total body surface area (TBSA) burns.
A. 5,600 mL
B. 11,200 mL
C. 14,000 mL
D. 28,000 mL
Answer: B
, Rationale: Parkland Formula: 4mL x kg x %TBSA. 4 x 70 x 40 = 11,200 mL.
3. A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is placed on mechanical
ventilation with High PEEP. The nurse should monitor for which complication?
A. Increased cardiac output
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Pulmonary hypertension
D. Pneumothorax due to barotrauma
Answer: D
Rationale: High levels of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) increase the risk of
alveolar overdistension and barotrauma, leading to pneumothorax.
4. Which hemodynamic finding is most characteristic of cardiogenic shock?
A. Decreased Central Venous Pressure (CVP)
B. Increased Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP)
C. Increased Cardiac Index (CI)
D. Decreased Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
Answer: B
Rationale: In cardiogenic shock, the heart fails as a pump, leading to fluid backup and
increased PCWP (left-sided preload).
Exam 1 Medical-Surgical Nursing (2026)
Exam 1 • 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 Exam 1 Medical-Surgical Nursing (2026) UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient in the early stage of septic shock is likely to exhibit which of the following clinical
manifestations?
A. Hypotension and cool, clammy skin
B. Bradycardia and decreased cardiac output
C. Tachycardia and warm, flushed skin
D. Severe oliguria and metabolic alkalosis
Answer: C
Rationale: In the hyperdynamic (warm) phase of septic shock, vasodilation leads to warm,
flushed skin and a compensatory increase in heart rate.
2. Using the Parkland formula, calculate the total fluid volume needed in the first 24 hours for
a 70kg patient with 40% total body surface area (TBSA) burns.
A. 5,600 mL
B. 11,200 mL
C. 14,000 mL
D. 28,000 mL
Answer: B
, Rationale: Parkland Formula: 4mL x kg x %TBSA. 4 x 70 x 40 = 11,200 mL.
3. A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is placed on mechanical
ventilation with High PEEP. The nurse should monitor for which complication?
A. Increased cardiac output
B. Respiratory acidosis
C. Pulmonary hypertension
D. Pneumothorax due to barotrauma
Answer: D
Rationale: High levels of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) increase the risk of
alveolar overdistension and barotrauma, leading to pneumothorax.
4. Which hemodynamic finding is most characteristic of cardiogenic shock?
A. Decreased Central Venous Pressure (CVP)
B. Increased Pulmonary Capillary Wedge Pressure (PCWP)
C. Increased Cardiac Index (CI)
D. Decreased Systemic Vascular Resistance (SVR)
Answer: B
Rationale: In cardiogenic shock, the heart fails as a pump, leading to fluid backup and
increased PCWP (left-sided preload).
