NU 185
Exam 3 Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing II
Exam 3 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NU 185
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NU 185 Exam 3: Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing II 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient’s ABG results are: pH 7.25, PaCO2 60 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. Which
condition does this reflect?
A. Respiratory Alkalosis
B. Metabolic Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Rationale: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a
respiratory cause. Since the bicarbonate is normal, it is uncompensated respiratory
acidosis.
2. A client is in the ICU for ARDS. Which assessment finding most clearly indicates that the
patient’s condition is deteriorating despite high levels of oxygen?
A. Refractory hypoxemia
B. Increase in respiratory rate
C. Crackles in the lung bases
D. Oxygen saturation of 92% on 4L nasal cannula
, Answer: A
Rationale: Refractory hypoxemia, where oxygen levels do not improve despite increasing
the Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO2), is a hallmark sign of ARDS progression.
3. The ventilator’s high-pressure alarm is sounding. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Assess the patient’s breath sounds and respiratory status
B. Suction the patient’s airway
C. Check for a disconnection in the circuit
D. Check for kinks in the tubing
Answer: A
Rationale: While checking for kinks or suctioning may be necessary, the priority nursing
action is always to assess the patient first to ensure safety and identify the cause.
4. Which pharmacological intervention is considered the ‘gold standard’ for treating a patient
in anaphylactic shock?
A. Diphenhydramine IV
B. Epinephrine IM/IV
C. Methylprednisolone IV
D. Albuterol nebulizer
Answer: B
Exam 3 Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing II
Exam 3 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NU 185
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NU 185 Exam 3: Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing II 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient’s ABG results are: pH 7.25, PaCO2 60 mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. Which
condition does this reflect?
A. Respiratory Alkalosis
B. Metabolic Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Rationale: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a
respiratory cause. Since the bicarbonate is normal, it is uncompensated respiratory
acidosis.
2. A client is in the ICU for ARDS. Which assessment finding most clearly indicates that the
patient’s condition is deteriorating despite high levels of oxygen?
A. Refractory hypoxemia
B. Increase in respiratory rate
C. Crackles in the lung bases
D. Oxygen saturation of 92% on 4L nasal cannula
, Answer: A
Rationale: Refractory hypoxemia, where oxygen levels do not improve despite increasing
the Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO2), is a hallmark sign of ARDS progression.
3. The ventilator’s high-pressure alarm is sounding. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Assess the patient’s breath sounds and respiratory status
B. Suction the patient’s airway
C. Check for a disconnection in the circuit
D. Check for kinks in the tubing
Answer: A
Rationale: While checking for kinks or suctioning may be necessary, the priority nursing
action is always to assess the patient first to ensure safety and identify the cause.
4. Which pharmacological intervention is considered the ‘gold standard’ for treating a patient
in anaphylactic shock?
A. Diphenhydramine IV
B. Epinephrine IM/IV
C. Methylprednisolone IV
D. Albuterol nebulizer
Answer: B
