NU 185
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Exam
2 Advanced Study Guide
Exam 2 • 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 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Exam 2 Advanced Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATED –
Galen
1. A patient with acute pulmonary edema is experiencing severe dyspnea and orthopnea.
Which action should the nurse prioritize first?
A. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position with legs dependent
B. Administer prescribed morphine sulfate intravenously
C. Obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample
D. Perform a complete head-to-toe assessment
Answer: A
Rationale: Placing the patient in a high-Fowler’s position with legs dependent immediately
reduces venous return (preload) and improves gas exchange by decreasing pulmonary
congestion.
2. A patient’s ABG results are: pH 7.31, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 25 mEq/L. How should
the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
, Answer: B
Rationale: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a
respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range (22-26), it is uncompensated
respiratory acidosis.
3. Following a thyroidectomy, a patient reports numbness and tingling around the mouth.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Check the surgical dressing for hemorrhage
B. Assess for Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs
C. Administer a PRN dose of intravenous potassium
D. Notify the provider to request a STAT serum sodium level
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypocalcemia is a risk after thyroidectomy if the parathyroid glands are
damaged. Numbness and tingling are early signs. Assessing for Chvostek’s or Trousseau’s
signs helps confirm neuromuscular irritability.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient with Cushing’s syndrome. Which clinical finding is most
expected?
A. Hypotension and hyperkalemia
B. Trunkal obesity and ‘buffalo hump’
C. Weight loss and hypoglycemia
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Exam
2 Advanced Study Guide
Exam 2 • 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 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Exam 2 Advanced Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATED –
Galen
1. A patient with acute pulmonary edema is experiencing severe dyspnea and orthopnea.
Which action should the nurse prioritize first?
A. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position with legs dependent
B. Administer prescribed morphine sulfate intravenously
C. Obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG) sample
D. Perform a complete head-to-toe assessment
Answer: A
Rationale: Placing the patient in a high-Fowler’s position with legs dependent immediately
reduces venous return (preload) and improves gas exchange by decreasing pulmonary
congestion.
2. A patient’s ABG results are: pH 7.31, PaCO2 52 mmHg, and HCO3 25 mEq/L. How should
the nurse interpret these findings?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Respiratory Alkalosis
D. Metabolic Alkalosis
, Answer: B
Rationale: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg indicates a
respiratory cause. Since the HCO3 is within the normal range (22-26), it is uncompensated
respiratory acidosis.
3. Following a thyroidectomy, a patient reports numbness and tingling around the mouth.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Check the surgical dressing for hemorrhage
B. Assess for Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs
C. Administer a PRN dose of intravenous potassium
D. Notify the provider to request a STAT serum sodium level
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypocalcemia is a risk after thyroidectomy if the parathyroid glands are
damaged. Numbness and tingling are early signs. Assessing for Chvostek’s or Trousseau’s
signs helps confirm neuromuscular irritability.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient with Cushing’s syndrome. Which clinical finding is most
expected?
A. Hypotension and hyperkalemia
B. Trunkal obesity and ‘buffalo hump’
C. Weight loss and hypoglycemia
