NU 185
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Exam
3 Comprehensive Study Guide
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 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Exam 3 Comprehensive Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE –
Galen
1. A patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) begins to show signs of Autonomic Dysreflexia.
Which clinical manifestation should the nurse prioritize as the most life-threatening?
A. Profuse sweating below the level of the injury
B. Sudden, severe hypertension
C. Tachycardia exceeding 120 beats per minute
D. Hyperthermia with dry, flushed skin
Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomic Dysreflexia is a medical emergency in spinal cord injury patients (at
or above T6). The sudden, severe hypertension can lead to a stroke, seizures, or myocardial
infarction. Bradycardia, not tachycardia, is typical due to vagal stimulation.
2. When assessing a patient with Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP), the nurse notes
Cushing’s Triad. Which set of vital signs is consistent with this finding?
A. BP 180/100, Pulse 110, tachypnea
B. BP 90/60, Pulse 120, rapid shallow respirations
C. BP 120/80, Pulse 72, normal respirations
D. BP 160/60, Pulse 50, irregular respirations
, Answer: D
Rationale: Cushing’s Triad consists of widened pulse pressure (increased systolic,
stable/decreased diastolic), bradycardia, and irregular/slow respirations. It is a late sign of
brainstem compression.
3. A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is placed on mechanical
ventilation. The ventilator alarm sounds, indicating ‘High Pressure.’ What is the nurse’s
immediate action?
A. Assess the patient’s airway for secretions or tube kinking
B. Increase the oxygen concentration to 100%
C. Disconnect the patient from the ventilator and bag-valve-mask them
D. Call the respiratory therapist to recalibrate the machine
Answer: A
Rationale: High-pressure alarms are triggered by increased resistance, such as secretions,
coughing, kinking of the tube, or pneumothorax. Assessment of the patient and tube should
always be the first step.
4. A patient is admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse anticipates the
administration of intravenous Regular Insulin. What laboratory value must be monitored
closely to prevent life-threatening complications during insulin therapy?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Serum Calcium
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Exam
3 Comprehensive Study Guide
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 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Exam 3 Comprehensive Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE –
Galen
1. A patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) begins to show signs of Autonomic Dysreflexia.
Which clinical manifestation should the nurse prioritize as the most life-threatening?
A. Profuse sweating below the level of the injury
B. Sudden, severe hypertension
C. Tachycardia exceeding 120 beats per minute
D. Hyperthermia with dry, flushed skin
Answer: B
Rationale: Autonomic Dysreflexia is a medical emergency in spinal cord injury patients (at
or above T6). The sudden, severe hypertension can lead to a stroke, seizures, or myocardial
infarction. Bradycardia, not tachycardia, is typical due to vagal stimulation.
2. When assessing a patient with Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP), the nurse notes
Cushing’s Triad. Which set of vital signs is consistent with this finding?
A. BP 180/100, Pulse 110, tachypnea
B. BP 90/60, Pulse 120, rapid shallow respirations
C. BP 120/80, Pulse 72, normal respirations
D. BP 160/60, Pulse 50, irregular respirations
, Answer: D
Rationale: Cushing’s Triad consists of widened pulse pressure (increased systolic,
stable/decreased diastolic), bradycardia, and irregular/slow respirations. It is a late sign of
brainstem compression.
3. A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is placed on mechanical
ventilation. The ventilator alarm sounds, indicating ‘High Pressure.’ What is the nurse’s
immediate action?
A. Assess the patient’s airway for secretions or tube kinking
B. Increase the oxygen concentration to 100%
C. Disconnect the patient from the ventilator and bag-valve-mask them
D. Call the respiratory therapist to recalibrate the machine
Answer: A
Rationale: High-pressure alarms are triggered by increased resistance, such as secretions,
coughing, kinking of the tube, or pneumothorax. Assessment of the patient and tube should
always be the first step.
4. A patient is admitted with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse anticipates the
administration of intravenous Regular Insulin. What laboratory value must be monitored
closely to prevent life-threatening complications during insulin therapy?
A. Serum Sodium
B. Serum Calcium
