NUR 170
Exam 4 Comprehensive
Medical-Surgical Nursing Study Guide
Exam 4 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 170
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 170 Exam 4 Comprehensive Medical-Surgical Nursing Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE –
Galen College
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen via nasal
cannula at 2 L/min. The patient’s SpO2 is 89%. What is the nurse’s most appropriate action?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min immediately.
B. Continue to monitor as this is an acceptable range for COPD patients.
C. Switch the patient to a non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min.
D. Prepare the patient for emergency intubation.
Answer: B
Rationale: For many patients with COPD, a target SpO2 range of 88-92% is acceptable
because a higher oxygen concentration can suppress their hypoxic drive to breathe.
2. Which of the following EKG findings is most indicative of a myocardial infarction (MI) in
progress?
A. Presence of a prominent U wave after the T wave
B. A prolonged PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds
C. ST-segment elevation in two or more contiguous leads
D. A QRS complex wider than 0.12 seconds
, Answer: C
Rationale: ST-segment elevation (STEMI) indicates acute myocardial injury and is a
hallmark sign of an evolving MI.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 24 hours post-op after a thyroidectomy. The patient
reports tingling in the fingers and around the mouth. What should the nurse assess first?
A. Blood pressure for hypertension
B. Incision for signs of infection
C. Serum potassium levels
D. Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs
Answer: D
Rationale: Tingling (paresthesia) is an early sign of hypocalcemia, which can occur if the
parathyroid glands are accidentally damaged during a thyroidectomy.
4. A patient presents to the ED with a suspected stroke. Which diagnostic test is the priority
to determine the type of stroke?
A. Lumbar puncture
B. Carotid ultrasound
C. Non-contrast CT scan of the head
D. 12-lead Electrocardiogram
Answer: C
Exam 4 Comprehensive
Medical-Surgical Nursing Study Guide
Exam 4 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 170
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 170 Exam 4 Comprehensive Medical-Surgical Nursing Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATE –
Galen College
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen via nasal
cannula at 2 L/min. The patient’s SpO2 is 89%. What is the nurse’s most appropriate action?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min immediately.
B. Continue to monitor as this is an acceptable range for COPD patients.
C. Switch the patient to a non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min.
D. Prepare the patient for emergency intubation.
Answer: B
Rationale: For many patients with COPD, a target SpO2 range of 88-92% is acceptable
because a higher oxygen concentration can suppress their hypoxic drive to breathe.
2. Which of the following EKG findings is most indicative of a myocardial infarction (MI) in
progress?
A. Presence of a prominent U wave after the T wave
B. A prolonged PR interval greater than 0.20 seconds
C. ST-segment elevation in two or more contiguous leads
D. A QRS complex wider than 0.12 seconds
, Answer: C
Rationale: ST-segment elevation (STEMI) indicates acute myocardial injury and is a
hallmark sign of an evolving MI.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 24 hours post-op after a thyroidectomy. The patient
reports tingling in the fingers and around the mouth. What should the nurse assess first?
A. Blood pressure for hypertension
B. Incision for signs of infection
C. Serum potassium levels
D. Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs
Answer: D
Rationale: Tingling (paresthesia) is an early sign of hypocalcemia, which can occur if the
parathyroid glands are accidentally damaged during a thyroidectomy.
4. A patient presents to the ED with a suspected stroke. Which diagnostic test is the priority
to determine the type of stroke?
A. Lumbar puncture
B. Carotid ultrasound
C. Non-contrast CT scan of the head
D. 12-lead Electrocardiogram
Answer: C
