NU 155 MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING I
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM (2026/2027)
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 100%
GUARANTEE PASS | GALEN COLLEGE
OF NURSING
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which electrocardiogram
(ECG) change is the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Shortened PR interval
C. ST segment depression
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes tall,
peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest. U waves are
associated with hypokalemia.
2. When interpreting Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) results, the nurse notes: pH 7.28, PaCO2 55
mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. How should these results be classified?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
,B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the bicarbonate is within normal limits, this is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
3. A postoperative patient is suspected of developing malignant hyperthermia. What is the
priority medication the nurse should prepare to administer?
A. Atropine sulfate
B. Furosemide
C. Sodium bicarbonate
D. Dantrolene sodium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dantrolene sodium is a skeletal muscle relaxant and the primary
pharmacologic treatment for malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening complication of
general anesthesia.
4. Which assessment finding is a hallmark sign of hypocalcemia?
A. Muscle weakness and lethargy
, B. Positive Trousseau’s sign
C. Constipation and kidney stones
D. Shortened QT interval
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A positive Trousseau’s sign (carpal spasm induced by inflating a
blood pressure cuff) and Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching) are classic indicators of
neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium.
5. A patient is receiving a blood transfusion and begins to complain of back pain, chills, and
shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s immediate priority action?
A. Slow the infusion rate
B. Stop the infusion immediately
C. Notify the provider
D. Administer diphenhydramine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The symptoms suggest a hemolytic transfusion reaction. The
infusion must be stopped immediately to prevent further exposure to the incompatible
blood, and the line should be flushed with normal saline using new tubing.
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM (2026/2027)
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 100%
GUARANTEE PASS | GALEN COLLEGE
OF NURSING
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which electrocardiogram
(ECG) change is the nurse most likely to observe?
A. Prominent U waves
B. Shortened PR interval
C. ST segment depression
D. Tall, peaked T waves
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (potassium > 5.0 mEq/L) typically causes tall,
peaked T waves, widened QRS complexes, and potentially cardiac arrest. U waves are
associated with hypokalemia.
2. When interpreting Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) results, the nurse notes: pH 7.28, PaCO2 55
mmHg, and HCO3 26 mEq/L. How should these results be classified?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
,B. Respiratory Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 mmHg
indicates a respiratory cause. Since the bicarbonate is within normal limits, this is
uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
3. A postoperative patient is suspected of developing malignant hyperthermia. What is the
priority medication the nurse should prepare to administer?
A. Atropine sulfate
B. Furosemide
C. Sodium bicarbonate
D. Dantrolene sodium
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Dantrolene sodium is a skeletal muscle relaxant and the primary
pharmacologic treatment for malignant hyperthermia, a life-threatening complication of
general anesthesia.
4. Which assessment finding is a hallmark sign of hypocalcemia?
A. Muscle weakness and lethargy
, B. Positive Trousseau’s sign
C. Constipation and kidney stones
D. Shortened QT interval
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: A positive Trousseau’s sign (carpal spasm induced by inflating a
blood pressure cuff) and Chvostek’s sign (facial twitching) are classic indicators of
neuromuscular irritability due to low calcium.
5. A patient is receiving a blood transfusion and begins to complain of back pain, chills, and
shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s immediate priority action?
A. Slow the infusion rate
B. Stop the infusion immediately
C. Notify the provider
D. Administer diphenhydramine
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The symptoms suggest a hemolytic transfusion reaction. The
infusion must be stopped immediately to prevent further exposure to the incompatible
blood, and the line should be flushed with normal saline using new tubing.
