NU 155 MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING
EXAM 1 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 100%
GUARANTEE PASS | GALEN COLLEGE
OF NURSING
1. A nurse is preparing a client for surgery and realizes the informed consent has not been
signed. Which action is the most appropriate for the nurse to take?
A. Explain the risks and benefits of the surgery and have the client sign.
B. Call the hospital legal team to obtain emergency verbal consent.
C. Witness the client’s signature after the surgeon explains the procedure.
D. Sign the consent form on behalf of the client to avoid delays.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The surgeon is responsible for explaining the procedure, risks,
and benefits; the nurse acts as a witness to the client’s signature and ensures the client is
competent.
2. Which intraoperative complication is characterized by a rapid rise in body temperature,
muscle rigidity, and tachycardia?
A. Anaphylactic shock
B. Malignant hyperthermia
,C. Hypovolemic shock
D. Hypothermia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, life-threatening
pharmacogenetic disorder triggered by volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine, leading to
muscle rigidity and extreme hyperthermia.
3. A patient with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is admitted. Which EKG finding is most
consistent with this lab value?
A. Prominent U waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Tall, peaked T waves
D. Prolonged PR interval
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.0) causes characteristic tall, peaked T
waves and widening of the QRS complex as levels increase.
4. The nurse is interpreting an ABG: pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L. Which acid-
base imbalance is present?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
, C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 indicates
a respiratory cause, and since the HCO3 is normal, it is uncompensated respiratory
acidosis.
5. While assessing a post-operative patient’s incision, the nurse notes the protrusion of
internal organs. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Apply a dry sterile dressing and call the surgeon.
B. Cover the protruding organs with sterile gauze moistened with normal saline.
C. Push the organs back into the abdominal cavity gently.
D. Place the patient in a High-Fowler’s position to reduce pressure.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: This is an evisceration. The priority is to protect the organs from
drying and infection by using sterile, saline-moistened dressings and notifying the surgeon
immediately.
6. A patient has a serum sodium level of 128 mEq/L. Which nursing intervention is a priority?
A. Implement seizure precautions.
B. Administer 0.45% normal saline IV.
EXAM 1 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 100%
GUARANTEE PASS | GALEN COLLEGE
OF NURSING
1. A nurse is preparing a client for surgery and realizes the informed consent has not been
signed. Which action is the most appropriate for the nurse to take?
A. Explain the risks and benefits of the surgery and have the client sign.
B. Call the hospital legal team to obtain emergency verbal consent.
C. Witness the client’s signature after the surgeon explains the procedure.
D. Sign the consent form on behalf of the client to avoid delays.
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: The surgeon is responsible for explaining the procedure, risks,
and benefits; the nurse acts as a witness to the client’s signature and ensures the client is
competent.
2. Which intraoperative complication is characterized by a rapid rise in body temperature,
muscle rigidity, and tachycardia?
A. Anaphylactic shock
B. Malignant hyperthermia
,C. Hypovolemic shock
D. Hypothermia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Malignant hyperthermia is a rare, life-threatening
pharmacogenetic disorder triggered by volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine, leading to
muscle rigidity and extreme hyperthermia.
3. A patient with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L is admitted. Which EKG finding is most
consistent with this lab value?
A. Prominent U waves
B. ST-segment depression
C. Tall, peaked T waves
D. Prolonged PR interval
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (K+ > 5.0) causes characteristic tall, peaked T
waves and widening of the QRS complex as levels increase.
4. The nurse is interpreting an ABG: pH 7.28, PaCO2 55 mmHg, HCO3 26 mEq/L. Which acid-
base imbalance is present?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Respiratory alkalosis
, C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Metabolic alkalosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 above 45 indicates
a respiratory cause, and since the HCO3 is normal, it is uncompensated respiratory
acidosis.
5. While assessing a post-operative patient’s incision, the nurse notes the protrusion of
internal organs. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Apply a dry sterile dressing and call the surgeon.
B. Cover the protruding organs with sterile gauze moistened with normal saline.
C. Push the organs back into the abdominal cavity gently.
D. Place the patient in a High-Fowler’s position to reduce pressure.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: This is an evisceration. The priority is to protect the organs from
drying and infection by using sterile, saline-moistened dressings and notifying the surgeon
immediately.
6. A patient has a serum sodium level of 128 mEq/L. Which nursing intervention is a priority?
A. Implement seizure precautions.
B. Administer 0.45% normal saline IV.
