NU 155 MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING
ADVANCED EXAM QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS 100% GUARANTEE PASS |
GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with a pH of 7.31,
PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 28 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these arterial
blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Compensated Respiratory Alkalosis
B. Fully Compensated Respiratory Acidosis
C. Uncompensated Metabolic Acidosis
D. Partially Compensated Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis), PaCO2 is high (respiratory cause), and
HCO3 is high (compensatory response). Since the pH is not within the normal range yet, it
is partially compensated.
2. Following a thyroidectomy, a patient develops numbness and tingling around the mouth
and fingertips. Which assessment should the nurse perform first?
A. Check the patient’s blood glucose level
,B. Assess for Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs
C. Administer the prescribed levothyroxine
D. Monitor for signs of thyroid storm
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: These are signs of hypocalcemia, which can occur if the
parathyroid glands are accidentally removed or damaged during a thyroidectomy.
3. A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Addisonian Crisis. Which of the following provider
orders should the nurse prioritize?
A. Oral administration of fludrocortisone
B. Intravenous hydrocortisone sodium succinate
C. Low-sodium, high-potassium diet
D. Ambulation every 4 hours
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening emergency requiring
immediate replacement of corticosteroids via IV to restore homeostasis and prevent
vascular collapse.
, 4. A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is placed on mechanical
ventilation with Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP). What is the primary purpose of PEEP
in this patient?
A. To decrease the risk of barotrauma
B. To prevent alveolar collapse and improve oxygenation
C. To increase the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
D. To allow the respiratory muscles to rest completely
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: PEEP maintains pressure in the airways at the end of expiration,
keeping alveoli open (recruitment) to increase surface area for gas exchange.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient with right-sided heart failure. Which clinical manifestation
is most consistent with this condition?
A. Jugular venous distention (JVD)
B. Crackles upon auscultation of the lungs
C. Pink, frothy sputum
D. Orthopnea
Answer: A
ADVANCED EXAM QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS 100% GUARANTEE PASS |
GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with a pH of 7.31,
PaCO2 of 52 mmHg, and HCO3 of 28 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these arterial
blood gas (ABG) results?
A. Compensated Respiratory Alkalosis
B. Fully Compensated Respiratory Acidosis
C. Uncompensated Metabolic Acidosis
D. Partially Compensated Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: The pH is low (acidosis), PaCO2 is high (respiratory cause), and
HCO3 is high (compensatory response). Since the pH is not within the normal range yet, it
is partially compensated.
2. Following a thyroidectomy, a patient develops numbness and tingling around the mouth
and fingertips. Which assessment should the nurse perform first?
A. Check the patient’s blood glucose level
,B. Assess for Chvostek’s and Trousseau’s signs
C. Administer the prescribed levothyroxine
D. Monitor for signs of thyroid storm
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: These are signs of hypocalcemia, which can occur if the
parathyroid glands are accidentally removed or damaged during a thyroidectomy.
3. A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Addisonian Crisis. Which of the following provider
orders should the nurse prioritize?
A. Oral administration of fludrocortisone
B. Intravenous hydrocortisone sodium succinate
C. Low-sodium, high-potassium diet
D. Ambulation every 4 hours
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening emergency requiring
immediate replacement of corticosteroids via IV to restore homeostasis and prevent
vascular collapse.
, 4. A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is placed on mechanical
ventilation with Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP). What is the primary purpose of PEEP
in this patient?
A. To decrease the risk of barotrauma
B. To prevent alveolar collapse and improve oxygenation
C. To increase the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2)
D. To allow the respiratory muscles to rest completely
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: PEEP maintains pressure in the airways at the end of expiration,
keeping alveoli open (recruitment) to increase surface area for gas exchange.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient with right-sided heart failure. Which clinical manifestation
is most consistent with this condition?
A. Jugular venous distention (JVD)
B. Crackles upon auscultation of the lungs
C. Pink, frothy sputum
D. Orthopnea
Answer: A
