NUR 210 FINAL EXAM: ADVANCED
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is receiving mechanical
ventilation. Which setting change should the nurse anticipate if the patient’s PaO2 remains
low despite an FiO2 of 60%?
A. Increase Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP)
B. Decrease the respiratory rate
C. Increase the tidal volume to 12 mL/kg
D. Change to an Assist-Control mode
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: PEEP is used in ARDS to keep alveoli open and improve
oxygenation without increasing FiO2 to toxic levels. High tidal volumes are avoided in
ARDS to prevent barotrauma.
2. A patient is admitted with a suspected pheochromocytoma. Which clinical manifestation
should the nurse monitor for as a priority?
A. Severe headache and hypertension
B. Profuse diaphoresis and bradycardia
,C. Hypoglycemia and hypotension
D. Weight gain and moon face
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Pheochromocytoma causes excessive catecholamine release,
leading to a classic triad of severe headache, palpitations, and profuse sweating, along with
extreme hypertension.
3. The nurse is caring for a patient in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI). Which
electrolyte abnormality is most likely to be observed?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In the oliguric phase, the kidneys cannot excrete potassium
effectively, leading to hyperkalemia, which is life-threatening due to potential cardiac
arrhythmias.
, 4. During the assessment of a patient with a T6 spinal cord injury, the patient complains of a
sudden, throbbing headache and has a blood pressure of 210/110 mmHg. What is the first
action the nurse should take?
A. Administer prescribed PRN hydralazine
B. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 or 90 degrees
C. Check the patient’s bladder for distension
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The symptoms suggest autonomic dysreflexia. Elevating the
head of the bed is the first priority to help lower blood pressure via orthostatic effect
before identifying the trigger.
5. Which laboratory value is most indicative of the ‘Nadir’ in a patient receiving
chemotherapy?
A. Platelet count of 300,000/mm3
B. Hemoglobin of 14 g/dL
C. Neutrophil count of 500/mm3
D. WBC count of 10,000/mm3
Answer: C
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. A patient with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is receiving mechanical
ventilation. Which setting change should the nurse anticipate if the patient’s PaO2 remains
low despite an FiO2 of 60%?
A. Increase Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP)
B. Decrease the respiratory rate
C. Increase the tidal volume to 12 mL/kg
D. Change to an Assist-Control mode
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: PEEP is used in ARDS to keep alveoli open and improve
oxygenation without increasing FiO2 to toxic levels. High tidal volumes are avoided in
ARDS to prevent barotrauma.
2. A patient is admitted with a suspected pheochromocytoma. Which clinical manifestation
should the nurse monitor for as a priority?
A. Severe headache and hypertension
B. Profuse diaphoresis and bradycardia
,C. Hypoglycemia and hypotension
D. Weight gain and moon face
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Pheochromocytoma causes excessive catecholamine release,
leading to a classic triad of severe headache, palpitations, and profuse sweating, along with
extreme hypertension.
3. The nurse is caring for a patient in the oliguric phase of acute kidney injury (AKI). Which
electrolyte abnormality is most likely to be observed?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hypokalemia
D. Hypernatremia
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: In the oliguric phase, the kidneys cannot excrete potassium
effectively, leading to hyperkalemia, which is life-threatening due to potential cardiac
arrhythmias.
, 4. During the assessment of a patient with a T6 spinal cord injury, the patient complains of a
sudden, throbbing headache and has a blood pressure of 210/110 mmHg. What is the first
action the nurse should take?
A. Administer prescribed PRN hydralazine
B. Elevate the head of the bed to 45 or 90 degrees
C. Check the patient’s bladder for distension
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The symptoms suggest autonomic dysreflexia. Elevating the
head of the bed is the first priority to help lower blood pressure via orthostatic effect
before identifying the trigger.
5. Which laboratory value is most indicative of the ‘Nadir’ in a patient receiving
chemotherapy?
A. Platelet count of 300,000/mm3
B. Hemoglobin of 14 g/dL
C. Neutrophil count of 500/mm3
D. WBC count of 10,000/mm3
Answer: C
