NUR 242 EXAM 1
Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts
Galen College of Nursing
High-Yield Qs to mirror the Exam
Verified Answers with Rationales
This Exam Features:
NUR 242 Exam 1 (Galen College) including 50 high-yield
questions written to mirror actual course exams. Covers core
Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts with clear, accurate, and
student-friendly explanations. Perfect for mastering high-priority
topics and boosting exam confidence.
, Preview Pages Below
Get the Complete PDF After Purchase
FULL DOCUMENT INCLUDED BELOW
If you require further clarification
or in need of any study resources,
feel free to Message me.
Review the pages below before purchasing the complete PDF.
, PREVIEW QUESTION
2 Pressure Injury Staging
Source Question 1
A client has a wound infection to the right arm. What comfort measure
can the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personal?
A. Apply prescription antibiotic ointment
B. Elevate the arm above the heart
C. Perform sterile wound irrigation
D. Assess circulation and document findings
Correct Answer B. Elevate the arm above the heart
Expert UAP can perform basic comfort/positioning tasks. Sterile
Rationale procedures, medication administration, and
assessment/documentation require the nurse.
Source Question 7
The nurse notices a localized red area that is nonblanchable on the
patient's coccyx. What stage pressure injury is this recognized as?
A. Stage 1
B. Stage 2
C. Stage 3
D. Stage 4
Correct Answer A. Stage 1
Expert Stage 1 = intact skin with nonblanchable erythema
Rationale
over a bony prominence.
, PREVIEW QUESTION
3 Informed Consent & Patient Advocacy
Source Question 19
A patient has received 10 mg of Morphine via IV 20 minutes ago and is
noticeably groggy. The physician requests you witness the signature of
his informed consent. How would you, as a patient advocate, proceed?
A. Witness the signature because the physician requested it
B. Have the family sign instead
C. Notify the provider and delay - consent must be obtained when the
patient is alert and able to understand; do not witness consent if capacity
is impaired
D. Ask the patient to sign quickly before the medication fully works
C. Notify the provider and delay - consent must be obtained
Correct Answer when the patient is alert and able to understand; do not
witness consent if capacity is impaired
Expert Valid informed consent requires the patient be
Rationale competent and able to understand. If the patient is
sedated/groggy from opioids, consent is not reliable. The
nurse should advocate to delay and notify the provider.
The nurse witnesses the signature but does not provide
the medical explanation of risks/benefits (provider
responsibility).
, PREVIEW QUESTION
5 Hemorrhage Recognition
Source Question 24
After a procedure, what should the nurse assess immediately?
A. Pain rating
B. Surgical dressing appearance
C. ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation)
D. Bowel sounds
Correct Answer C. ABCs
Expert Post-op priorities follow ABCs to catch respiratory
Rationale depression, airway obstruction, and hemodynamic
instability early.
Source Question 25
After a procedure, a patient's vital signs are the following: BP: 90/50,
RR: 26, HR: 110, O2: 88%. What is this a potential sign of?
A. Infection
B. Heavy blood loss
C. These vitals are to be expected after a procedure
D. Mild pain only
Correct Answer B. Heavy blood loss
Expert Hypotension + tachycardia + tachypnea with low O2
Rationale saturation suggests shock/hemorrhage (and/or
respiratory compromise). Immediately assess bleeding,
perfusion, and oxygenation, notify provider, and
intervene per protocol.
, PREVIEW QUESTION
11 Older Adult Post-op Infection
Source Question 29
When caring for a patient with Sickle Cell Anemia, what are some
nursing interventions you'll need to implement?
A. Avoid extreme temperatures/keep warm
B. Encourage fluid intake
C. Encourage ROM/mobility as tolerated
D. Pain management
E. All of the above
Correct Answer E. All of the above
Expert Preventing sickling and managing crises focuses on
Rationale hydration, warmth, oxygenation as needed, pain control,
and avoiding triggers like cold or dehydration; mobility/ROM
helps prevent complications when appropriate.
Source Question 31
A patient is receiving a blood transfusion and breaks out in hives.
What is the nurse's first step?
A. Slow the transfusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion and keep the IV line open with normal saline
C. Document and continue infusion
D. Give the next unit of blood
B. Stop the transfusion and keep the IV open with normal
Correct Answer
saline
Expert Hives suggests an allergic transfusion reaction. First action is
Rationale always stop the transfusion, maintain IV access with NS using
new tubing, then notify provider/blood bank and treat per
orders.
, PREVIEW QUESTION
11 Older Adult Post-op Infection
Source Question 35
A nurse is caring for a client who has a pressure ulcer on the right
heel. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Apply a heating pad to increase circulation
B. Massage the area to stimulate blood flow
C. Assess the patient's leg pulses and cap refill
D. Debride the wound at the bedside
Correct Answer C. Assess the patient's leg pulses and cap refill
Expert First priority is circulation/perfusion assessment
Rationale (possible PAD). Poor perfusion changes treatment
urgency and healing potential. Heat/massage can
worsen injury; debridement requires appropriate
order/assessment.
Source Question 41
The diabetic patient who had undergone abdominal surgery has
developed wound evisceration. Which of the following is the most
appropriate immediate nursing action?
A. Reinsert the organs with sterile gloves
B. Cover the wound with sterile gauze, moistened with sterile normal saline
C. Apply an abdominal binder tightly
D. Remove dressings to "air out" the wound
B. Cover the wound with sterile gauze, moistened with
Correct Answer
sterile normal saline
Expert Evisceration is an emergency. Protect exposed tissue from
Rationale drying/contamination using sterile saline-moistened
dressings, then notify provider and prepare for OR.
, PREVIEW QUESTION
11 Older Adult Post-op Infection
Source Question 42
The nurse is caring for four patients who had abdominal surgery in the
past 2 days. Which of the following patient should the nurse see first?
A. Patient requesting ice chips
B. Patient who hasn't passed flatus yet
C. The patient complaining of aching pain in her right leg
D. Patient with incisional pain 4/10 relieved by meds
Correct Answer C. The patient complaining of aching pain in her right leg
Expert Unilateral leg pain post-op suggests DVT - risk of PE. This
Rationale is a priority assessment.
Source Question 43
An older client is hospitalized after an operation. When assessing the
client for post-op infection, which of the following would the nurse
assess for first?
A. Change in behavior
B. Increased appetite
C. Clear urine output
D. Mild incisional soreness
Correct Answer A. Change in behavior
Expert Older adults may show atypical infection signs
Rationale (confusion, delirium) before fever or classic findings.
, PREVIEW QUESTION
12 Acute Transfusion Reaction
Source Question 53
Your patient has been receiving blood for 1 hour. What signs and
symptoms will alert you that the patient is having an acute
transfusion reaction?
What type of reaction is the patient experiencing?
A. Temp 101.9, HR 122, chills, BP 90/50 - Acute hemolytic reaction
B. Temp 101.9, HR 122, chills, BP 90/50 - Febrile (non-hemolytic) reaction
C. Itching only - TACO
D. Crackles and hypertension - Allergic reaction
A. Temp 101.9, HR 122, chills, BP 90/50 - Acute hemolytic
Correct Answer
reaction
Expert Fever + chills + hypotension + tachycardia during
Rationale transfusion is highly concerning for acute hemolytic
reaction (ABO incompatibility) and is life-threatening.
Febrile non-hemolytic reactions typically cause
fever/chills but are less likely to cause hypotension.
Treat as emergency: stop transfusion, NS with new
tubing, notify blood bank/provider.
Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts
Galen College of Nursing
High-Yield Qs to mirror the Exam
Verified Answers with Rationales
This Exam Features:
NUR 242 Exam 1 (Galen College) including 50 high-yield
questions written to mirror actual course exams. Covers core
Medical-Surgical Nursing Concepts with clear, accurate, and
student-friendly explanations. Perfect for mastering high-priority
topics and boosting exam confidence.
, Preview Pages Below
Get the Complete PDF After Purchase
FULL DOCUMENT INCLUDED BELOW
If you require further clarification
or in need of any study resources,
feel free to Message me.
Review the pages below before purchasing the complete PDF.
, PREVIEW QUESTION
2 Pressure Injury Staging
Source Question 1
A client has a wound infection to the right arm. What comfort measure
can the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personal?
A. Apply prescription antibiotic ointment
B. Elevate the arm above the heart
C. Perform sterile wound irrigation
D. Assess circulation and document findings
Correct Answer B. Elevate the arm above the heart
Expert UAP can perform basic comfort/positioning tasks. Sterile
Rationale procedures, medication administration, and
assessment/documentation require the nurse.
Source Question 7
The nurse notices a localized red area that is nonblanchable on the
patient's coccyx. What stage pressure injury is this recognized as?
A. Stage 1
B. Stage 2
C. Stage 3
D. Stage 4
Correct Answer A. Stage 1
Expert Stage 1 = intact skin with nonblanchable erythema
Rationale
over a bony prominence.
, PREVIEW QUESTION
3 Informed Consent & Patient Advocacy
Source Question 19
A patient has received 10 mg of Morphine via IV 20 minutes ago and is
noticeably groggy. The physician requests you witness the signature of
his informed consent. How would you, as a patient advocate, proceed?
A. Witness the signature because the physician requested it
B. Have the family sign instead
C. Notify the provider and delay - consent must be obtained when the
patient is alert and able to understand; do not witness consent if capacity
is impaired
D. Ask the patient to sign quickly before the medication fully works
C. Notify the provider and delay - consent must be obtained
Correct Answer when the patient is alert and able to understand; do not
witness consent if capacity is impaired
Expert Valid informed consent requires the patient be
Rationale competent and able to understand. If the patient is
sedated/groggy from opioids, consent is not reliable. The
nurse should advocate to delay and notify the provider.
The nurse witnesses the signature but does not provide
the medical explanation of risks/benefits (provider
responsibility).
, PREVIEW QUESTION
5 Hemorrhage Recognition
Source Question 24
After a procedure, what should the nurse assess immediately?
A. Pain rating
B. Surgical dressing appearance
C. ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation)
D. Bowel sounds
Correct Answer C. ABCs
Expert Post-op priorities follow ABCs to catch respiratory
Rationale depression, airway obstruction, and hemodynamic
instability early.
Source Question 25
After a procedure, a patient's vital signs are the following: BP: 90/50,
RR: 26, HR: 110, O2: 88%. What is this a potential sign of?
A. Infection
B. Heavy blood loss
C. These vitals are to be expected after a procedure
D. Mild pain only
Correct Answer B. Heavy blood loss
Expert Hypotension + tachycardia + tachypnea with low O2
Rationale saturation suggests shock/hemorrhage (and/or
respiratory compromise). Immediately assess bleeding,
perfusion, and oxygenation, notify provider, and
intervene per protocol.
, PREVIEW QUESTION
11 Older Adult Post-op Infection
Source Question 29
When caring for a patient with Sickle Cell Anemia, what are some
nursing interventions you'll need to implement?
A. Avoid extreme temperatures/keep warm
B. Encourage fluid intake
C. Encourage ROM/mobility as tolerated
D. Pain management
E. All of the above
Correct Answer E. All of the above
Expert Preventing sickling and managing crises focuses on
Rationale hydration, warmth, oxygenation as needed, pain control,
and avoiding triggers like cold or dehydration; mobility/ROM
helps prevent complications when appropriate.
Source Question 31
A patient is receiving a blood transfusion and breaks out in hives.
What is the nurse's first step?
A. Slow the transfusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion and keep the IV line open with normal saline
C. Document and continue infusion
D. Give the next unit of blood
B. Stop the transfusion and keep the IV open with normal
Correct Answer
saline
Expert Hives suggests an allergic transfusion reaction. First action is
Rationale always stop the transfusion, maintain IV access with NS using
new tubing, then notify provider/blood bank and treat per
orders.
, PREVIEW QUESTION
11 Older Adult Post-op Infection
Source Question 35
A nurse is caring for a client who has a pressure ulcer on the right
heel. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Apply a heating pad to increase circulation
B. Massage the area to stimulate blood flow
C. Assess the patient's leg pulses and cap refill
D. Debride the wound at the bedside
Correct Answer C. Assess the patient's leg pulses and cap refill
Expert First priority is circulation/perfusion assessment
Rationale (possible PAD). Poor perfusion changes treatment
urgency and healing potential. Heat/massage can
worsen injury; debridement requires appropriate
order/assessment.
Source Question 41
The diabetic patient who had undergone abdominal surgery has
developed wound evisceration. Which of the following is the most
appropriate immediate nursing action?
A. Reinsert the organs with sterile gloves
B. Cover the wound with sterile gauze, moistened with sterile normal saline
C. Apply an abdominal binder tightly
D. Remove dressings to "air out" the wound
B. Cover the wound with sterile gauze, moistened with
Correct Answer
sterile normal saline
Expert Evisceration is an emergency. Protect exposed tissue from
Rationale drying/contamination using sterile saline-moistened
dressings, then notify provider and prepare for OR.
, PREVIEW QUESTION
11 Older Adult Post-op Infection
Source Question 42
The nurse is caring for four patients who had abdominal surgery in the
past 2 days. Which of the following patient should the nurse see first?
A. Patient requesting ice chips
B. Patient who hasn't passed flatus yet
C. The patient complaining of aching pain in her right leg
D. Patient with incisional pain 4/10 relieved by meds
Correct Answer C. The patient complaining of aching pain in her right leg
Expert Unilateral leg pain post-op suggests DVT - risk of PE. This
Rationale is a priority assessment.
Source Question 43
An older client is hospitalized after an operation. When assessing the
client for post-op infection, which of the following would the nurse
assess for first?
A. Change in behavior
B. Increased appetite
C. Clear urine output
D. Mild incisional soreness
Correct Answer A. Change in behavior
Expert Older adults may show atypical infection signs
Rationale (confusion, delirium) before fever or classic findings.
, PREVIEW QUESTION
12 Acute Transfusion Reaction
Source Question 53
Your patient has been receiving blood for 1 hour. What signs and
symptoms will alert you that the patient is having an acute
transfusion reaction?
What type of reaction is the patient experiencing?
A. Temp 101.9, HR 122, chills, BP 90/50 - Acute hemolytic reaction
B. Temp 101.9, HR 122, chills, BP 90/50 - Febrile (non-hemolytic) reaction
C. Itching only - TACO
D. Crackles and hypertension - Allergic reaction
A. Temp 101.9, HR 122, chills, BP 90/50 - Acute hemolytic
Correct Answer
reaction
Expert Fever + chills + hypotension + tachycardia during
Rationale transfusion is highly concerning for acute hemolytic
reaction (ABO incompatibility) and is life-threatening.
Febrile non-hemolytic reactions typically cause
fever/chills but are less likely to cause hypotension.
Treat as emergency: stop transfusion, NS with new
tubing, notify blood bank/provider.
