GALEN COLLEGE OF NURSING — NUR
242: MEDICAL-SURGICAL EXAM 2
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Verified Answers
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📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 99 Qs
This document covers medical-surgical nursing concepts related to cardiovascular disease, including
angina, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation, as well as medication management and patient
education. The provided questions with correct answers and detailed explanations offer a
comprehensive review of key concepts, allowing students to study, review, and understand complex
medical-surgical nursing topics for exam preparation.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
Which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize reporting to the healthcare provider for a
client with a stable angina diagnosis?
A) Increase in client's reported energy levels
B) Decrease in frequency of angina episodes
C) Angina episodes occurring more frequently
D) No changes in client's exercise tolerance
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Angina episodes occurring more frequently
RATIONALE: The nurse should communicate frequent angina episodes to the healthcare provider as it may indicate a
change in the client's disease process or the effectiveness of current treatment, prompting further evaluation or
adjustments to the treatment plan.
QUESTION 2
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, A nurse is caring for a client with a long history of elevated cholesterol levels. The nurse notes that
the client's laboratory results show a total cholesterol level of 250 mg/dL and a low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level of 120 mg/dL. Which of the following factors would put this client
at an increased risk for coronary artery disease?
A) High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level of 80 mg/dL
B) Client's age is under 40
C) Total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL
D) Client smokes more than a pack of cigarettes per day
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Client smokes more than a pack of cigarettes per day
RATIONALE: A client with a total cholesterol level of 250 mg/dL and an LDL cholesterol level of 120 mg/dL is already at
risk for coronary artery disease. Smoking more than a pack of cigarettes per day further increases this risk, as smoking
damages the inner lining of the blood vessels and accelerates atherosclerosis.
QUESTION 3
What is the medication that poses a risk for atrial fibrillation when administered too rapidly in clients
with osteoporosis?
A) Zoledronic acid
B) Ibandronate
C) Risedronate
D) Alendronate
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Zoledronic acid
RATIONALE: Zoledronic acid is a medication used to treat osteoporosis. However, when infused too quickly, it can cause
atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat. This is a critical side effect that requires careful administration.
QUESTION 4
A nurse should identify that a client with a history of myocardial infarction will take nitroglycerin for
angina prevention according to which guidelines.
A) Place one tablet under the tongue before bedtime, and repeat as needed for pain.
B) Place one tablet under the tongue before physical activity, and repeat the dose in 5 minutes if pain
occurs.
C) Take one tablet orally with breakfast, and increase the dose as directed by the physician.
D) Place one tablet under the tongue at mealtime, and decrease the dose as symptoms improve.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Place one tablet under the tongue before physical activity, and repeat the dose in 5 minutes if pain
occurs.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 2 of 38
, RATIONALE: A nurse should instruct a client to take nitroglycerin for angina prevention by placing one tablet under the
tongue before physical activity and repeating the dose in 5 minutes if pain occurs. This is the correct method to prevent
angina according to established guidelines. Options A, C, and D do not accurately reflect the recommended guidelines
for taking nitroglycerin.
QUESTION 5
The nurse educator should recognize that effective teaching has occurred when a staff member
indicates a clear understanding of the treatment for supraventricular tachycardia.
A) A crash cart is not needed at the client's bedside.
B) Adenosine should be given orally.
C) We will need a cardiac monitor available at the client's bedside.
D) The client does not need cardiac rehabilitation.
CORRECT ANSWER
C) We will need a cardiac monitor available at the client's bedside.
RATIONALE: Effective teaching is demonstrated when staff members can apply knowledge to practice. In this scenario,
the nurse educator's goal is for staff to recognize the need for a cardiac monitor during treatment for supraventricular
tachycardia. Option C correctly indicates understanding of this treatment. The other options are incorrect because a
crash cart is indeed needed (A), adenosine is administered via intravenous infusion (B), and cardiac rehabilitation may
be a consideration (D).
QUESTION 6
A client arrives at the emergency department with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The
nurse must prioritize teaching to ensure the client's safety. What topic should the nurse emphasize?
A) The importance of administering digoxin as prescribed
B) The need to report any chest discomfort to the healthcare team
C) The benefits of regular exercise in preventing future myocardial infarctions
D) The potential side effects of aspirin therapy
CORRECT ANSWER
B) The need to report any chest discomfort to the healthcare team
RATIONALE: Reporting chest discomfort to the healthcare team is crucial for prompt intervention and preventing further
cardiac damage. This emphasizes the importance of prioritizing client safety and promoting effective communication.
The other options do not directly address the client's immediate needs in this scenario.
QUESTION 7
Which finding indicates a possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a client?
A) Prolonged QT interval
B) Increased PR interval
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, C) Elevated ST segment
D) Reduced T wave amplitude
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Elevated ST segment
RATIONALE: An elevated ST segment is a key finding on an electrocardiogram that may indicate acute coronary
syndrome (ACS), a condition characterized by inadequate blood flow to the heart. The other options are not indicative
of ACS. A prolonged QT interval can be associated with other cardiac conditions, an increased PR interval may be seen
in atrioventricular block, and reduced T wave amplitude can be a sign of electrolyte imbalance or myocardial disease,
but not specifically ACS.
QUESTION 8
The nurse is assessing a patient who has been prescribed aspirin therapy for coronary artery disease.
What information should the nurse include when teaching the patient about this treatment?
A) Take aspirin after meals to reduce stomach upset.
B) Report any ringing in the ears or excessive bleeding to the healthcare provider immediately.
C) Avoid taking over-the-counter pain medications that contain acetaminophen.
D) Continue taking aspirin without consulting the healthcare provider if side effects occur.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Report any ringing in the ears or excessive bleeding to the healthcare provider immediately.
RATIONALE: The nurse should teach the patient to monitor and report ringing in the ears, as this can be a side effect of
aspirin therapy. Excessive bleeding is also a potential risk, and the patient should be instructed to report any unusual
bleeding or bruising to the healthcare provider.
QUESTION 9
A patient has a prescription for a medication to treat ventricular dysrhythmias, and the medication of
choice is one that has been shown to suppress abnormal electrical activity in the heart.
A) Furosemide
B) Amiodarone
C) Digoxin
D) Metoprolol
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Amiodarone
RATIONALE: Amiodarone is a medication that is commonly used to treat ventricular dysrhythmias. It works by
suppressing abnormal electrical activity in the heart, thereby reducing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. The other options,
furosemide, digoxin, and metoprolol, are not typically used to treat ventricular dysrhythmias and would not be indicated
for this patient.
QUESTION 10
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242: MEDICAL-SURGICAL EXAM 2
95+ (Updated 2026) Complete Exam Pack | A+ Graded Questions &
Verified Answers
100% Guarantee Pass
📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 99 Qs
This document covers medical-surgical nursing concepts related to cardiovascular disease, including
angina, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation, as well as medication management and patient
education. The provided questions with correct answers and detailed explanations offer a
comprehensive review of key concepts, allowing students to study, review, and understand complex
medical-surgical nursing topics for exam preparation.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
Which of the following findings should the nurse prioritize reporting to the healthcare provider for a
client with a stable angina diagnosis?
A) Increase in client's reported energy levels
B) Decrease in frequency of angina episodes
C) Angina episodes occurring more frequently
D) No changes in client's exercise tolerance
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Angina episodes occurring more frequently
RATIONALE: The nurse should communicate frequent angina episodes to the healthcare provider as it may indicate a
change in the client's disease process or the effectiveness of current treatment, prompting further evaluation or
adjustments to the treatment plan.
QUESTION 2
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 1 of 38
, A nurse is caring for a client with a long history of elevated cholesterol levels. The nurse notes that
the client's laboratory results show a total cholesterol level of 250 mg/dL and a low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level of 120 mg/dL. Which of the following factors would put this client
at an increased risk for coronary artery disease?
A) High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level of 80 mg/dL
B) Client's age is under 40
C) Total cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL
D) Client smokes more than a pack of cigarettes per day
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Client smokes more than a pack of cigarettes per day
RATIONALE: A client with a total cholesterol level of 250 mg/dL and an LDL cholesterol level of 120 mg/dL is already at
risk for coronary artery disease. Smoking more than a pack of cigarettes per day further increases this risk, as smoking
damages the inner lining of the blood vessels and accelerates atherosclerosis.
QUESTION 3
What is the medication that poses a risk for atrial fibrillation when administered too rapidly in clients
with osteoporosis?
A) Zoledronic acid
B) Ibandronate
C) Risedronate
D) Alendronate
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Zoledronic acid
RATIONALE: Zoledronic acid is a medication used to treat osteoporosis. However, when infused too quickly, it can cause
atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat. This is a critical side effect that requires careful administration.
QUESTION 4
A nurse should identify that a client with a history of myocardial infarction will take nitroglycerin for
angina prevention according to which guidelines.
A) Place one tablet under the tongue before bedtime, and repeat as needed for pain.
B) Place one tablet under the tongue before physical activity, and repeat the dose in 5 minutes if pain
occurs.
C) Take one tablet orally with breakfast, and increase the dose as directed by the physician.
D) Place one tablet under the tongue at mealtime, and decrease the dose as symptoms improve.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Place one tablet under the tongue before physical activity, and repeat the dose in 5 minutes if pain
occurs.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 2 of 38
, RATIONALE: A nurse should instruct a client to take nitroglycerin for angina prevention by placing one tablet under the
tongue before physical activity and repeating the dose in 5 minutes if pain occurs. This is the correct method to prevent
angina according to established guidelines. Options A, C, and D do not accurately reflect the recommended guidelines
for taking nitroglycerin.
QUESTION 5
The nurse educator should recognize that effective teaching has occurred when a staff member
indicates a clear understanding of the treatment for supraventricular tachycardia.
A) A crash cart is not needed at the client's bedside.
B) Adenosine should be given orally.
C) We will need a cardiac monitor available at the client's bedside.
D) The client does not need cardiac rehabilitation.
CORRECT ANSWER
C) We will need a cardiac monitor available at the client's bedside.
RATIONALE: Effective teaching is demonstrated when staff members can apply knowledge to practice. In this scenario,
the nurse educator's goal is for staff to recognize the need for a cardiac monitor during treatment for supraventricular
tachycardia. Option C correctly indicates understanding of this treatment. The other options are incorrect because a
crash cart is indeed needed (A), adenosine is administered via intravenous infusion (B), and cardiac rehabilitation may
be a consideration (D).
QUESTION 6
A client arrives at the emergency department with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The
nurse must prioritize teaching to ensure the client's safety. What topic should the nurse emphasize?
A) The importance of administering digoxin as prescribed
B) The need to report any chest discomfort to the healthcare team
C) The benefits of regular exercise in preventing future myocardial infarctions
D) The potential side effects of aspirin therapy
CORRECT ANSWER
B) The need to report any chest discomfort to the healthcare team
RATIONALE: Reporting chest discomfort to the healthcare team is crucial for prompt intervention and preventing further
cardiac damage. This emphasizes the importance of prioritizing client safety and promoting effective communication.
The other options do not directly address the client's immediate needs in this scenario.
QUESTION 7
Which finding indicates a possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in a client?
A) Prolonged QT interval
B) Increased PR interval
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, C) Elevated ST segment
D) Reduced T wave amplitude
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Elevated ST segment
RATIONALE: An elevated ST segment is a key finding on an electrocardiogram that may indicate acute coronary
syndrome (ACS), a condition characterized by inadequate blood flow to the heart. The other options are not indicative
of ACS. A prolonged QT interval can be associated with other cardiac conditions, an increased PR interval may be seen
in atrioventricular block, and reduced T wave amplitude can be a sign of electrolyte imbalance or myocardial disease,
but not specifically ACS.
QUESTION 8
The nurse is assessing a patient who has been prescribed aspirin therapy for coronary artery disease.
What information should the nurse include when teaching the patient about this treatment?
A) Take aspirin after meals to reduce stomach upset.
B) Report any ringing in the ears or excessive bleeding to the healthcare provider immediately.
C) Avoid taking over-the-counter pain medications that contain acetaminophen.
D) Continue taking aspirin without consulting the healthcare provider if side effects occur.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Report any ringing in the ears or excessive bleeding to the healthcare provider immediately.
RATIONALE: The nurse should teach the patient to monitor and report ringing in the ears, as this can be a side effect of
aspirin therapy. Excessive bleeding is also a potential risk, and the patient should be instructed to report any unusual
bleeding or bruising to the healthcare provider.
QUESTION 9
A patient has a prescription for a medication to treat ventricular dysrhythmias, and the medication of
choice is one that has been shown to suppress abnormal electrical activity in the heart.
A) Furosemide
B) Amiodarone
C) Digoxin
D) Metoprolol
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Amiodarone
RATIONALE: Amiodarone is a medication that is commonly used to treat ventricular dysrhythmias. It works by
suppressing abnormal electrical activity in the heart, thereby reducing the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. The other options,
furosemide, digoxin, and metoprolol, are not typically used to treat ventricular dysrhythmias and would not be indicated
for this patient.
QUESTION 10
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