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,NU 155 Exam 3 Medical-Surgical Nursing I
(2026) | Complete Exam Questions &
Verified Answers | Galen College of
Nursing | Latest Study Guide with Detailed
Rationales | Exam Prep | A+ Graded
Question 1: The nurse is monitoring a client's
surgical incision and notes an increase in the
amount of drainage, a separation of the incision
line, and the appearance of underlying tissue.
Which of the following is an appropriate action for
the nurse to take?
A) Cover the wound loosely with a sterile dry
dressing.
B) Apply a sterile, normal-saline soaked dressing
to the wound.
C) Massage the wound edges gently to promote
healing.
D) Clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide and
apply antibiotic ointment.
Correct Answer: B) Apply a sterile, normal-
saline soaked dressing to the wound.
Rationale: This presentation is consistent
with wound dehiscence, a complication where
the surgical wound separates. The priority is to
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,cover the exposed tissues with a sterile saline-
soaked dressing to keep them moist, prevent
contamination, and minimize trauma. Dry
dressings cause tissue desiccation, hydrogen
peroxide damages granulation tissue, and
massage is contraindicated.
Question 2: The nurse is caring for a
postoperative client. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take to minimize the
client's risk of developing deep vein thrombosis
(DVT)?
A) Limit client movement to prevent wound
disruption.
B) Assist the client to ambulate frequently as
early as tolerated.
C) Apply warm compresses to the lower
extremities regularly.
D) Give bed rest for at least 48 hours after
surgery.
Correct Answer: B) Assist the client to
ambulate frequently as early as tolerated.
Rationale: Early ambulation stimulates venous
return and reduces venous stasis, which is critical
in preventing DVT formation postoperatively.
Prolonged bed rest significantly increases DVT
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, risk.
Question 3: A medical-surgical nurse is
assessing a patient 48 hours post-abdominal
cholecystectomy. The patient reports sudden
localized tenderness and a dull ache in the left
calf with localized warmth and unilateral
erythema. Which of the following initial actions
should the nurse perform?
A) Massage the calf firmly and apply a sequential
compression device (SCD).
B) Instruct the patient to perform vigorous ankle
pumping exercises.
C) Place the patient on bed rest, elevate the
affected extremity above heart level, and notify
the healthcare provider immediately.
D) Apply an ice pack directly to the calf muscle.
Correct Answer: C) Place the patient on bed
rest, elevate the affected extremity above
heart level, and notify the healthcare provider
immediately.
Rationale: The presentation strongly indicates a
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Massaging the leg,
applying SCDs to an active clot, or performing
vigorous exercises can dislodge the thrombus,
converting it into a life-threatening pulmonary
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,NU 155 Exam 3 Medical-Surgical Nursing I
(2026) | Complete Exam Questions &
Verified Answers | Galen College of
Nursing | Latest Study Guide with Detailed
Rationales | Exam Prep | A+ Graded
Question 1: The nurse is monitoring a client's
surgical incision and notes an increase in the
amount of drainage, a separation of the incision
line, and the appearance of underlying tissue.
Which of the following is an appropriate action for
the nurse to take?
A) Cover the wound loosely with a sterile dry
dressing.
B) Apply a sterile, normal-saline soaked dressing
to the wound.
C) Massage the wound edges gently to promote
healing.
D) Clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide and
apply antibiotic ointment.
Correct Answer: B) Apply a sterile, normal-
saline soaked dressing to the wound.
Rationale: This presentation is consistent
with wound dehiscence, a complication where
the surgical wound separates. The priority is to
2
,cover the exposed tissues with a sterile saline-
soaked dressing to keep them moist, prevent
contamination, and minimize trauma. Dry
dressings cause tissue desiccation, hydrogen
peroxide damages granulation tissue, and
massage is contraindicated.
Question 2: The nurse is caring for a
postoperative client. Which of the following
actions should the nurse take to minimize the
client's risk of developing deep vein thrombosis
(DVT)?
A) Limit client movement to prevent wound
disruption.
B) Assist the client to ambulate frequently as
early as tolerated.
C) Apply warm compresses to the lower
extremities regularly.
D) Give bed rest for at least 48 hours after
surgery.
Correct Answer: B) Assist the client to
ambulate frequently as early as tolerated.
Rationale: Early ambulation stimulates venous
return and reduces venous stasis, which is critical
in preventing DVT formation postoperatively.
Prolonged bed rest significantly increases DVT
3
, risk.
Question 3: A medical-surgical nurse is
assessing a patient 48 hours post-abdominal
cholecystectomy. The patient reports sudden
localized tenderness and a dull ache in the left
calf with localized warmth and unilateral
erythema. Which of the following initial actions
should the nurse perform?
A) Massage the calf firmly and apply a sequential
compression device (SCD).
B) Instruct the patient to perform vigorous ankle
pumping exercises.
C) Place the patient on bed rest, elevate the
affected extremity above heart level, and notify
the healthcare provider immediately.
D) Apply an ice pack directly to the calf muscle.
Correct Answer: C) Place the patient on bed
rest, elevate the affected extremity above
heart level, and notify the healthcare provider
immediately.
Rationale: The presentation strongly indicates a
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Massaging the leg,
applying SCDs to an active clot, or performing
vigorous exercises can dislodge the thrombus,
converting it into a life-threatening pulmonary
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