MED-SURG EXAM 4 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS | GALEN COLLEGE TEST BANK 2026/2027 EXAM
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Med-Surg Exam 4 Questions &
Answers | Galen College Test
Bank 2026/2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
68 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document features 68 verified questions related to medical-surgical nursing, each accompanied by the
correct answers and detailed rationales. It serves as a comprehensive resource for students focusing on
clinical practice and patient care scenarios. The material is ideal for study, review, and preparation for
certification exams in the nursing field.
CONTENTS
01 Gastrointestinal Disorders Q1–Q17
02 Cholelithiasis Management Q18–Q32
03 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Q33–Q36
04 Urinary Tract Infections Q37–Q38
05 Kidney Stones Q39–Q43
06 Infection Control Q44–Q49
07 Skin Conditions Q50–Q54
08 Additional Questions Q55–Q68
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 68
A patient presents with acute lower abdominal cramping and the nurse notes decreased bowel sounds upon auscultation.
With a possible diagnosis of large bowel obstruction, which immediate action should the nurse prioritize?
A) Administer an intravenous fluid bolus to prevent dehydration
B) Prepare the patient for a barium enema to diagnose the obstruction
C) Initiate a low-fiber diet to minimize bowel irritation
D) Assess for signs of peritonitis and notify the physician
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Assess for signs of peritonitis and notify the physician
RATIONALE
Decreased bowel sounds and cramping indicate possible serious complications like peritonitis, necessitating prompt assessment
and intervention to prevent further deterioration. Prioritizing patient safety and timely medical intervention is critical in managing
bowel obstructions.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 68
In evaluating a patient with a suspected small bowel obstruction, which clinical signs are most indicative of the condition?
A) Increased bowel sounds and abdominal rigidity
B) Abdominal distention and vomiting with or without feces
C) Presence of melena and fever
D) Hypotension and tachycardia
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Abdominal distention and vomiting with or without feces
RATIONALE
Abdominal distention coupled with vomiting, potentially including fecal material, is a classic manifestation of small bowel
obstruction due to the accumulation of gastrointestinal contents above the obstruction site. Recognizing these signs is critical for
timely intervention.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 68
In the context of gastrointestinal disorders, which term specifically describes the inflammation of the stomach and
intestines caused by bacterial or viral infections?
Page 2
,A) Gastritis
B) Gastroenteritis
C) Colitis
D) Enteritis
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Gastroenteritis
RATIONALE
Gastroenteritis refers to the inflammation of both the stomach and intestines, often resulting from infectious agents,
distinguishing it from other gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions that affect only specific segments.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 68
In managing a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which of the following factors significantly heightens
the risk of symptom exacerbation?
A) Smoking cessation
B) Daily antihistamine use
C) Maintaining a healthy weight
D) Regular exercise
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Daily antihistamine use
RATIONALE
Antihistamines, such as loratadine, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of GERD symptoms. Proper
management includes addressing medication choices that may contribute to reflux, underscoring the need for careful assessment
of patient medication histories.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 68
A 54-year-old patient presents with gastric pain, nausea, and a history of tobacco use. An upper gastrointestinal
endoscopy reveals multiple ulcers in the duodenum. Given this presentation, what is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Esophageal varices
B) Gastric cancer
C) Peptic ulcer disease
D) Gastroesophageal reflux disease
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Peptic ulcer disease
Page 3
, RATIONALE
The presence of multiple ulcers in the duodenum, along with gastric pain and risk factors like tobacco use, strongly indicates
peptic ulcer disease, which is characterized by mucosal lesions in the stomach or duodenum due to increased acid production or
damage from irritants.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 68
A 58-year-old patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease presents to the emergency department with bright red
hematemesis and dizziness upon standing. Vital signs reveal a blood pressure of 88/54 mmHg. Which action should the
charge nurse prioritize next?
A) Administer IV fluids and monitor vital signs closely
B) Prepare the patient for an immediate endoscopy
C) Initiate a proton pump inhibitor regimen
D) Obtain laboratory tests for H. pylori infection
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Administer IV fluids and monitor vital signs closely
RATIONALE
Bright red hematemesis and hypotension indicate potential hemorrhagic complications requiring rapid volume resuscitation;
administering IV fluids is critical to stabilize the patient before further interventions.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 68
After a partial gastrectomy, which medication regimen is most appropriate for managing the patient's nutritional needs
and medication absorption?
A) Proton pump inhibitors, oral vitamin B-12 supplements, and enteric-coated tablets
B) Proton pump inhibitors, subcutaneous vitamin B-12 injections, and liquid formulations
C) Antacids, vitamin B-12 sublingual tablets, and enteric-coated capsules
D) H2 receptor antagonists, intramuscular vitamin B-12, and solid oral medications
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Proton pump inhibitors, subcutaneous vitamin B-12 injections, and liquid formulations
RATIONALE
After partial gastrectomy, proton pump inhibitors are indicated to manage acid secretion, while vitamin B-12 must be administered
subcutaneously due to impaired absorption, and liquid formulations should be preferred to enhance bioavailability.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 68
Page 4
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R A C T I C E M AT E R I A L S
Med-Surg Exam 4 Questions &
Answers | Galen College Test
Bank 2026/2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
68 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document features 68 verified questions related to medical-surgical nursing, each accompanied by the
correct answers and detailed rationales. It serves as a comprehensive resource for students focusing on
clinical practice and patient care scenarios. The material is ideal for study, review, and preparation for
certification exams in the nursing field.
CONTENTS
01 Gastrointestinal Disorders Q1–Q17
02 Cholelithiasis Management Q18–Q32
03 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Q33–Q36
04 Urinary Tract Infections Q37–Q38
05 Kidney Stones Q39–Q43
06 Infection Control Q44–Q49
07 Skin Conditions Q50–Q54
08 Additional Questions Q55–Q68
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 68
A patient presents with acute lower abdominal cramping and the nurse notes decreased bowel sounds upon auscultation.
With a possible diagnosis of large bowel obstruction, which immediate action should the nurse prioritize?
A) Administer an intravenous fluid bolus to prevent dehydration
B) Prepare the patient for a barium enema to diagnose the obstruction
C) Initiate a low-fiber diet to minimize bowel irritation
D) Assess for signs of peritonitis and notify the physician
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Assess for signs of peritonitis and notify the physician
RATIONALE
Decreased bowel sounds and cramping indicate possible serious complications like peritonitis, necessitating prompt assessment
and intervention to prevent further deterioration. Prioritizing patient safety and timely medical intervention is critical in managing
bowel obstructions.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 68
In evaluating a patient with a suspected small bowel obstruction, which clinical signs are most indicative of the condition?
A) Increased bowel sounds and abdominal rigidity
B) Abdominal distention and vomiting with or without feces
C) Presence of melena and fever
D) Hypotension and tachycardia
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Abdominal distention and vomiting with or without feces
RATIONALE
Abdominal distention coupled with vomiting, potentially including fecal material, is a classic manifestation of small bowel
obstruction due to the accumulation of gastrointestinal contents above the obstruction site. Recognizing these signs is critical for
timely intervention.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 68
In the context of gastrointestinal disorders, which term specifically describes the inflammation of the stomach and
intestines caused by bacterial or viral infections?
Page 2
,A) Gastritis
B) Gastroenteritis
C) Colitis
D) Enteritis
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Gastroenteritis
RATIONALE
Gastroenteritis refers to the inflammation of both the stomach and intestines, often resulting from infectious agents,
distinguishing it from other gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions that affect only specific segments.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 68
In managing a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which of the following factors significantly heightens
the risk of symptom exacerbation?
A) Smoking cessation
B) Daily antihistamine use
C) Maintaining a healthy weight
D) Regular exercise
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Daily antihistamine use
RATIONALE
Antihistamines, such as loratadine, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, increasing the risk of GERD symptoms. Proper
management includes addressing medication choices that may contribute to reflux, underscoring the need for careful assessment
of patient medication histories.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 68
A 54-year-old patient presents with gastric pain, nausea, and a history of tobacco use. An upper gastrointestinal
endoscopy reveals multiple ulcers in the duodenum. Given this presentation, what is the most likely diagnosis?
A) Esophageal varices
B) Gastric cancer
C) Peptic ulcer disease
D) Gastroesophageal reflux disease
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Peptic ulcer disease
Page 3
, RATIONALE
The presence of multiple ulcers in the duodenum, along with gastric pain and risk factors like tobacco use, strongly indicates
peptic ulcer disease, which is characterized by mucosal lesions in the stomach or duodenum due to increased acid production or
damage from irritants.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 68
A 58-year-old patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease presents to the emergency department with bright red
hematemesis and dizziness upon standing. Vital signs reveal a blood pressure of 88/54 mmHg. Which action should the
charge nurse prioritize next?
A) Administer IV fluids and monitor vital signs closely
B) Prepare the patient for an immediate endoscopy
C) Initiate a proton pump inhibitor regimen
D) Obtain laboratory tests for H. pylori infection
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Administer IV fluids and monitor vital signs closely
RATIONALE
Bright red hematemesis and hypotension indicate potential hemorrhagic complications requiring rapid volume resuscitation;
administering IV fluids is critical to stabilize the patient before further interventions.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 68
After a partial gastrectomy, which medication regimen is most appropriate for managing the patient's nutritional needs
and medication absorption?
A) Proton pump inhibitors, oral vitamin B-12 supplements, and enteric-coated tablets
B) Proton pump inhibitors, subcutaneous vitamin B-12 injections, and liquid formulations
C) Antacids, vitamin B-12 sublingual tablets, and enteric-coated capsules
D) H2 receptor antagonists, intramuscular vitamin B-12, and solid oral medications
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Proton pump inhibitors, subcutaneous vitamin B-12 injections, and liquid formulations
RATIONALE
After partial gastrectomy, proton pump inhibitors are indicated to manage acid secretion, while vitamin B-12 must be administered
subcutaneously due to impaired absorption, and liquid formulations should be preferred to enhance bioavailability.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 68
Page 4
