GALEN COLLEGE MED-SURG EXAM 3 TEST BANK QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 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
Galen College Med-Surg Exam 3
Test Bank Questions & Answers
2026/2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
99 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document features 99 exam questions with correct answers and comprehensive rationales, focusing on
medical-surgical nursing concepts. It serves as a valuable resource for students preparing for exams,
enhancing their understanding of key principles and facilitating effective study and review for certification.
CONTENTS
01 Diabetes Management Q1–Q31
02 Cardiac Care Q32–Q74
03 Musculoskeletal Disorders Q75–Q99
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 99
Which factors are most commonly associated with an increased risk for developing Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, particularly
considering genetic predisposition and environmental triggers?
A) Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
Page 1
,B) Family history and viral infections
C) High carbohydrate diet and low physical activity
D) Age and ethnicity
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Family history and viral infections
RATIONALE
Genetic predisposition through family history and environmental factors like viral infections are recognized contributors to the risk
of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, distinguishing them from lifestyle-related factors that are more relevant to Type 2 Diabetes.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 99
A 10-year-old patient presents to the clinic with symptoms of polyuria and unexplained weight loss. Given the age and
these symptoms, what is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
A) Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
B) Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
C) Gestational Diabetes
D) Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
RATIONALE
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus typically manifests in children and young adults with symptoms such as polyuria and weight loss,
contrasting with Type 2 Diabetes, which is more common in adults and linked to obesity.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 99
A 54-year-old patient presents with a BMI of 32 kg/m² and a fasting glucose level of 130 mg/dL. Considering these findings,
which of the following risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes should the on-call resident prioritize in the patient's
treatment plan?
A) Previous history of hypertension and elevated triglycerides
B) Occasional exercise regimen and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
C) A family history of cardiovascular disease and a recent diagnosis of low HDL
D) Recent weight loss and a non-smoker status
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Previous history of hypertension and elevated triglycerides
Page 2
, RATIONALE
A BMI of 32 kg/m² combined with a fasting glucose level of 130 mg/dL indicates a significant risk for Type 2 diabetes, with prior
hypertension and elevated triglycerides being critical factors to address for effective management.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 99
A type 1 diabetic patient is prescribed a mixed insulin regimen that includes NPH and regular insulin. During the
preparation, the charge nurse must ensure proper mixing to achieve the correct dosage. Which of the following sequences
should the charge nurse follow when preparing the insulin?
A) Air into NPH, Air into regular, Draw up regular, Draw up NPH
B) Air into regular, Air into NPH, Draw up NPH, Draw up regular
C) Air into NPH, Air into regular, Draw up NPH, Draw up regular
D) Air into regular, Air into NPH, Draw up regular, Draw up NPH
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Air into NPH, Air into regular, Draw up NPH, Draw up regular
RATIONALE
To prevent contamination and ensure proper dosing, the NPH (cloudy) insulin must be rolled before use, and the sequence of
drawing up insulin should always be clear to cloudy to avoid mixing errors.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 99
During a routine check, the charge nurse notes that a diabetic client plans to engage in aerobic exercise one hour after
administering 8 units of insulin. Given the risk of hypoglycemia, what should the charge nurse recommend as the next
step?
A) Increase the insulin dose to manage potential glucose spikes.
B) Have the client consume a complex carbohydrate snack before exercising.
C) Advise the client to skip exercise until the next insulin dose.
D) Monitor the client's blood glucose only after the exercise session.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Have the client consume a complex carbohydrate snack before exercising.
RATIONALE
Engaging in exercise shortly after an insulin injection can lead to hypoglycemia; consuming a complex carbohydrate snack helps
stabilize blood glucose levels prior to activity, ensuring safer exercise.
Page 3
, Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 99
Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with the use of Metformin in patients with diabetes?
A) Nausea
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Diarrhea
D) Hepatotoxicity
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Diarrhea
RATIONALE
Diarrhea is a well-known gastrointestinal side effect of Metformin, differentiating it from other antidiabetic medications that may
cause hypoglycemia or hepatotoxicity, making knowledge of these effects crucial in patient management.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 99
When administering Glipizide, which potential adverse effect should the charge nurse monitor most closely to ensure
patient safety?
A) Increased appetite leading to weight gain
B) Elevated blood glucose levels after meals
C) Acute changes in blood pressure stability
D) Symptoms of hypoglycemia during peak dosing times
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Symptoms of hypoglycemia during peak dosing times
RATIONALE
Glipizide stimulates insulin secretion, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, particularly during its peak action. Monitoring for
hypoglycemic symptoms is critical for preventing severe complications in patients receiving this medication.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 99
Rosiglitazone, known for its action as a thiazolidinedione (TZD), poses specific risks for patients with certain pre-existing
conditions. Which condition must be closely monitored or considered contraindicated when initiating treatment with this
medication?
A) Hepatic impairment
B) Chronic renal failure
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
Galen College Med-Surg Exam 3
Test Bank Questions & Answers
2026/2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
99 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document features 99 exam questions with correct answers and comprehensive rationales, focusing on
medical-surgical nursing concepts. It serves as a valuable resource for students preparing for exams,
enhancing their understanding of key principles and facilitating effective study and review for certification.
CONTENTS
01 Diabetes Management Q1–Q31
02 Cardiac Care Q32–Q74
03 Musculoskeletal Disorders Q75–Q99
E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 99
Which factors are most commonly associated with an increased risk for developing Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, particularly
considering genetic predisposition and environmental triggers?
A) Obesity and sedentary lifestyle
Page 1
,B) Family history and viral infections
C) High carbohydrate diet and low physical activity
D) Age and ethnicity
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Family history and viral infections
RATIONALE
Genetic predisposition through family history and environmental factors like viral infections are recognized contributors to the risk
of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, distinguishing them from lifestyle-related factors that are more relevant to Type 2 Diabetes.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 99
A 10-year-old patient presents to the clinic with symptoms of polyuria and unexplained weight loss. Given the age and
these symptoms, what is the most likely diagnosis for this patient?
A) Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
B) Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
C) Gestational Diabetes
D) Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
RATIONALE
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus typically manifests in children and young adults with symptoms such as polyuria and weight loss,
contrasting with Type 2 Diabetes, which is more common in adults and linked to obesity.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 99
A 54-year-old patient presents with a BMI of 32 kg/m² and a fasting glucose level of 130 mg/dL. Considering these findings,
which of the following risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes should the on-call resident prioritize in the patient's
treatment plan?
A) Previous history of hypertension and elevated triglycerides
B) Occasional exercise regimen and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
C) A family history of cardiovascular disease and a recent diagnosis of low HDL
D) Recent weight loss and a non-smoker status
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Previous history of hypertension and elevated triglycerides
Page 2
, RATIONALE
A BMI of 32 kg/m² combined with a fasting glucose level of 130 mg/dL indicates a significant risk for Type 2 diabetes, with prior
hypertension and elevated triglycerides being critical factors to address for effective management.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 99
A type 1 diabetic patient is prescribed a mixed insulin regimen that includes NPH and regular insulin. During the
preparation, the charge nurse must ensure proper mixing to achieve the correct dosage. Which of the following sequences
should the charge nurse follow when preparing the insulin?
A) Air into NPH, Air into regular, Draw up regular, Draw up NPH
B) Air into regular, Air into NPH, Draw up NPH, Draw up regular
C) Air into NPH, Air into regular, Draw up NPH, Draw up regular
D) Air into regular, Air into NPH, Draw up regular, Draw up NPH
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Air into NPH, Air into regular, Draw up NPH, Draw up regular
RATIONALE
To prevent contamination and ensure proper dosing, the NPH (cloudy) insulin must be rolled before use, and the sequence of
drawing up insulin should always be clear to cloudy to avoid mixing errors.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 99
During a routine check, the charge nurse notes that a diabetic client plans to engage in aerobic exercise one hour after
administering 8 units of insulin. Given the risk of hypoglycemia, what should the charge nurse recommend as the next
step?
A) Increase the insulin dose to manage potential glucose spikes.
B) Have the client consume a complex carbohydrate snack before exercising.
C) Advise the client to skip exercise until the next insulin dose.
D) Monitor the client's blood glucose only after the exercise session.
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Have the client consume a complex carbohydrate snack before exercising.
RATIONALE
Engaging in exercise shortly after an insulin injection can lead to hypoglycemia; consuming a complex carbohydrate snack helps
stabilize blood glucose levels prior to activity, ensuring safer exercise.
Page 3
, Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 99
Which adverse effect is most commonly associated with the use of Metformin in patients with diabetes?
A) Nausea
B) Hypoglycemia
C) Diarrhea
D) Hepatotoxicity
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Diarrhea
RATIONALE
Diarrhea is a well-known gastrointestinal side effect of Metformin, differentiating it from other antidiabetic medications that may
cause hypoglycemia or hepatotoxicity, making knowledge of these effects crucial in patient management.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 99
When administering Glipizide, which potential adverse effect should the charge nurse monitor most closely to ensure
patient safety?
A) Increased appetite leading to weight gain
B) Elevated blood glucose levels after meals
C) Acute changes in blood pressure stability
D) Symptoms of hypoglycemia during peak dosing times
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Symptoms of hypoglycemia during peak dosing times
RATIONALE
Glipizide stimulates insulin secretion, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, particularly during its peak action. Monitoring for
hypoglycemic symptoms is critical for preventing severe complications in patients receiving this medication.
Q8 QUESTION 8 OF 99
Rosiglitazone, known for its action as a thiazolidinedione (TZD), poses specific risks for patients with certain pre-existing
conditions. Which condition must be closely monitored or considered contraindicated when initiating treatment with this
medication?
A) Hepatic impairment
B) Chronic renal failure
Page 4
