MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING EXAM 1 TEST BANK | GALEN COLLEGE 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
Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam
1 Test Bank | Galen College
2026/2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
100 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document features 100 medical-surgical nursing questions, complete with correct answers and
comprehensive rationales. It serves as a resource for understanding clinical scenarios and decision-making
processes in nursing practice. Students can utilize it for effective study, review of key concepts, and
preparation for certification exams.
CONTENTS
01 Headache Assessment Q1–Q8
02 Stroke Evaluation Q9–Q16
03 Seizure Management Q17–Q24
04 Parkinson's Disease Q25–Q30
05 Multiple Sclerosis Q31–Q36
06 Vision Disorders Q37–Q44
07 Additional Questions Q45–Q100
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 100
A 45-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with a severe headache rated 8/10, accompanied by nausea
and sensitivity to light. When assessing the headache type, which classification should the charge nurse consider as the
most likely diagnosis based on these symptoms?
A) Hormonal
B) Tension
C) Cluster
D) Migraine
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Migraine
RATIONALE
The combination of severe pain, nausea, and photophobia strongly indicates a migraine, as these symptoms are characteristic of
this type, unlike tension headaches, which typically present with milder discomfort and less associated symptoms.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 100
A stroke patient reports a pain level of 7 on a scale of 0 to 10, stating the pain radiates from the left arm to the chest. The
charge nurse needs to prioritize the assessment by determining which aspect of the pain should be addressed first to
develop a comprehensive care plan. What should the charge nurse focus on next?
A) Quality of the pain described by the patient
B) Time of onset regarding the pain symptoms
C) Severity of the pain on the numerical scale
D) Provoking factors that may have triggered the pain
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Quality of the pain described by the patient
RATIONALE
Prioritizing the quality of pain allows the charge nurse to gain insight into the nature of the symptoms, which is critical in
differentiating between conditions such as musculoskeletal pain versus potential cardiac involvement. Accurate assessment of
pain quality informs effective treatment strategies.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 100
Page 2
,In assessing a patient with acute migraine symptoms, the charge nurse notes a pain intensity of 8 on a 1-10 scale.
Additionally, the patient reports photophobia and nausea. Which symptom is most likely to indicate the need for
immediate intervention?
A) Pain intensity of 8
B) Nausea
C) Photophobia
D) Both photophobia and nausea
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Both photophobia and nausea
RATIONALE
High pain intensity coupled with photophobia and nausea suggests a severe migraine episode, where photophobia and nausea
may escalate quickly and require immediate intervention to provide symptomatic relief and avoid complications.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 100
A 45-year-old construction supervisor reports persistent headaches described as a tight band around his head, worsening
after long hours without breaks. Given these symptoms, what initial intervention should the charge nurse prioritize to
alleviate his discomfort?
A) Administer a mild analgesic and advise hydration
B) Schedule an immediate CT scan to rule out intracranial issues
C) Recommend a weekly massage therapy session for stress relief
D) Suggest a change in diet to include more magnesium-rich foods
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Administer a mild analgesic and advise hydration
RATIONALE
Tension headaches often respond well to analgesics and hydration, targeting the muscular tension and dehydration frequently
associated with these symptoms. Prioritizing immediate symptomatic relief is crucial before considering further interventions or
investigations.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 100
A patient reports experiencing unilateral headaches that are pulsating in nature, worsened by movement, and
accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound. Which characteristics best describe this type of headache?
A) Bilateral, dull, and non-pulsating with no associated symptoms
B) Unilateral, throbbing, worsened by activity, with photophobia and phonophobia
Page 3
, C) Bilateral, sharp, and mild with additional nausea and vomiting
D) Unilateral, constant, with a gradual onset and no associated sensitivities
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Unilateral, throbbing, worsened by activity, with photophobia and phonophobia
RATIONALE
Recognizing the specific features of migraine headaches, such as unilateral location, throbbing quality, and sensitivity to light and
sound, is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment management. Differentiating these symptoms from other headache types
ensures appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 100
In assessing a patient experiencing cluster headaches, the characteristic pain is most accurately described as which of the
following?
A) Intermittent throbbing lasting 30-120 minutes
B) Steady pressure without sharp pain
C) Severe, stabbing pain lasting 5-30 minutes
D) Dull ache that persists for several hours
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Severe, stabbing pain lasting 5-30 minutes
RATIONALE
Cluster headaches are identified by intense, stabbing pain that typically lasts for a short duration, often 5 to 30 minutes,
distinguishing them from other types of headache disorders. Recognizing these specific pain characteristics is critical for accurate
diagnosis and effective management.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 100
A patient presents with a migraine episode, reporting severe photophobia and nausea, leading to dehydration. In
addressing the immediate needs of this patient, which intervention should the charge nurse prioritize to alleviate
symptoms?
A) Administer antiemetic medication to address nausea
B) Encourage hydration with electrolyte-infused fluids
C) Provide a darkened environment to minimize photophobia
D) Initiate a migraine medication protocol per hospital guidelines
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Provide a darkened environment to minimize photophobia
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
Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam
1 Test Bank | Galen College
2026/2027
Verified Answers Exam Ready With Rationales
100 QUESTIONS
DOCUMENT OVERVIEW
This document features 100 medical-surgical nursing questions, complete with correct answers and
comprehensive rationales. It serves as a resource for understanding clinical scenarios and decision-making
processes in nursing practice. Students can utilize it for effective study, review of key concepts, and
preparation for certification exams.
CONTENTS
01 Headache Assessment Q1–Q8
02 Stroke Evaluation Q9–Q16
03 Seizure Management Q17–Q24
04 Parkinson's Disease Q25–Q30
05 Multiple Sclerosis Q31–Q36
06 Vision Disorders Q37–Q44
07 Additional Questions Q45–Q100
Page 1
, E XA M Q U EST I O N S
Q1 QUESTION 1 OF 100
A 45-year-old patient presents to the emergency department with a severe headache rated 8/10, accompanied by nausea
and sensitivity to light. When assessing the headache type, which classification should the charge nurse consider as the
most likely diagnosis based on these symptoms?
A) Hormonal
B) Tension
C) Cluster
D) Migraine
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Migraine
RATIONALE
The combination of severe pain, nausea, and photophobia strongly indicates a migraine, as these symptoms are characteristic of
this type, unlike tension headaches, which typically present with milder discomfort and less associated symptoms.
Q2 QUESTION 2 OF 100
A stroke patient reports a pain level of 7 on a scale of 0 to 10, stating the pain radiates from the left arm to the chest. The
charge nurse needs to prioritize the assessment by determining which aspect of the pain should be addressed first to
develop a comprehensive care plan. What should the charge nurse focus on next?
A) Quality of the pain described by the patient
B) Time of onset regarding the pain symptoms
C) Severity of the pain on the numerical scale
D) Provoking factors that may have triggered the pain
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Quality of the pain described by the patient
RATIONALE
Prioritizing the quality of pain allows the charge nurse to gain insight into the nature of the symptoms, which is critical in
differentiating between conditions such as musculoskeletal pain versus potential cardiac involvement. Accurate assessment of
pain quality informs effective treatment strategies.
Q3 QUESTION 3 OF 100
Page 2
,In assessing a patient with acute migraine symptoms, the charge nurse notes a pain intensity of 8 on a 1-10 scale.
Additionally, the patient reports photophobia and nausea. Which symptom is most likely to indicate the need for
immediate intervention?
A) Pain intensity of 8
B) Nausea
C) Photophobia
D) Both photophobia and nausea
CORRECT ANSWER
D) Both photophobia and nausea
RATIONALE
High pain intensity coupled with photophobia and nausea suggests a severe migraine episode, where photophobia and nausea
may escalate quickly and require immediate intervention to provide symptomatic relief and avoid complications.
Q4 QUESTION 4 OF 100
A 45-year-old construction supervisor reports persistent headaches described as a tight band around his head, worsening
after long hours without breaks. Given these symptoms, what initial intervention should the charge nurse prioritize to
alleviate his discomfort?
A) Administer a mild analgesic and advise hydration
B) Schedule an immediate CT scan to rule out intracranial issues
C) Recommend a weekly massage therapy session for stress relief
D) Suggest a change in diet to include more magnesium-rich foods
CORRECT ANSWER
A) Administer a mild analgesic and advise hydration
RATIONALE
Tension headaches often respond well to analgesics and hydration, targeting the muscular tension and dehydration frequently
associated with these symptoms. Prioritizing immediate symptomatic relief is crucial before considering further interventions or
investigations.
Q5 QUESTION 5 OF 100
A patient reports experiencing unilateral headaches that are pulsating in nature, worsened by movement, and
accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound. Which characteristics best describe this type of headache?
A) Bilateral, dull, and non-pulsating with no associated symptoms
B) Unilateral, throbbing, worsened by activity, with photophobia and phonophobia
Page 3
, C) Bilateral, sharp, and mild with additional nausea and vomiting
D) Unilateral, constant, with a gradual onset and no associated sensitivities
CORRECT ANSWER
B) Unilateral, throbbing, worsened by activity, with photophobia and phonophobia
RATIONALE
Recognizing the specific features of migraine headaches, such as unilateral location, throbbing quality, and sensitivity to light and
sound, is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment management. Differentiating these symptoms from other headache types
ensures appropriate therapeutic interventions.
Q6 QUESTION 6 OF 100
In assessing a patient experiencing cluster headaches, the characteristic pain is most accurately described as which of the
following?
A) Intermittent throbbing lasting 30-120 minutes
B) Steady pressure without sharp pain
C) Severe, stabbing pain lasting 5-30 minutes
D) Dull ache that persists for several hours
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Severe, stabbing pain lasting 5-30 minutes
RATIONALE
Cluster headaches are identified by intense, stabbing pain that typically lasts for a short duration, often 5 to 30 minutes,
distinguishing them from other types of headache disorders. Recognizing these specific pain characteristics is critical for accurate
diagnosis and effective management.
Q7 QUESTION 7 OF 100
A patient presents with a migraine episode, reporting severe photophobia and nausea, leading to dehydration. In
addressing the immediate needs of this patient, which intervention should the charge nurse prioritize to alleviate
symptoms?
A) Administer antiemetic medication to address nausea
B) Encourage hydration with electrolyte-infused fluids
C) Provide a darkened environment to minimize photophobia
D) Initiate a migraine medication protocol per hospital guidelines
CORRECT ANSWER
C) Provide a darkened environment to minimize photophobia
Page 4
