NUR 242 / NUR 242 Exam 1, 2, 3 & 4 – Galen College Med-Surg
Nursing | Complete Verified Questions with Correct Answers
& Detailed Rationales (GRADED A+)
INTRODUCTION
This NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam Test Bank is an essential study
resource for nursing students enrolled in Galen College of Nursing and other
nursing programs covering medical-surgical nursing concepts. Featuring four
complete examinations with verified exam-style questions and detailed rationales,
this comprehensive guide covers all core areas of medical-surgical nursing
including wound care and pressure injury management, pain assessment and
pharmacological interventions, diabetes mellitus and endocrine disorders,
respiratory conditions (COPD, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism),
cardiovascular disorders (heart failure, hypertension), fluid and electrolyte
balance, and medication administration. Each question is accompanied by a clear,
evidence-based rationale that explains why the correct answer is right and why
the distractors are wrong, promoting deep understanding rather than rote
memorization. Designed to mirror the actual NUR 242 course exams with current
2026/2027 curriculum standards, this resource provides nursing students with
the rigorous practice needed to identify knowledge gaps, reinforce critical
thinking, and achieve a passing score of 90% or higher on their examinations.
Whether you are preparing for your first med-surg exam or reviewing for your
final comprehensive assessment, this test bank offers the structured review and
real-world application necessary to excel in medical-surgical nursing and advance
your nursing career.
,NUR 242 EXAM 1
Medical-Surgical Nursing Concept
Question 1
Patricia is an RN working at a rehabilitation center and witnesses a nurse
aide struggling to lift and reposition an elderly, bedridden patient. She
explains to the nurse aide that there is a No Lift Policy in place in the
establishment. What does this policy entail?
a. A policy that requires all patients to be lifted by at least two staff
members
b. A policy that prohibits staff from lifting patients manually without
proper equipment
c. A policy that requires all patients to be fully independent in mobility
d. A policy that allows staff to lift patients only if they are under 150
pounds
Correct Answer: b. A policy that prohibits staff from lifting patients
manually without proper equipment
Rationale: A No Lift Policy is a pledge from administrators that
proper equipment, adequately maintained and in sufficient numbers,
will be available to care providers to reduce the risks associated
with manual patient handling. This policy is designed to protect both
,patients and healthcare workers from injury by eliminating manual
lifting whenever possible.
Question 2
Immobility affects multiple body systems. What are some interventions
that you can implement to decrease these effects? Select all that apply.
A. Utilizing waffle mattress to reduce the need for repositioning
B. Teds/SCDs
C. Rubbing reddened areas
D. Limiting fluid intake
E. ROM exercises
Correct Answer: B and E
Rationale: TEDs (thromboembolic deterrent stockings) and SCDs
(sequential compression devices) help prevent venous stasis and
deep vein thrombosis by promoting venous return. Range of motion
(ROM) exercises maintain joint flexibility, prevent contractures, and
promote circulation. Option A is incorrect because regardless of the
mattress used, repositioning should occur every 2 hours. Option C
is incorrect because rubbing reddened areas increases the risk for
skin breakdown. Option D is incorrect because proper hydration
promotes well-hydrated and healthy skin.
, Question 3
True or False: Nurses should do skin assessments once a week.
a. True
b. False
Correct Answer: b. False
Rationale: Nurses should perform full skin assessments a minimum
of once per shift. More frequent assessments may be needed for
patients at high risk for skin breakdown. Weekly assessments are
insufficient for early detection and prevention of pressure injuries.
Question 4
A patient goes to the ER for swelling and pain in her right calf. The patient
states that it occurred after she accidentally cut herself. Based on her
symptoms, what skin condition might the nurse suspect the patient has?
a. Deep vein thrombosis
b. Cellulitis
c. Osteomyelitis
d. Peripheral vascular disease
Correct Answer: b. Cellulitis
Rationale: Cellulitis is inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous
tissue, typically caused by bacterial infection. It presents with
localized swelling, redness, pain, and warmth. The history of a cut or
break in the skin is a common portal of entry for bacteria. DVT
Nursing | Complete Verified Questions with Correct Answers
& Detailed Rationales (GRADED A+)
INTRODUCTION
This NUR 242 Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam Test Bank is an essential study
resource for nursing students enrolled in Galen College of Nursing and other
nursing programs covering medical-surgical nursing concepts. Featuring four
complete examinations with verified exam-style questions and detailed rationales,
this comprehensive guide covers all core areas of medical-surgical nursing
including wound care and pressure injury management, pain assessment and
pharmacological interventions, diabetes mellitus and endocrine disorders,
respiratory conditions (COPD, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism),
cardiovascular disorders (heart failure, hypertension), fluid and electrolyte
balance, and medication administration. Each question is accompanied by a clear,
evidence-based rationale that explains why the correct answer is right and why
the distractors are wrong, promoting deep understanding rather than rote
memorization. Designed to mirror the actual NUR 242 course exams with current
2026/2027 curriculum standards, this resource provides nursing students with
the rigorous practice needed to identify knowledge gaps, reinforce critical
thinking, and achieve a passing score of 90% or higher on their examinations.
Whether you are preparing for your first med-surg exam or reviewing for your
final comprehensive assessment, this test bank offers the structured review and
real-world application necessary to excel in medical-surgical nursing and advance
your nursing career.
,NUR 242 EXAM 1
Medical-Surgical Nursing Concept
Question 1
Patricia is an RN working at a rehabilitation center and witnesses a nurse
aide struggling to lift and reposition an elderly, bedridden patient. She
explains to the nurse aide that there is a No Lift Policy in place in the
establishment. What does this policy entail?
a. A policy that requires all patients to be lifted by at least two staff
members
b. A policy that prohibits staff from lifting patients manually without
proper equipment
c. A policy that requires all patients to be fully independent in mobility
d. A policy that allows staff to lift patients only if they are under 150
pounds
Correct Answer: b. A policy that prohibits staff from lifting patients
manually without proper equipment
Rationale: A No Lift Policy is a pledge from administrators that
proper equipment, adequately maintained and in sufficient numbers,
will be available to care providers to reduce the risks associated
with manual patient handling. This policy is designed to protect both
,patients and healthcare workers from injury by eliminating manual
lifting whenever possible.
Question 2
Immobility affects multiple body systems. What are some interventions
that you can implement to decrease these effects? Select all that apply.
A. Utilizing waffle mattress to reduce the need for repositioning
B. Teds/SCDs
C. Rubbing reddened areas
D. Limiting fluid intake
E. ROM exercises
Correct Answer: B and E
Rationale: TEDs (thromboembolic deterrent stockings) and SCDs
(sequential compression devices) help prevent venous stasis and
deep vein thrombosis by promoting venous return. Range of motion
(ROM) exercises maintain joint flexibility, prevent contractures, and
promote circulation. Option A is incorrect because regardless of the
mattress used, repositioning should occur every 2 hours. Option C
is incorrect because rubbing reddened areas increases the risk for
skin breakdown. Option D is incorrect because proper hydration
promotes well-hydrated and healthy skin.
, Question 3
True or False: Nurses should do skin assessments once a week.
a. True
b. False
Correct Answer: b. False
Rationale: Nurses should perform full skin assessments a minimum
of once per shift. More frequent assessments may be needed for
patients at high risk for skin breakdown. Weekly assessments are
insufficient for early detection and prevention of pressure injuries.
Question 4
A patient goes to the ER for swelling and pain in her right calf. The patient
states that it occurred after she accidentally cut herself. Based on her
symptoms, what skin condition might the nurse suspect the patient has?
a. Deep vein thrombosis
b. Cellulitis
c. Osteomyelitis
d. Peripheral vascular disease
Correct Answer: b. Cellulitis
Rationale: Cellulitis is inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous
tissue, typically caused by bacterial infection. It presents with
localized swelling, redness, pain, and warmth. The history of a cut or
break in the skin is a common portal of entry for bacteria. DVT
