NU 170/NUR 170 Bundled Exams | 2026 Update | 100% Correct and Verified - Galen College

NU 170/NUR 170 Bundled Exams |
2026 Update | 100% Correct and
Verified - Galen College.



EXAM 1: CONCEPTS OF MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING

Question 1
A nurse is preparing a sterile field. Which of the following actions contaminated the
sterile field? (Select all that apply)

 A) A cotton ball dampened with sterile normal saline is placed on the field.
 B) A contaminated instrument touches the outer edge of the sterile field.
 C) A sterile instrument is dropped onto the near side of the sterile field.
 D) The nurse reaches over the sterile field to adjust the IV pole.

Answer: A, B, D
Rationale: A cotton ball dampened with saline, even sterile, contaminates the field
because moisture can wick bacteria from non-sterile surfaces. Contaminated
instruments touching any part of a sterile field cause contamination. Reaching over the
sterile field violates the sterile boundary. A sterile instrument dropped onto the near
side may remain sterile if packaging intact; dropping does not guarantee
contamination .

, Question 2
The client asks the nurse for a copy of their medical record. The nurse knows this right is
part of which regulation?

 A) The Patient Self-Determination Act
 B) HIPAA
 C) The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
 D) The Americans with Disabilities Act

Answer: B
Rationale: HIPAA gives patients the right to access their medical records. The Patient
Self-Determination Act concerns advance directives. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act
concerns organ donation. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects against
discrimination based on disability .




Question 3
A client is prescribed metformin. What is the most serious adverse effect the nurse
should monitor for?

 A) Hypoglycemia
 B) Lactic acidosis
 C) Weight gain
 D) Hyperglycemia

Answer: B
Rationale: Metformin can cause lactic acidosis, a rare but life-threatening complication,
especially in clients with renal impairment, hepatic disease, or conditions that
predispose to hypoxia. Monitor for symptoms such as muscle pain, difficulty breathing,
abdominal pain, and fatigue. Metformin does not typically cause hypoglycemia when
used alone .




Question 4

, When planning care for a client with right renal calculi, which nursing diagnosis has the
highest priority?

 A) Acute pain related to movement of the stone
 B) Impaired urinary elimination related to obstructed flow of urine
 C) Risk for infection related to urinary stasis
 D) Deficient knowledge related to need for prevention of recurrence

Answer: A
Rationale: Acute pain is the priority diagnosis in renal colic. While obstruction, infection
risk, and knowledge deficit are important, pain management takes precedence in
immediate care .




Question 5
A client recently admitted with new-onset type 2 diabetes will be discharged with a
glucose meter. When should the nurse teach the client to perform SMBG?

 A) Once daily in the morning
 B) Before meals and at bedtime
 C) Only when experiencing symptoms of hyperglycemia
 D) Every 4 hours around the clock

Answer: B
Rationale: For clients with type 2 diabetes, SMBG is typically recommended before
meals and at bedtime to assess fasting and preprandial glucose levels. Once-daily
testing is insufficient for most clients, and testing only when symptomatic is dangerous
because hyperglycemia can be asymptomatic .




Question 6
Which description of symptoms is characteristic of a client diagnosed with trigeminal
neuralgia (tic douloureux)?

 A) Tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing difficulties

,  B) Sudden, stabbing, severe pain over the lip and chin
 C) Facial weakness and paralysis
 D) Difficulty in chewing, talking, and swallowing

Answer: B
Rationale: Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by sudden, severe, stabbing pain along
the trigeminal nerve distribution (lips, chin, cheek). Tinnitus/vertigo is associated with
Meniere's disease. Facial weakness suggests Bell's palsy or CVA. Difficulty
chewing/swallowing suggests trigeminal motor involvement .




Question 7
A client with type 1 diabetes is exhibiting signs of hypoglycemia: diaphoresis,
tachycardia, and confusion. What is the priority nursing intervention?

 A) Administer glucagon IM
 B) Give 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g., 4 oz orange juice)
 C) Administer IV dextrose 50%
 D) Check blood glucose and then administer insulin

Answer: B
Rationale: In a conscious client with hypoglycemia, the priority is to give 15 grams of
fast-acting carbohydrate (orange juice, glucose tablets). Glucagon and IV dextrose are
indicated for unconscious clients. Insulin would worsen hypoglycemia .




Question 8
A child with a ventricular septal defect presents with what finding?

 A) Diastolic murmur
 B) Systolic murmur
 C) Bradycardia
 D) Peripheral edema