NU 155 Exam 3 Medical-Surgical Nursing I (2026-2027) PDF -
Galen College of Nursing Practice Test Bank with Verified
Answers
Pass your third foundational clinical milestone with this premium
2026 NU 155 Medical-Surgical Nursing I Exam 3 study bank,
precisely tailored for Galen College of Nursing. This
comprehensive PDF resource features realistic exam questions
and verified answers paired with deep clinical rationales covering
perioperative care, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, acid-base
disorders, and immunological defenses. It is the ultimate tool for
pre-licensure nursing students looking to optimize their study
time, master clinical judgment case scenarios, and secure an A+
grade.
Question #1
A nurse is caring for a client with a hiatal hernia. Which of the following
positions should the nurse recommend to minimize reflux symptoms?
A. Supine with the head flat
B. Left side-lying with the head elevated
C. Right side-lying with the head flat
D. Trendelenburg position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Left side-lying with the head elevated helps keep gastric contents
in the stomach and reduces reflux. Supine (A) and Trendelenburg (D) worsen
reflux by promoting backflow. Right side-lying (C) delays gastric emptying.
,Question #2
A client with acute gastroenteritis is experiencing severe diarrhea. Which of
the following is the priority nursing assessment?
A. Skin turgor and mucous membranes
B. Bowel sounds frequency
C. Dietary preferences
D. Abdominal girth measurements
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority is to assess for dehydration, which is the most
immediate complication of severe diarrhea. Skin turgor and mucous
membranes are key indicators of fluid status. Bowel sounds (B) and girth (D)
are less critical than fluid balance.
Question #3
A client is 2 days post-operative from an open cholecystectomy. The nurse
notes the client's T-tube drainage is 400 mL of dark green fluid in 24 hours.
What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A. Clamp the T-tube immediately
B. Notify the healthcare provider
C. Document the finding as expected
D. Increase the client's oral fluid intake
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: 300–500 mL of dark green/brown bile drainage per 24 hours is
expected from a T-tube. Documenting is appropriate. Clamping (A) without
an order is contraindicated. Notifying (B) is unnecessary unless output is
excessive or absent.
,Question #4
A client with chronic pancreatitis is prescribed pancreatic enzyme
supplements. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Take the enzymes with a full glass of milk
B. Swallow the capsules whole with meals and snacks
C. Crush the capsules and sprinkle on applesauce
D. Take the enzymes on an empty stomach
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes should be taken with meals and snacks to aid
digestion. They should be swallowed whole (not crushed, C) to prevent
inactivation by stomach acid. They are not taken on an empty stomach (D)
and should not be taken with milk (A) due to fat content and pH issues.
Question #5
A client with a small bowel obstruction has an NG tube set to low
intermittent suction. The nurse notes the client's abdomen is becoming
more distended and the client reports increased pain. What is the priority
action?
A. Increase the suction pressure
B. Irrigate the NG tube with 30 mL of sterile water
C. Assess the NG tube for patency and placement
D. Prepare the client for surgery
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increasing distention and pain may indicate a blocked NG tube.
The nurse should first assess patency and placement. Irrigation (B) may be
needed but assessment comes first. Surgery (D) is a provider decision after
assessment.
, Question #6
A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client with celiac disease. Which
of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh fruits and vegetables
B. Grilled chicken breast
C. Wheat bread and pasta
D. Rice and corn products
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Celiac disease requires a strict gluten-free diet. Wheat, barley, and
rye contain gluten and must be avoided. Fresh fruits (A), chicken (B), rice, and
corn (D) are gluten-free and safe.
Question #7
A client with colorectal cancer is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Which of the
following bowel preparation instructions is most important?
A. Drink clear liquids for 24 hours before the procedure
B. Take all prescribed laxatives and enemas as directed
C. Avoid all medications for 48 hours before the procedure
D. Eat a high-fiber meal the night before
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Complete bowel cleansing is essential for visualization. The client
must follow the laxative/enema protocol strictly. Clear liquids (A) are part of
the prep but not the most critical step. Medications (C) may need adjustment,
not all are stopped.
Question #8
A client with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis is prescribed
prednisone. Which of the following statements indicates the client
Galen College of Nursing Practice Test Bank with Verified
Answers
Pass your third foundational clinical milestone with this premium
2026 NU 155 Medical-Surgical Nursing I Exam 3 study bank,
precisely tailored for Galen College of Nursing. This
comprehensive PDF resource features realistic exam questions
and verified answers paired with deep clinical rationales covering
perioperative care, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, acid-base
disorders, and immunological defenses. It is the ultimate tool for
pre-licensure nursing students looking to optimize their study
time, master clinical judgment case scenarios, and secure an A+
grade.
Question #1
A nurse is caring for a client with a hiatal hernia. Which of the following
positions should the nurse recommend to minimize reflux symptoms?
A. Supine with the head flat
B. Left side-lying with the head elevated
C. Right side-lying with the head flat
D. Trendelenburg position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Left side-lying with the head elevated helps keep gastric contents
in the stomach and reduces reflux. Supine (A) and Trendelenburg (D) worsen
reflux by promoting backflow. Right side-lying (C) delays gastric emptying.
,Question #2
A client with acute gastroenteritis is experiencing severe diarrhea. Which of
the following is the priority nursing assessment?
A. Skin turgor and mucous membranes
B. Bowel sounds frequency
C. Dietary preferences
D. Abdominal girth measurements
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority is to assess for dehydration, which is the most
immediate complication of severe diarrhea. Skin turgor and mucous
membranes are key indicators of fluid status. Bowel sounds (B) and girth (D)
are less critical than fluid balance.
Question #3
A client is 2 days post-operative from an open cholecystectomy. The nurse
notes the client's T-tube drainage is 400 mL of dark green fluid in 24 hours.
What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A. Clamp the T-tube immediately
B. Notify the healthcare provider
C. Document the finding as expected
D. Increase the client's oral fluid intake
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: 300–500 mL of dark green/brown bile drainage per 24 hours is
expected from a T-tube. Documenting is appropriate. Clamping (A) without
an order is contraindicated. Notifying (B) is unnecessary unless output is
excessive or absent.
,Question #4
A client with chronic pancreatitis is prescribed pancreatic enzyme
supplements. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. Take the enzymes with a full glass of milk
B. Swallow the capsules whole with meals and snacks
C. Crush the capsules and sprinkle on applesauce
D. Take the enzymes on an empty stomach
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Pancreatic enzymes should be taken with meals and snacks to aid
digestion. They should be swallowed whole (not crushed, C) to prevent
inactivation by stomach acid. They are not taken on an empty stomach (D)
and should not be taken with milk (A) due to fat content and pH issues.
Question #5
A client with a small bowel obstruction has an NG tube set to low
intermittent suction. The nurse notes the client's abdomen is becoming
more distended and the client reports increased pain. What is the priority
action?
A. Increase the suction pressure
B. Irrigate the NG tube with 30 mL of sterile water
C. Assess the NG tube for patency and placement
D. Prepare the client for surgery
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Increasing distention and pain may indicate a blocked NG tube.
The nurse should first assess patency and placement. Irrigation (B) may be
needed but assessment comes first. Surgery (D) is a provider decision after
assessment.
, Question #6
A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client with celiac disease. Which
of the following foods should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
A. Fresh fruits and vegetables
B. Grilled chicken breast
C. Wheat bread and pasta
D. Rice and corn products
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Celiac disease requires a strict gluten-free diet. Wheat, barley, and
rye contain gluten and must be avoided. Fresh fruits (A), chicken (B), rice, and
corn (D) are gluten-free and safe.
Question #7
A client with colorectal cancer is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Which of the
following bowel preparation instructions is most important?
A. Drink clear liquids for 24 hours before the procedure
B. Take all prescribed laxatives and enemas as directed
C. Avoid all medications for 48 hours before the procedure
D. Eat a high-fiber meal the night before
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Complete bowel cleansing is essential for visualization. The client
must follow the laxative/enema protocol strictly. Clear liquids (A) are part of
the prep but not the most critical step. Medications (C) may need adjustment,
not all are stopped.
Question #8
A client with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis is prescribed
prednisone. Which of the following statements indicates the client
