NU 170 NUR 170 MED SURG EXAM 2 V1 AND V2
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 UPDATE
100% CORRECT - GALEN COLLEGE.
170 QUESTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Analyze complex pathophysiological Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in
processes to prioritize nursing interventions critical care scenarios
Q1 - patient with septic shock has Q35 - assessment finding is most indicative
Q2 - patient on volume-controlled ventilation has Q36 - patient on a continuous heparin
Q3 - patient with acute kidney injury Q37 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q4 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites Q38 - finding is most consistent with
Q5 - patient with sepsis is prescribed Q39 - patient with acute pancreatitis has
Q6 - patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage Q40 - patient on vancomycin and piperacillin-ta...
Q7 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has Q41 - patient with a history of
Q8 - patient with a pulmonary embolism Q42 - patient receiving a continuous heparin
Q9 - patient with heart failure has Q43 - patient with end-stage renal disease
Q10 - patient with acute respiratory distress Q44 - patient with septic shock is
Q11 - patient with septic shock and Q45 - patient with acute pancreatitis develops
Q12 - laboratory finding best distinguishes dec... Q46 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q13 - patient with type 2 diabetes Q47 - patient with type 2 diabetes
Q14 - finding on an arterial blood Q48 - patient who had a total
Q15 - patient with acute pancreatitis develops Q49 - patient with a traumatic brain
Q16 - assessment finding is most indicative Q50 - patient with HIV is prescribed
Q17 - finding is most consistent with Q51 - a patient with acute pancreatitis,
Interpret diagnostic data and hemodynamic Integrate current evidence-based guidelines
parameters to guide clinical decisions into nursing practice for acutely ill adults
Q18 - patient presentation most strongly suggests Q52 - pathophysiologic mechanism best explains the
Q19 - patient with a severe asthma Q53 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q20 - finding is most indicative of Q54 - hemodynamic profile is most consistent
Q21 - a patient with acute decompensated Q55 - patient with type 2 diabetes
Q22 - patient with severe sepsis and Q56 - For a patient with acute
Q23 - pathophysiological mechanism most directl... Q57 - electrocardiographic finding is most spec...
Q24 - a patient with acute pancreatitis, Q58 - patient with acute ischemic stroke
Q25 - combination of findings is most Q59 - For a patient with diabetic
Q26 - patient with chronic kidney disease Q60 - clinical scenario most strongly suggests
Q27 - managing a patient with hyperkalemia Q61 - patient with sepsis and acute
Q28 - clinical scenario most clearly indicates Q62 - patient with chronic kidney disease
Q29 - a patient with cirrhosis and Q63 - patient with type 2 diabetes
Q30 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has Q64 - patient with a new ileostomy
Q31 - patient with acute respiratory distress Q65 - finding most distinguishes acute kidney
Q32 - patient with sepsis and acute Q66 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q33 - a patient with decompensated heart Q67 - patient with a serum creatinine
Q34 - patient with type 2 diabetes Q68 - patient with chronic heart failure
Page 1
,NU 170 NUR 170 Med Surg Exam 2 V1 and Foundations of Medical-Surgical Nursing
V2 Questions and Answers 2026 Update Q103 - patient with syndrome of inappropriate
Q69 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) Q104 - evaluating arterial blood gas results
Q70 - patient with acute pancreatitis has Q105 - patient with heart failure is
Q71 - patient with cirrhosis and refractory Q106 - patient is receiving a continuous
Q72 - patient with acute pancreatitis develops Q107 - patient with chronic kidney disease
Q73 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) Q108 - patient with acute pancreatitis has
Q74 - patient with acute kidney injury Q109 - patient with sepsis has a
Q75 - patient with chronic kidney disease Q110 - patient with a traumatic brain
Q76 - patient with sepsis and acute Q111 - client with acute pancreatitis develops
Q77 - patient with heart failure has Q112 - client with chronic kidney disease
Q78 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites Q113 - client with cirrhosis and refractory
Q79 - patient with acute pancreatitis develops Q114 - client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Q80 - patient with chronic kidney disease Q115 - client with a new diagnosis
Q81 - patient with heart failure and Q116 - client with acute respiratory distress
Q82 - patient with acute decompensated heart Q117 - client with acute kidney injury
Q83 - patient with type 2 diabetes Q118 - client with a severe exacerbation
Q84 - patient is receiving a continuous Q119 - client with a history of
Q85 - patient with pneumonia is receiving
Applied Medical-Surgical Nursing
Galen College. Q120 - client with neutropenia secondary to
Q86 - patient with type 1 diabetes Q121 - patient with acute decompensated heart
Q87 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites Q122 - pathophysiologic mechanism most directly ...
Q88 - patient is receiving IV morphine Q123 - patient with chronic kidney disease
Q89 - patient with chronic kidney disease Q124 - finding is most consistent with
Q90 - patient with sepsis and hypotension Q125 - patient in septic shock has
Q91 - patient with acute decompensated heart Q126 - assessment finding is most indicative
Q92 - patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary Q127 - patient with type 1 diabetes
Q93 - patient with sepsis is prescribed Q128 - of the following patients is
Q94 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) Q129 - patient with acute pancreatitis has
Q95 - patient with a traumatic brain Q130 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q96 - patient with acute pancreatitis has Q131 - patient with chronic heart failure
Q97 - patient with chronic kidney disease Q132 - patient with acute pancreatitis has
Q98 - patient with liver cirrhosis is Q133 - laboratory finding is most indicative
Q99 - patient with a pulmonary embolism Q134 - patient with end-stage renal disease
Q100 - patient with a new colostomy Q135 - patient with a pulmonary embolism
Q101 - managing a patient with hyperkalemia Q136 - patient with type 1 diabetes
Q102 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has
Page 2
,Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing
Q137 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q138 - patient with acute respiratory distress
Q139 - patient with sepsis is receiving
Q140 - patient with a traumatic brain
Q141 - patient with cirrhosis and refractory
Q142 - pathophysiological mechanism primarily ex...
Q143 - patient with septic shock remains
Q144 - electrocardiographic finding is most indi...
Q145 - statement best describes the mechanism
Q146 - clinical manifestation is most consistent
Q147 - assessment finding in a patient
Q148 - medication is most appropriate for
Q149 - finding in a patient with
Q150 - patient with chronic kidney disease
Q151 - a patient with acute coronary
Q152 - a patient with cirrhosis and
Q153 - assessment finding in a patient
Medical-Surgical Nursing Review
Q154 - patient with septic shock remains
Q155 - laboratory finding is most consistent
Q156 - a patient with acute pancreatitis,
Q157 - patient with chronic kidney disease
Q158 - patient with acute respiratory distress
Q159 - electrocardiographic finding is most spec...
Q160 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Q161 - a patient with acute decompensated
Q162 - patient with septic shock remains
Q163 - pathophysiological mechanism best explain...
Q164 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q165 - electrocardiographic finding is most spec...
Q166 - patient with diabetes mellitus type
Q167 - clinical scenario best illustrates the
Q168 - patient with sepsis and acute
Q169 - combination of findings most strongly
Q170 - patient on mechanical ventilation develops
Page 3
, Q1 ANALYZE COMPLEX PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES TO PRIORITIZE NURSING
INTERVENTIONS
A patient with septic shock has a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 58 mm Hg
despite adequate fluid resuscitation. The nurse prepares to initiate a vasopressor.
Which hemodynamic parameter is most essential to monitor during titration to
ensure tissue perfusion without excessive afterload?
A. Central venous pressure (CVP)
B. Cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) CORRECT
C. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)
D. Stroke volume variation (SVV)
RATIONALE: During vasopressor titration, monitoring cardiac output and SVR helps balance
perfusion with afterload. CVP and PAWP reflect preload, not the effects of vasopressors. SVV is
a preload responsiveness indicator, not a direct measure of afterload or perfusion.
Q2 ANALYZE COMPLEX PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES TO PRIORITIZE NURSING
INTERVENTIONS
A patient on volume-controlled ventilation has a plateau pressure of 32 cm HO and
a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg ideal body weight. The nurse notes the patient is
triggering the ventilator. Which action is most appropriate to reduce the risk of
ventilator-induced lung injury?
A. Increase the set tidal volume to 8 mL/kg to improve ventilation.
B. Administer a neuromuscular blocking agent to eliminate patient-ventilator dyssynchrony.
CORRECT
C. Decrease the respiratory rate to reduce minute ventilation.
D. Switch to pressure-controlled ventilation to lower peak pressures.
RATIONALE: High plateau pressure (>30 cm HO) indicates lung overdistension. Neuromuscular
blockade can eliminate dyssynchrony and reduce driving pressure. Increasing tidal volume
worsens injury. Lowering respiratory rate may not address dyssynchrony. Pressure-controlled
ventilation does not necessarily lower plateau pressure.
Page 4
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026 UPDATE
100% CORRECT - GALEN COLLEGE.
170 QUESTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Analyze complex pathophysiological Evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in
processes to prioritize nursing interventions critical care scenarios
Q1 - patient with septic shock has Q35 - assessment finding is most indicative
Q2 - patient on volume-controlled ventilation has Q36 - patient on a continuous heparin
Q3 - patient with acute kidney injury Q37 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q4 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites Q38 - finding is most consistent with
Q5 - patient with sepsis is prescribed Q39 - patient with acute pancreatitis has
Q6 - patient with a subarachnoid hemorrhage Q40 - patient on vancomycin and piperacillin-ta...
Q7 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has Q41 - patient with a history of
Q8 - patient with a pulmonary embolism Q42 - patient receiving a continuous heparin
Q9 - patient with heart failure has Q43 - patient with end-stage renal disease
Q10 - patient with acute respiratory distress Q44 - patient with septic shock is
Q11 - patient with septic shock and Q45 - patient with acute pancreatitis develops
Q12 - laboratory finding best distinguishes dec... Q46 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q13 - patient with type 2 diabetes Q47 - patient with type 2 diabetes
Q14 - finding on an arterial blood Q48 - patient who had a total
Q15 - patient with acute pancreatitis develops Q49 - patient with a traumatic brain
Q16 - assessment finding is most indicative Q50 - patient with HIV is prescribed
Q17 - finding is most consistent with Q51 - a patient with acute pancreatitis,
Interpret diagnostic data and hemodynamic Integrate current evidence-based guidelines
parameters to guide clinical decisions into nursing practice for acutely ill adults
Q18 - patient presentation most strongly suggests Q52 - pathophysiologic mechanism best explains the
Q19 - patient with a severe asthma Q53 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q20 - finding is most indicative of Q54 - hemodynamic profile is most consistent
Q21 - a patient with acute decompensated Q55 - patient with type 2 diabetes
Q22 - patient with severe sepsis and Q56 - For a patient with acute
Q23 - pathophysiological mechanism most directl... Q57 - electrocardiographic finding is most spec...
Q24 - a patient with acute pancreatitis, Q58 - patient with acute ischemic stroke
Q25 - combination of findings is most Q59 - For a patient with diabetic
Q26 - patient with chronic kidney disease Q60 - clinical scenario most strongly suggests
Q27 - managing a patient with hyperkalemia Q61 - patient with sepsis and acute
Q28 - clinical scenario most clearly indicates Q62 - patient with chronic kidney disease
Q29 - a patient with cirrhosis and Q63 - patient with type 2 diabetes
Q30 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has Q64 - patient with a new ileostomy
Q31 - patient with acute respiratory distress Q65 - finding most distinguishes acute kidney
Q32 - patient with sepsis and acute Q66 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q33 - a patient with decompensated heart Q67 - patient with a serum creatinine
Q34 - patient with type 2 diabetes Q68 - patient with chronic heart failure
Page 1
,NU 170 NUR 170 Med Surg Exam 2 V1 and Foundations of Medical-Surgical Nursing
V2 Questions and Answers 2026 Update Q103 - patient with syndrome of inappropriate
Q69 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) Q104 - evaluating arterial blood gas results
Q70 - patient with acute pancreatitis has Q105 - patient with heart failure is
Q71 - patient with cirrhosis and refractory Q106 - patient is receiving a continuous
Q72 - patient with acute pancreatitis develops Q107 - patient with chronic kidney disease
Q73 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) Q108 - patient with acute pancreatitis has
Q74 - patient with acute kidney injury Q109 - patient with sepsis has a
Q75 - patient with chronic kidney disease Q110 - patient with a traumatic brain
Q76 - patient with sepsis and acute Q111 - client with acute pancreatitis develops
Q77 - patient with heart failure has Q112 - client with chronic kidney disease
Q78 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites Q113 - client with cirrhosis and refractory
Q79 - patient with acute pancreatitis develops Q114 - client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Q80 - patient with chronic kidney disease Q115 - client with a new diagnosis
Q81 - patient with heart failure and Q116 - client with acute respiratory distress
Q82 - patient with acute decompensated heart Q117 - client with acute kidney injury
Q83 - patient with type 2 diabetes Q118 - client with a severe exacerbation
Q84 - patient is receiving a continuous Q119 - client with a history of
Q85 - patient with pneumonia is receiving
Applied Medical-Surgical Nursing
Galen College. Q120 - client with neutropenia secondary to
Q86 - patient with type 1 diabetes Q121 - patient with acute decompensated heart
Q87 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites Q122 - pathophysiologic mechanism most directly ...
Q88 - patient is receiving IV morphine Q123 - patient with chronic kidney disease
Q89 - patient with chronic kidney disease Q124 - finding is most consistent with
Q90 - patient with sepsis and hypotension Q125 - patient in septic shock has
Q91 - patient with acute decompensated heart Q126 - assessment finding is most indicative
Q92 - patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary Q127 - patient with type 1 diabetes
Q93 - patient with sepsis is prescribed Q128 - of the following patients is
Q94 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) Q129 - patient with acute pancreatitis has
Q95 - patient with a traumatic brain Q130 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q96 - patient with acute pancreatitis has Q131 - patient with chronic heart failure
Q97 - patient with chronic kidney disease Q132 - patient with acute pancreatitis has
Q98 - patient with liver cirrhosis is Q133 - laboratory finding is most indicative
Q99 - patient with a pulmonary embolism Q134 - patient with end-stage renal disease
Q100 - patient with a new colostomy Q135 - patient with a pulmonary embolism
Q101 - managing a patient with hyperkalemia Q136 - patient with type 1 diabetes
Q102 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis has
Page 2
,Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing
Q137 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q138 - patient with acute respiratory distress
Q139 - patient with sepsis is receiving
Q140 - patient with a traumatic brain
Q141 - patient with cirrhosis and refractory
Q142 - pathophysiological mechanism primarily ex...
Q143 - patient with septic shock remains
Q144 - electrocardiographic finding is most indi...
Q145 - statement best describes the mechanism
Q146 - clinical manifestation is most consistent
Q147 - assessment finding in a patient
Q148 - medication is most appropriate for
Q149 - finding in a patient with
Q150 - patient with chronic kidney disease
Q151 - a patient with acute coronary
Q152 - a patient with cirrhosis and
Q153 - assessment finding in a patient
Medical-Surgical Nursing Review
Q154 - patient with septic shock remains
Q155 - laboratory finding is most consistent
Q156 - a patient with acute pancreatitis,
Q157 - patient with chronic kidney disease
Q158 - patient with acute respiratory distress
Q159 - electrocardiographic finding is most spec...
Q160 - patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Q161 - a patient with acute decompensated
Q162 - patient with septic shock remains
Q163 - pathophysiological mechanism best explain...
Q164 - patient with cirrhosis and ascites
Q165 - electrocardiographic finding is most spec...
Q166 - patient with diabetes mellitus type
Q167 - clinical scenario best illustrates the
Q168 - patient with sepsis and acute
Q169 - combination of findings most strongly
Q170 - patient on mechanical ventilation develops
Page 3
, Q1 ANALYZE COMPLEX PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES TO PRIORITIZE NURSING
INTERVENTIONS
A patient with septic shock has a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 58 mm Hg
despite adequate fluid resuscitation. The nurse prepares to initiate a vasopressor.
Which hemodynamic parameter is most essential to monitor during titration to
ensure tissue perfusion without excessive afterload?
A. Central venous pressure (CVP)
B. Cardiac output (CO) and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) CORRECT
C. Pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)
D. Stroke volume variation (SVV)
RATIONALE: During vasopressor titration, monitoring cardiac output and SVR helps balance
perfusion with afterload. CVP and PAWP reflect preload, not the effects of vasopressors. SVV is
a preload responsiveness indicator, not a direct measure of afterload or perfusion.
Q2 ANALYZE COMPLEX PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES TO PRIORITIZE NURSING
INTERVENTIONS
A patient on volume-controlled ventilation has a plateau pressure of 32 cm HO and
a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg ideal body weight. The nurse notes the patient is
triggering the ventilator. Which action is most appropriate to reduce the risk of
ventilator-induced lung injury?
A. Increase the set tidal volume to 8 mL/kg to improve ventilation.
B. Administer a neuromuscular blocking agent to eliminate patient-ventilator dyssynchrony.
CORRECT
C. Decrease the respiratory rate to reduce minute ventilation.
D. Switch to pressure-controlled ventilation to lower peak pressures.
RATIONALE: High plateau pressure (>30 cm HO) indicates lung overdistension. Neuromuscular
blockade can eliminate dyssynchrony and reduce driving pressure. Increasing tidal volume
worsens injury. Lowering respiratory rate may not address dyssynchrony. Pressure-controlled
ventilation does not necessarily lower plateau pressure.
Page 4
