NU 185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NU 185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive Exam 4
2026/2027 UPDATE |Galen College
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NU 185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibits a blood pressure of 190/60 mmHg, a
heart rate of 48 bpm, and irregular respirations. Which condition do these findings most
likely indicate?
A. Cushing’s triad
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Autonomic dysreflexia
D. Pulmonary embolism
Answer: A
Rationale: Cushing’s triad consists of bradycardia, hypertension with a widening pulse pressure, and
irregular respirations, signaling increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Clear understanding of this
concept improves both test performance and everyday clinical judgment. Practice applying it to short
case scenarios to lock the idea in place. Remembering this point will help you decide the best nursing
action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the client’s current condition and
risk level.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is the primary concern for a patient in the oliguric phase of
acute kidney injury (AKI)?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Rationale: In the oliguric phase, the kidneys cannot excrete potassium, leading to life- threatening
hyperkalemia and potential cardiac arrest. Exam questions often test whether you can pick the most
practical and safe choice for the client in real situations. Focus on what the nurse can actually do right
now. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer makes it easier to rule out the wrong options
quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and matches the priority need.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NU 185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient with a spinal cord injury at T6 reports a sudden, pounding headache and is
found to have a BP of 210/110 mmHg. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer ordered antihypertensives
B. Place the patient in a supine position
C. Notify the physician immediately
D. Check for bladder distension or fecal impaction
Answer: D
Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia is often triggered by a noxious stimulus like a full bladder; removing
the trigger is the priority intervention. Clear understanding of this concept improves both test
performance and everyday clinical judgment. Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the
idea in place. Remembering this point will help you decide the best nursing action when similar
questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the client’s current condition and risk level.
4. What is the primary physiological goal of applying Positive End-Expiratory Pressure
(PEEP) in a patient with ARDS?
A. Decrease the work of breathing
B. Prevent barotrauma to the lungs
C. Increase functional residual capacity by keeping alveoli open
D. Reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia
Answer: C
Rationale: PEEP prevents alveolar collapse at the end of expiration, improving oxygenation and
increasing functional residual capacity. This is important because the nurse must choose the action
that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first when
answering these questions. Understanding this helps the nurse notice early warning signs and act
before the problem gets worse. Early action often prevents bigger complications for the client.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NU 185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive Exam 4
2026/2027 UPDATE |Galen College
ACTUAL EXAM QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS
with Clear, Detailed Rationales
Document Type: Exam (Elaborations) / Study Guide
Academic Year:
Total Questions: 50 Multiple Choice
Includes: Correct Answers + Rationales
Grade: A+ Assured
ASSURED GRADE A+
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 1
,NU 185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) exhibits a blood pressure of 190/60 mmHg, a
heart rate of 48 bpm, and irregular respirations. Which condition do these findings most
likely indicate?
A. Cushing’s triad
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Autonomic dysreflexia
D. Pulmonary embolism
Answer: A
Rationale: Cushing’s triad consists of bradycardia, hypertension with a widening pulse pressure, and
irregular respirations, signaling increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Clear understanding of this
concept improves both test performance and everyday clinical judgment. Practice applying it to short
case scenarios to lock the idea in place. Remembering this point will help you decide the best nursing
action when similar questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the client’s current condition and
risk level.
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is the primary concern for a patient in the oliguric phase of
acute kidney injury (AKI)?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B
Rationale: In the oliguric phase, the kidneys cannot excrete potassium, leading to life- threatening
hyperkalemia and potential cardiac arrest. Exam questions often test whether you can pick the most
practical and safe choice for the client in real situations. Focus on what the nurse can actually do right
now. Knowing the reason behind the correct answer makes it easier to rule out the wrong options
quickly. Look for the choice that protects the client and matches the priority need.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NU 185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient with a spinal cord injury at T6 reports a sudden, pounding headache and is
found to have a BP of 210/110 mmHg. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Administer ordered antihypertensives
B. Place the patient in a supine position
C. Notify the physician immediately
D. Check for bladder distension or fecal impaction
Answer: D
Rationale: Autonomic dysreflexia is often triggered by a noxious stimulus like a full bladder; removing
the trigger is the priority intervention. Clear understanding of this concept improves both test
performance and everyday clinical judgment. Practice applying it to short case scenarios to lock the
idea in place. Remembering this point will help you decide the best nursing action when similar
questions appear on the exam. Link the answer to the client’s current condition and risk level.
4. What is the primary physiological goal of applying Positive End-Expiratory Pressure
(PEEP) in a patient with ARDS?
A. Decrease the work of breathing
B. Prevent barotrauma to the lungs
C. Increase functional residual capacity by keeping alveoli open
D. Reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia
Answer: C
Rationale: PEEP prevents alveolar collapse at the end of expiration, improving oxygenation and
increasing functional residual capacity. This is important because the nurse must choose the action
that keeps the client safest while still meeting their basic needs. Always think about safety first when
answering these questions. Understanding this helps the nurse notice early warning signs and act
before the problem gets worse. Early action often prevents bigger complications for the client.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
