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 Prep
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 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is receiving mechanical
ventilation with high levels of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP). The nurse monitors
for which primary complication?
A. Increased renal perfusion
B. Decreased cardiac output
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Pulmonary hypertension
Answer: B
Rationale: High levels of PEEP increase intrathoracic pressure, which decreases venous return to the
heart, leading to reduced preload and decreased cardiac output. 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. 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.
2. When managing a patient in the emergent phase of a major burn injury, which laboratory
result would the nurse most likely anticipate?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: In the emergent phase of burns, massive cell destruction releases potassium into the
extracellular space, resulting in hyperkalemia. 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. 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 2
, NU 185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) presents with a potassium level of 6.8
mEq/L. Which medication should the nurse be prepared to administer first to protect the
heart?
A. Calcium gluconate
B. Regular insulin and D50
C. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
D. presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which medication should the nurse be prepared to
administer first to protect the heart?
Answer: A
Rationale: Calcium gluconate is administered to stabilize the myocardial cell membrane and prevent
life-threatening dysrhythmias associated with hyperkalemia. 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. In practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from
harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication are frequent priorities.
4. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of the ‘compensatory stage’ of shock?
A. Refractory metabolic acidosis
B. Cold, clammy skin
C. Narrowing pulse pressure
D. Anuria
Answer: C
Rationale: During the compensatory stage, the body attempts to maintain homeostasis; a narrowing
pulse pressure occurs due to increased peripheral vascular resistance and sympathetic stimulation.
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 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NU 185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive Exam Prep
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 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is receiving mechanical
ventilation with high levels of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP). The nurse monitors
for which primary complication?
A. Increased renal perfusion
B. Decreased cardiac output
C. Respiratory alkalosis
D. Pulmonary hypertension
Answer: B
Rationale: High levels of PEEP increase intrathoracic pressure, which decreases venous return to the
heart, leading to reduced preload and decreased cardiac output. 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. 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.
2. When managing a patient in the emergent phase of a major burn injury, which laboratory
result would the nurse most likely anticipate?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hyperkalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: In the emergent phase of burns, massive cell destruction releases potassium into the
extracellular space, resulting in hyperkalemia. 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. 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 2
, NU 185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. A patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) presents with a potassium level of 6.8
mEq/L. Which medication should the nurse be prepared to administer first to protect the
heart?
A. Calcium gluconate
B. Regular insulin and D50
C. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
D. presents with a potassium level of 6.8 mEq/L. Which medication should the nurse be prepared to
administer first to protect the heart?
Answer: A
Rationale: Calcium gluconate is administered to stabilize the myocardial cell membrane and prevent
life-threatening dysrhythmias associated with hyperkalemia. 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. In practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the client from
harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication are frequent priorities.
4. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of the ‘compensatory stage’ of shock?
A. Refractory metabolic acidosis
B. Cold, clammy skin
C. Narrowing pulse pressure
D. Anuria
Answer: C
Rationale: During the compensatory stage, the body attempts to maintain homeostasis; a narrowing
pulse pressure occurs due to increased peripheral vascular resistance and sympathetic stimulation.
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 3
