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
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 chronic heart failure presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L and
peaked T-waves on ECG. Which medication should the nurse prioritize for immediate
administration to protect the myocardium?
A. Calcium gluconate
B. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
C. Regular insulin and D50W
D. Furosemide
Answer: A
Rationale: Calcium gluconate is the priority intervention to stabilize the myocardial cell membrane and
prevent life-threatening arrhythmias in the presence of severe 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. 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.
2. A client is admitted with suspected Pheochromocytoma. Which assessment finding
requires the most immediate notification to the healthcare provider?
A. Complaints of a severe, pounding headache
B. A glucose level of 145 mg/dL
C. A blood pressure reading of 210/115 mmHg
D. Patient reporting palpitations and feeling shaky
Answer: C
Rationale: While all are signs of pheochromocytoma, a hypertensive crisis (210/115) poses the most
immediate risk for stroke or organ damage. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse
teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces
anxiety. 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. In the management of ARDS, why is Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) utilized?
A. To prevent the collapse of alveoli and improve oxygenation
B. To decrease the workload of the diaphragm
C. To lower the risk of barotrauma during high-volume ventilation
D. To reduce the requirement for neuromuscular blocking agents
Answer: A
Rationale: PEEP keeps alveoli open at the end of expiration, increasing the surface area for gas
exchange and allowing for lower FiO2 levels. 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. 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.
4. A patient with a history of cirrhosis presents with new-onset confusion, asterixis, and
fetor hepaticus. Which laboratory value is most likely elevated?
A. Serum Albumin
B. Direct Bilirubin
C. Prothrombin Time (PT)
D. Serum Ammonia
Answer: D
Rationale: Asterixis and confusion are classic signs of hepatic encephalopathy, which is primarily
driven by the accumulation of ammonia in the blood. 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. In practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the
client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication are frequent priorities.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NU 185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive Exam
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 chronic heart failure presents with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L and
peaked T-waves on ECG. Which medication should the nurse prioritize for immediate
administration to protect the myocardium?
A. Calcium gluconate
B. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
C. Regular insulin and D50W
D. Furosemide
Answer: A
Rationale: Calcium gluconate is the priority intervention to stabilize the myocardial cell membrane and
prevent life-threatening arrhythmias in the presence of severe 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. 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.
2. A client is admitted with suspected Pheochromocytoma. Which assessment finding
requires the most immediate notification to the healthcare provider?
A. Complaints of a severe, pounding headache
B. A glucose level of 145 mg/dL
C. A blood pressure reading of 210/115 mmHg
D. Patient reporting palpitations and feeling shaky
Answer: C
Rationale: While all are signs of pheochromocytoma, a hypertensive crisis (210/115) poses the most
immediate risk for stroke or organ damage. This knowledge supports safe care and helps the nurse
teach the client and family clearly and simply. Clear teaching improves cooperation and reduces
anxiety. 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. In the management of ARDS, why is Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) utilized?
A. To prevent the collapse of alveoli and improve oxygenation
B. To decrease the workload of the diaphragm
C. To lower the risk of barotrauma during high-volume ventilation
D. To reduce the requirement for neuromuscular blocking agents
Answer: A
Rationale: PEEP keeps alveoli open at the end of expiration, increasing the surface area for gas
exchange and allowing for lower FiO2 levels. 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. 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.
4. A patient with a history of cirrhosis presents with new-onset confusion, asterixis, and
fetor hepaticus. Which laboratory value is most likely elevated?
A. Serum Albumin
B. Direct Bilirubin
C. Prothrombin Time (PT)
D. Serum Ammonia
Answer: D
Rationale: Asterixis and confusion are classic signs of hepatic encephalopathy, which is primarily
driven by the accumulation of ammonia in the blood. 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. In practice, this guides the nurse to set priorities and protect the
client from harm. Safety, nutrition, and clear communication are frequent priorities.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
