NUR 242 Exam 3 Galen Med-Surg Concepts 2026/2027 … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 242 Exam 3 Galen Med-Surg Concepts 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
,NUR 242 Exam 3 Galen Med-Surg Concepts 2026/2027 … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 52, and HCO3 of 24. Which acid-base
imbalance does this indicate?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: The pH is low (acidosis) and the PaCO2 is high (respiratory component), while the
bicarbonate is within normal limits, indicating uncompensated respiratory acidosis. 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. 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. Which clinical manifestation is a late sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Headache
B. Irritability
C. Cushing’s triad
D. Change in LOC
Answer: C
Rationale: Cushing’s triad (bradycardia, hypertension with widening pulse pressure, and irregular
respirations) is a late sign of increased ICP and impending brain herniation. 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.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 242 Exam 3 Galen Med-Surg Concepts 2026/2027 … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. In the emergent phase of burn care, which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly
expected?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: C
Rationale: In the emergent phase, cell destruction releases potassium into the extracellular fluid,
leading to hyperkalemia. 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.
4. A patient with a T6 spinal cord injury reports a severe headache and nasal congestion.
The nurse notes a BP of 190/100. What is the priority action?
A. Administer PRN antihypertensives
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Place the patient in a supine position
D. Check for bladder distension
Answer: D
Rationale: These are signs of autonomic dysreflexia. The priority is to elevate the head of the bed and
then identify/remove the stimulus, such as a full bladder or impacted bowel. 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. 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.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
✓ VERIFIED • 2026/2027 UPDATE • 100% ACCURATE
NUR 242 Exam 3 Galen Med-Surg Concepts 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
,NUR 242 Exam 3 Galen Med-Surg Concepts 2026/2027 … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
Questions & Verified Answers
1. A patient presents with a pH of 7.30, PaCO2 of 52, and HCO3 of 24. Which acid-base
imbalance does this indicate?
A. Metabolic Acidosis
B. Respiratory Acidosis
C. Metabolic Alkalosis
D. Respiratory Alkalosis
Answer: B
Rationale: The pH is low (acidosis) and the PaCO2 is high (respiratory component), while the
bicarbonate is within normal limits, indicating uncompensated respiratory acidosis. 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. 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. Which clinical manifestation is a late sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?
A. Headache
B. Irritability
C. Cushing’s triad
D. Change in LOC
Answer: C
Rationale: Cushing’s triad (bradycardia, hypertension with widening pulse pressure, and irregular
respirations) is a late sign of increased ICP and impending brain herniation. 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.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 2
, NUR 242 Exam 3 Galen Med-Surg Concepts 2026/2027 … 2026/2027 • Verified • Assured Grade A+
3. In the emergent phase of burn care, which electrolyte abnormality is most commonly
expected?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hypernatremia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: C
Rationale: In the emergent phase, cell destruction releases potassium into the extracellular fluid,
leading to hyperkalemia. 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.
4. A patient with a T6 spinal cord injury reports a severe headache and nasal congestion.
The nurse notes a BP of 190/100. What is the priority action?
A. Administer PRN antihypertensives
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Place the patient in a supine position
D. Check for bladder distension
Answer: D
Rationale: These are signs of autonomic dysreflexia. The priority is to elevate the head of the bed and
then identify/remove the stimulus, such as a full bladder or impacted bowel. 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. 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.
Exam (Elaborations) • Detailed Rationales Page 3
