GALEN COLLEGE NUR 170 EXAM 1
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Foundations of Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice
• Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
• Perioperative Nursing Care
• Pain Management Principles
• Integumentary System and Wound Care
• Respiratory System Disorders
• Cardiovascular System Disorders
• Gastrointestinal System Disorders
• Endocrine System Disorders
• Immunology and Inflammatory Responses
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to evaluate the foundational
medical-surgical nursing knowledge and clinical competencies required for
success in NUR 170. The assessment focuses on the care of adult patients with
common medical-surgical conditions, emphasizing evidence-based practice,
patient safety, and clinical reasoning. Students will be expected to apply
,theoretical knowledge to patient care scenarios, demonstrating proficiency in
assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of
care. The examination covers essential concepts including fluid and electrolyte
balance, perioperative care, pain management, and disorders affecting multiple
body systems. This resource serves as a definitive study tool for exam
preparation and self-assessment, ensuring readiness for the rigors of Galen
College's nursing curriculum and the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. A patient is admitted with dehydration. Which assessment finding is
most consistent with this condition?
A. Bounding peripheral pulses
B. Distended jugular veins
C. Decreased skin turgor
D. Crackles in the lung bases
C. Decreased skin turgor
RATIONALE: Dehydration results in a loss of body water, leading to
decreased skin turgor (skin that is slow to return to normal position after
being pinched). Other signs include dry mucous membranes, tachycardia,
and hypotension.
2. The nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. Which preoperative
teaching is most important to prevent postoperative complications?
A. Instructing the patient on deep breathing and coughing exercises
B. Explaining the surgical procedure in detail
C. Reviewing the patient's medication list
D. Providing a list of postoperative dietary restrictions
A. Instructing the patient on deep breathing and coughing exercises
RATIONALE: Deep breathing and coughing exercises are essential
preoperative teachings that help prevent postoperative pulmonary
,complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung
expansion and secretion clearance.
3. A patient is experiencing acute pain following a surgical procedure.
The nurse administers an opioid analgesic. Which assessment finding
indicates the medication is effective?
A. The patient reports pain decreased from 8 to 3 on a 0-10 scale
B. The patient's respiratory rate decreases from 18 to 12 breaths/min
C. The patient's blood pressure increases from 110/70 to 130/80 mmHg
D. The patient falls asleep within 30 minutes of administration
A. The patient reports pain decreased from 8 to 3 on a 0-10 scale
RATIONALE: Pain intensity reduction is the primary indicator of
analgesic effectiveness. A decrease in pain score from 8 to 3 indicates
successful pain management. Respiratory depression and hypotension are
potential adverse effects, not therapeutic goals.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient with a pressure injury on the
sacrum. Which nursing intervention is most important for wound
healing?
A. Placing the patient in a supine position for extended periods
B. Applying a dry gauze dressing to the wound
C. Repositioning the patient every 2 hours
D. Massaging the area around the pressure injury
C. Repositioning the patient every 2 hours
RATIONALE: Frequent repositioning (every 2 hours) is the most critical
intervention to prevent further tissue damage and promote healing of
pressure injuries by relieving pressure on the affected area and improving
circulation.
5. A patient with a history of asthma is experiencing an acute
exacerbation. The nurse notes wheezing and a respiratory rate of 28
breaths/min. Which medication should the nurse administer first?
A. Albuterol nebulizer
, B. Oral corticosteroid
C. Inhaled corticosteroid
D. Anticholinergic inhaler
A. Albuterol nebulizer
RATIONALE: During an acute asthma exacerbation, a short-acting
bronchodilator such as albuterol is the first-line medication to rapidly relieve
bronchospasm and improve airflow. Corticosteroids are used for long-term
control, not acute rescue.
6. The nurse is assessing a patient with suspected appendicitis. Which
assessment finding is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Right upper quadrant pain
B. Left lower quadrant pain
C. Right lower quadrant pain at McBurney's point
D. Epigastric pain radiating to the back
C. Right lower quadrant pain at McBurney's point
RATIONALE: Appendicitis typically presents with pain in the right lower
quadrant at McBurney's point, located one-third of the distance from the
anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus. This is a classic finding.
7. A patient is receiving a blood transfusion. Fifteen minutes after the
infusion begins, the patient reports chills and low back pain. Which is
the priority nursing action?
A. Slow the transfusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion immediately
C. Administer an antihistamine
D. Notify the healthcare provider
B. Stop the transfusion immediately
RATIONALE: Chills and low back pain are signs of an acute hemolytic
transfusion reaction. The priority action is to stop the transfusion
immediately to prevent further complications, then notify the provider and
follow the transfusion reaction protocol.
QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS)
PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Foundations of Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice
• Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
• Perioperative Nursing Care
• Pain Management Principles
• Integumentary System and Wound Care
• Respiratory System Disorders
• Cardiovascular System Disorders
• Gastrointestinal System Disorders
• Endocrine System Disorders
• Immunology and Inflammatory Responses
Introduction
This comprehensive examination is designed to evaluate the foundational
medical-surgical nursing knowledge and clinical competencies required for
success in NUR 170. The assessment focuses on the care of adult patients with
common medical-surgical conditions, emphasizing evidence-based practice,
patient safety, and clinical reasoning. Students will be expected to apply
,theoretical knowledge to patient care scenarios, demonstrating proficiency in
assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of
care. The examination covers essential concepts including fluid and electrolyte
balance, perioperative care, pain management, and disorders affecting multiple
body systems. This resource serves as a definitive study tool for exam
preparation and self-assessment, ensuring readiness for the rigors of Galen
College's nursing curriculum and the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
1. A patient is admitted with dehydration. Which assessment finding is
most consistent with this condition?
A. Bounding peripheral pulses
B. Distended jugular veins
C. Decreased skin turgor
D. Crackles in the lung bases
C. Decreased skin turgor
RATIONALE: Dehydration results in a loss of body water, leading to
decreased skin turgor (skin that is slow to return to normal position after
being pinched). Other signs include dry mucous membranes, tachycardia,
and hypotension.
2. The nurse is preparing a patient for surgery. Which preoperative
teaching is most important to prevent postoperative complications?
A. Instructing the patient on deep breathing and coughing exercises
B. Explaining the surgical procedure in detail
C. Reviewing the patient's medication list
D. Providing a list of postoperative dietary restrictions
A. Instructing the patient on deep breathing and coughing exercises
RATIONALE: Deep breathing and coughing exercises are essential
preoperative teachings that help prevent postoperative pulmonary
,complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung
expansion and secretion clearance.
3. A patient is experiencing acute pain following a surgical procedure.
The nurse administers an opioid analgesic. Which assessment finding
indicates the medication is effective?
A. The patient reports pain decreased from 8 to 3 on a 0-10 scale
B. The patient's respiratory rate decreases from 18 to 12 breaths/min
C. The patient's blood pressure increases from 110/70 to 130/80 mmHg
D. The patient falls asleep within 30 minutes of administration
A. The patient reports pain decreased from 8 to 3 on a 0-10 scale
RATIONALE: Pain intensity reduction is the primary indicator of
analgesic effectiveness. A decrease in pain score from 8 to 3 indicates
successful pain management. Respiratory depression and hypotension are
potential adverse effects, not therapeutic goals.
4. The nurse is caring for a patient with a pressure injury on the
sacrum. Which nursing intervention is most important for wound
healing?
A. Placing the patient in a supine position for extended periods
B. Applying a dry gauze dressing to the wound
C. Repositioning the patient every 2 hours
D. Massaging the area around the pressure injury
C. Repositioning the patient every 2 hours
RATIONALE: Frequent repositioning (every 2 hours) is the most critical
intervention to prevent further tissue damage and promote healing of
pressure injuries by relieving pressure on the affected area and improving
circulation.
5. A patient with a history of asthma is experiencing an acute
exacerbation. The nurse notes wheezing and a respiratory rate of 28
breaths/min. Which medication should the nurse administer first?
A. Albuterol nebulizer
, B. Oral corticosteroid
C. Inhaled corticosteroid
D. Anticholinergic inhaler
A. Albuterol nebulizer
RATIONALE: During an acute asthma exacerbation, a short-acting
bronchodilator such as albuterol is the first-line medication to rapidly relieve
bronchospasm and improve airflow. Corticosteroids are used for long-term
control, not acute rescue.
6. The nurse is assessing a patient with suspected appendicitis. Which
assessment finding is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Right upper quadrant pain
B. Left lower quadrant pain
C. Right lower quadrant pain at McBurney's point
D. Epigastric pain radiating to the back
C. Right lower quadrant pain at McBurney's point
RATIONALE: Appendicitis typically presents with pain in the right lower
quadrant at McBurney's point, located one-third of the distance from the
anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus. This is a classic finding.
7. A patient is receiving a blood transfusion. Fifteen minutes after the
infusion begins, the patient reports chills and low back pain. Which is
the priority nursing action?
A. Slow the transfusion rate
B. Stop the transfusion immediately
C. Administer an antihistamine
D. Notify the healthcare provider
B. Stop the transfusion immediately
RATIONALE: Chills and low back pain are signs of an acute hemolytic
transfusion reaction. The priority action is to stop the transfusion
immediately to prevent further complications, then notify the provider and
follow the transfusion reaction protocol.
