NU 185
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING II
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Review 1
UPDATE
50 Multiple-Choice Questions
Complete Answers with Detailed Rationales
Aligned with Medical-Surgical Nursing Standards
Galen College | NU 185 | Medical-Surgical Nursing II
Cardiac • Respiratory • Endocrine • GI • Renal • Neurological • Perioperative
For academic study and exam review • Verify with current course materials
,NU 185 | Review 1 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
How to Use This Review
This comprehensive exam review contains high-yield multiple-choice questions covering the core clinical topics of NU 185
Medical-Surgical Nursing II. Each item is followed by the correct answer and an expanded rationale that explains the
underlying pathophysiology or nursing priority, why the correct option is preferred, and why the distractors are incorrect.
Topics span cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal, renal, neurological, and perioperative care. Study tip:
Attempt each question before reading the answer. Then carefully review the detailed rationale and relate the concepts to
clinical practice.
Topic Index (Selected High-Yield Areas)
• Heart failure (left vs right), ACS, arrhythmias, hypertension management
• COPD, asthma, pneumonia, respiratory failure, ABG interpretation
• Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, adrenal crises and emergencies
• GI bleeding, pancreatitis, liver disease, bowel obstruction priorities
• Acute kidney injury, CKD, fluid & electrolyte imbalances
• Stroke, increased ICP, seizures, neurological assessment
• Perioperative care, post-op complications, pain management
• Infection, sepsis, shock states, and priority nursing interventions
Page 2
, NU 185 | Review 1 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
Question 1
A patient with left-sided heart failure is experiencing worsening dyspnea and crackles in the lung bases. Which
pathophysiological mechanism is responsible for these symptoms?
A. Increased systemic vascular resistance
B. Backup of blood into the pulmonary circulation
C. Peripheral venous congestion
D. Decreased renal perfusion causing fluid retention
Answer: B
Rationale
Left-sided heart failure causes the left ventricle to fail as a pump, leading to a backup of blood into the left atrium and
pulmonary veins, causing pulmonary edema and respiratory symptoms. Understanding this concept is essential for safe
clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions about pathophysiology or prioritization.
Always link assessment data to the primary disease process and anticipated complications.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client with right-sided heart failure. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
A. Orthopnea
B. Wheezing and pink frothy sputum
C. Jugular venous distention
D. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
Answer: C
Rationale
Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the systemic venous system, resulting in JVD, peripheral edema, and
hepatomegaly. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect
common misconceptions about pathophysiology or prioritization. Always link assessment data to the primary disease process
and anticipated complications.
Page 3
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING II
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Review 1
UPDATE
50 Multiple-Choice Questions
Complete Answers with Detailed Rationales
Aligned with Medical-Surgical Nursing Standards
Galen College | NU 185 | Medical-Surgical Nursing II
Cardiac • Respiratory • Endocrine • GI • Renal • Neurological • Perioperative
For academic study and exam review • Verify with current course materials
,NU 185 | Review 1 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
How to Use This Review
This comprehensive exam review contains high-yield multiple-choice questions covering the core clinical topics of NU 185
Medical-Surgical Nursing II. Each item is followed by the correct answer and an expanded rationale that explains the
underlying pathophysiology or nursing priority, why the correct option is preferred, and why the distractors are incorrect.
Topics span cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, gastrointestinal, renal, neurological, and perioperative care. Study tip:
Attempt each question before reading the answer. Then carefully review the detailed rationale and relate the concepts to
clinical practice.
Topic Index (Selected High-Yield Areas)
• Heart failure (left vs right), ACS, arrhythmias, hypertension management
• COPD, asthma, pneumonia, respiratory failure, ABG interpretation
• Diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorders, adrenal crises and emergencies
• GI bleeding, pancreatitis, liver disease, bowel obstruction priorities
• Acute kidney injury, CKD, fluid & electrolyte imbalances
• Stroke, increased ICP, seizures, neurological assessment
• Perioperative care, post-op complications, pain management
• Infection, sepsis, shock states, and priority nursing interventions
Page 2
, NU 185 | Review 1 | 2026/2027 UPDATE
Question 1
A patient with left-sided heart failure is experiencing worsening dyspnea and crackles in the lung bases. Which
pathophysiological mechanism is responsible for these symptoms?
A. Increased systemic vascular resistance
B. Backup of blood into the pulmonary circulation
C. Peripheral venous congestion
D. Decreased renal perfusion causing fluid retention
Answer: B
Rationale
Left-sided heart failure causes the left ventricle to fail as a pump, leading to a backup of blood into the left atrium and
pulmonary veins, causing pulmonary edema and respiratory symptoms. Understanding this concept is essential for safe
clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect common misconceptions about pathophysiology or prioritization.
Always link assessment data to the primary disease process and anticipated complications.
Question 2
A nurse is assessing a client with right-sided heart failure. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find?
A. Orthopnea
B. Wheezing and pink frothy sputum
C. Jugular venous distention
D. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
Answer: C
Rationale
Right-sided heart failure causes blood to back up into the systemic venous system, resulting in JVD, peripheral edema, and
hepatomegaly. Understanding this concept is essential for safe clinical decision-making. Incorrect choices often reflect
common misconceptions about pathophysiology or prioritization. Always link assessment data to the primary disease process
and anticipated complications.
Page 3
