NU 185
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive Prep
Comprehensive Study Guide
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NU 185
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NU 185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive Prep 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. The nurse notes peaked T
waves on the EKG. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering first to shift
potassium into the cells?
A. Oral Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)
B. Intravenous Calcium Gluconate
C. Furosemide (Lasix) via IV push
D. Intravenous Regular Insulin and 50% Dextrose
Answer: D
Rationale: While calcium gluconate stabilizes the myocardium, it does not lower
potassium. Insulin and dextrose effectively shift potassium into the intracellular space
rapidly.
2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing respiratory
distress. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most indicative of compensated respiratory
acidosis?
A. pH 7.28, PaCO2 55, HCO3 25
B. pH 7.35, PaCO2 52, HCO3 30
C. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
, D. pH 7.32, PaCO2 40, HCO3 18
Answer: B
Rationale: In compensated respiratory acidosis, the pH is within normal range (but
leaning acidic), the PaCO2 is high, and the HCO3 is high as the kidneys compensate.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient post-thyroidectomy. The patient reports tingling in the
fingertips and around the mouth. Which assessment should the nurse perform?
A. Chvostek’s sign
B. Babinski reflex
C. Allen’s test
D. Homan’s sign
Answer: A
Rationale: Tingling indicates hypocalcemia, common after thyroid surgery due to
accidental parathyroid removal. Chvostek’s sign tests for neuromuscular irritability
associated with low calcium.
4. A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. The nurse should withhold
the medication and notify the provider if the patient displays which symptom?
A. Increased urine output
B. Heart rate of 85 bpm
C. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive Prep
Comprehensive Study Guide
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NU 185
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NU 185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive Prep 2026/2027 UPDATE – Galen
1. A patient presents with a serum potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. The nurse notes peaked T
waves on the EKG. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering first to shift
potassium into the cells?
A. Oral Polystyrene Sulfonate (Kayexalate)
B. Intravenous Calcium Gluconate
C. Furosemide (Lasix) via IV push
D. Intravenous Regular Insulin and 50% Dextrose
Answer: D
Rationale: While calcium gluconate stabilizes the myocardium, it does not lower
potassium. Insulin and dextrose effectively shift potassium into the intracellular space
rapidly.
2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing respiratory
distress. Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result is most indicative of compensated respiratory
acidosis?
A. pH 7.28, PaCO2 55, HCO3 25
B. pH 7.35, PaCO2 52, HCO3 30
C. pH 7.48, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
, D. pH 7.32, PaCO2 40, HCO3 18
Answer: B
Rationale: In compensated respiratory acidosis, the pH is within normal range (but
leaning acidic), the PaCO2 is high, and the HCO3 is high as the kidneys compensate.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient post-thyroidectomy. The patient reports tingling in the
fingertips and around the mouth. Which assessment should the nurse perform?
A. Chvostek’s sign
B. Babinski reflex
C. Allen’s test
D. Homan’s sign
Answer: A
Rationale: Tingling indicates hypocalcemia, common after thyroid surgery due to
accidental parathyroid removal. Chvostek’s sign tests for neuromuscular irritability
associated with low calcium.
4. A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. The nurse should withhold
the medication and notify the provider if the patient displays which symptom?
A. Increased urine output
B. Heart rate of 85 bpm
C. Blood pressure of 110/70 mmHg
