NU 185 / NU185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive
Exam 2026/2027 –Verified Questions & Answers with
Detailed Explanations | Latest Updated Nursing Study Guide
Prepare for the NU 185 / NU185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive Exam with
exam-style multiple-choice questions covering perioperative care, fluid and electrolyte
imbalances, pain management, wound care, respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies,
endocrine disorders, and more. Each question includes a verified updated answer and a
detailed rationale to support clinical judgment, retention, and first-attempt passing
success. This organized digital study guide is ideal for Stuvia and Docsity buyers seeking
a concise, sale-ready Medical-Surgical Nursing II exam resource
1. A nurse is preparing a client for surgery and notes the client is taking warfarin.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Continue the medication as prescribed
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Administer vitamin K
D. Hold the medication and monitor INR
Answer: B. Notify the provider immediately
Explanation: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that significantly increases the risk of
bleeding during surgery. The nurse should notify the provider immediately so the
medication can be managed appropriately before the procedure.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours post-operative following
abdominal surgery. The client reports a sudden onset of shortness of breath and
chest pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer pain medication
B. Encourage deep breathing exercises
C. Apply oxygen and notify the provider
D. Reposition the client
Answer: C. Apply oxygen and notify the provider
Explanation: Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain post-operatively may
indicate a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication. The nurse should
apply oxygen and notify the provider immediately.
,3. A nurse is teaching a client about postoperative deep breathing and coughing
exercises. Which of the following statements by the client indicates
understanding?
A. "I will perform these exercises only when I feel short of breath."
B. "I will splint my incision with a pillow while coughing."
C. "I will take shallow breaths to avoid pain."
D. "I will perform these exercises once daily."
Answer: B. "I will splint my incision with a pillow while coughing."
Explanation: Splinting the incision with a pillow while coughing reduces pain and
prevents wound dehiscence. Deep breathing and coughing exercises should be
performed frequently, not just when short of breath.
4. A nurse is assessing a client who is 48 hours post-operative following abdominal
surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider
immediately?
A. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
B. Serosanguineous wound drainage
C. Dehiscence of the wound
D. Mild incisional pain
Answer: C. Dehiscence of the wound
Explanation: Wound dehiscence is a surgical emergency that requires immediate
intervention. A temperature of 100°F and mild pain are expected post-operative
findings. Serosanguineous drainage is normal in small amounts.
5. A nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which of the following laboratory
values should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L
B. Hemoglobin 10 g/dL
C. Sodium 140 mEq/L
D. Platelet count 150,000/mm³
Answer: B. Hemoglobin 10 g/dL
Explanation: A hemoglobin of 10 g/dL indicates anemia, which increases surgical
risk. The provider should be notified. The other values are within normal limits.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total hip
arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent
dislocation of the hip prosthesis?
A. Place a pillow between the client's legs when turning
B. Keep the client's hip flexed at 90 degrees
,C. Avoid using an abduction pillow
D. Encourage the client to cross their legs when sitting
Answer: A. Place a pillow between the client's legs when turning
Explanation: Placing a pillow between the legs (abduction pillow) prevents hip
adduction and dislocation. The hip should not be flexed beyond 90 degrees.
7. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following cataract surgery.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Sleep on the affected side."
B. "Bend at the waist to pick up objects."
C. "Avoid lifting objects heavier than 5 pounds."
D. "Rub your eye if it itches."
Answer: C. "Avoid lifting objects heavier than 5 pounds."
Explanation: Following cataract surgery, clients should avoid heavy lifting,
bending, and rubbing the eye to prevent increased intraocular pressure.
8. A nurse is assessing a client in the PACU. The client's respiratory rate is 8/min
and oxygen saturation is 88%. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take first?
A. Administer naloxone
B. Stimulate the client and encourage deep breathing
C. Document the findings
D. Increase the IV fluid rate
Answer: B. Stimulate the client and encourage deep breathing
Explanation: The client is experiencing respiratory depression, likely from
anesthesia or opioids. The first action is to stimulate the client and encourage
deep breathing to improve oxygenation. Naloxone may be administered if the
client does not respond.
9. A nurse is preparing a client for surgery and notes the client has a latex allergy.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Use latex gloves during preparation
B. Ensure a latex-free environment
C. Administer prophylactic antibiotics
D. Document the allergy only
Answer: B. Ensure a latex-free environment
Explanation: Clients with latex allergies must have a latex-free environment during
surgery to prevent anaphylaxis.
, 10. A nurse is caring for a client who is 6 hours post-operative following surgery.
The client has not voided since surgery. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take?
A. Administer a diuretic
B. Encourage the client to drink fluids and assist to the bathroom
C. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
D. Palpate the bladder for distention
Answer: D. Palpate the bladder for distention
Explanation: The nurse should first assess for bladder distention by palpation. If
the client is unable to void and the bladder is distended, further intervention may
be needed.
11. A nurse is teaching a client about the purpose of an incentive spirometer.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding?
A. "It helps me breathe more deeply to prevent lung complications."
B. "It measures my blood pressure."
C. "It delivers medication to my lungs."
D. "It helps me cough up secretions."
Answer: A. "It helps me breathe more deeply to prevent lung complications."
Explanation: An incentive spirometer encourages deep breathing to prevent
atelectasis and pneumonia post-operatively.
12. A nurse is assessing a client who is scheduled for surgery. Which of the
following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Blood pressure 120/80 mm Hg
B. History of smoking
C. Temperature 38.5°C (101.3°F)
D. Heart rate 80/min
Answer: C. Temperature 38.5°C (101.3°F)
Explanation: An elevated temperature may indicate an infection, which could delay
surgery. The provider should be notified.
13. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report immediately?
A. Hoarse voice
B. Difficulty swallowing
C. Stridor and neck swelling
D. Mild incisional pain
Exam 2026/2027 –Verified Questions & Answers with
Detailed Explanations | Latest Updated Nursing Study Guide
Prepare for the NU 185 / NU185 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Comprehensive Exam with
exam-style multiple-choice questions covering perioperative care, fluid and electrolyte
imbalances, pain management, wound care, respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies,
endocrine disorders, and more. Each question includes a verified updated answer and a
detailed rationale to support clinical judgment, retention, and first-attempt passing
success. This organized digital study guide is ideal for Stuvia and Docsity buyers seeking
a concise, sale-ready Medical-Surgical Nursing II exam resource
1. A nurse is preparing a client for surgery and notes the client is taking warfarin.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Continue the medication as prescribed
B. Notify the provider immediately
C. Administer vitamin K
D. Hold the medication and monitor INR
Answer: B. Notify the provider immediately
Explanation: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that significantly increases the risk of
bleeding during surgery. The nurse should notify the provider immediately so the
medication can be managed appropriately before the procedure.
2. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours post-operative following
abdominal surgery. The client reports a sudden onset of shortness of breath and
chest pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
A. Administer pain medication
B. Encourage deep breathing exercises
C. Apply oxygen and notify the provider
D. Reposition the client
Answer: C. Apply oxygen and notify the provider
Explanation: Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain post-operatively may
indicate a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication. The nurse should
apply oxygen and notify the provider immediately.
,3. A nurse is teaching a client about postoperative deep breathing and coughing
exercises. Which of the following statements by the client indicates
understanding?
A. "I will perform these exercises only when I feel short of breath."
B. "I will splint my incision with a pillow while coughing."
C. "I will take shallow breaths to avoid pain."
D. "I will perform these exercises once daily."
Answer: B. "I will splint my incision with a pillow while coughing."
Explanation: Splinting the incision with a pillow while coughing reduces pain and
prevents wound dehiscence. Deep breathing and coughing exercises should be
performed frequently, not just when short of breath.
4. A nurse is assessing a client who is 48 hours post-operative following abdominal
surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider
immediately?
A. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F)
B. Serosanguineous wound drainage
C. Dehiscence of the wound
D. Mild incisional pain
Answer: C. Dehiscence of the wound
Explanation: Wound dehiscence is a surgical emergency that requires immediate
intervention. A temperature of 100°F and mild pain are expected post-operative
findings. Serosanguineous drainage is normal in small amounts.
5. A nurse is preparing a client for surgery. Which of the following laboratory
values should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L
B. Hemoglobin 10 g/dL
C. Sodium 140 mEq/L
D. Platelet count 150,000/mm³
Answer: B. Hemoglobin 10 g/dL
Explanation: A hemoglobin of 10 g/dL indicates anemia, which increases surgical
risk. The provider should be notified. The other values are within normal limits.
6. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a total hip
arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent
dislocation of the hip prosthesis?
A. Place a pillow between the client's legs when turning
B. Keep the client's hip flexed at 90 degrees
,C. Avoid using an abduction pillow
D. Encourage the client to cross their legs when sitting
Answer: A. Place a pillow between the client's legs when turning
Explanation: Placing a pillow between the legs (abduction pillow) prevents hip
adduction and dislocation. The hip should not be flexed beyond 90 degrees.
7. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following cataract surgery.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
A. "Sleep on the affected side."
B. "Bend at the waist to pick up objects."
C. "Avoid lifting objects heavier than 5 pounds."
D. "Rub your eye if it itches."
Answer: C. "Avoid lifting objects heavier than 5 pounds."
Explanation: Following cataract surgery, clients should avoid heavy lifting,
bending, and rubbing the eye to prevent increased intraocular pressure.
8. A nurse is assessing a client in the PACU. The client's respiratory rate is 8/min
and oxygen saturation is 88%. Which of the following actions should the nurse
take first?
A. Administer naloxone
B. Stimulate the client and encourage deep breathing
C. Document the findings
D. Increase the IV fluid rate
Answer: B. Stimulate the client and encourage deep breathing
Explanation: The client is experiencing respiratory depression, likely from
anesthesia or opioids. The first action is to stimulate the client and encourage
deep breathing to improve oxygenation. Naloxone may be administered if the
client does not respond.
9. A nurse is preparing a client for surgery and notes the client has a latex allergy.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Use latex gloves during preparation
B. Ensure a latex-free environment
C. Administer prophylactic antibiotics
D. Document the allergy only
Answer: B. Ensure a latex-free environment
Explanation: Clients with latex allergies must have a latex-free environment during
surgery to prevent anaphylaxis.
, 10. A nurse is caring for a client who is 6 hours post-operative following surgery.
The client has not voided since surgery. Which of the following actions should the
nurse take?
A. Administer a diuretic
B. Encourage the client to drink fluids and assist to the bathroom
C. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter
D. Palpate the bladder for distention
Answer: D. Palpate the bladder for distention
Explanation: The nurse should first assess for bladder distention by palpation. If
the client is unable to void and the bladder is distended, further intervention may
be needed.
11. A nurse is teaching a client about the purpose of an incentive spirometer.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates understanding?
A. "It helps me breathe more deeply to prevent lung complications."
B. "It measures my blood pressure."
C. "It delivers medication to my lungs."
D. "It helps me cough up secretions."
Answer: A. "It helps me breathe more deeply to prevent lung complications."
Explanation: An incentive spirometer encourages deep breathing to prevent
atelectasis and pneumonia post-operatively.
12. A nurse is assessing a client who is scheduled for surgery. Which of the
following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Blood pressure 120/80 mm Hg
B. History of smoking
C. Temperature 38.5°C (101.3°F)
D. Heart rate 80/min
Answer: C. Temperature 38.5°C (101.3°F)
Explanation: An elevated temperature may indicate an infection, which could delay
surgery. The provider should be notified.
13. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy.
Which of the following findings should the nurse report immediately?
A. Hoarse voice
B. Difficulty swallowing
C. Stridor and neck swelling
D. Mild incisional pain
