1|Page
NUR 265 Exams 1-3 &
Final Advanced
Medical-Surgical
Nursing Q&A 2026
Prepare for Galen NUR 265 with a
comprehensive study resource covering Exams 1,
2, 3, and the Final Exam. Review Advanced
Medical-Surgical Nursing concepts including
complex multisystem disorders, cardiovascular
and respiratory conditions, renal and
gastrointestinal problems, neurologic disorders,
oncology, shock, trauma, emergencies,
medications, and nursing prioritization. Includes
practice questions, answers, and rationales for
focused exam preparation.
,2|Page
NUR 265 Exam 1
Prepare for Galen NUR 265 Exam 1 with an organized
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing study resource.
Review high-yield concepts, clinical scenarios,
prioritization, patient assessment, nursing interventions,
pharmacology, and multisystem disorders. Includes
practice questions, answers, and rationales designed to
reinforce critical thinking and exam preparation. Ideal
for Galen nursing students reviewing NUR 265 concepts
before Exam 1.
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy.
Which oxygen-delivery method is most appropriate when a precise oxygen concentration is
required?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Simple face mask
C. Venturi mask
D. Nonrebreather mask
Answer: C. Venturi mask
A Venturi mask delivers a precise, controlled oxygen concentration
,3|Page
and is commonly used when careful oxygen titration is important, including in some patients with
COPD.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient with heart failure. Which finding most strongly suggests
pulmonary congestion?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Crackles at the lung bases
C. Increased bowel sounds
D. Warm, flushed skin
Answer: B. Crackles at the lung bases
Rationale: Pulmonary congestion can cause fluid accumulation in the alveoli, producing crackles on
auscultation.
3. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of hypokalemia?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Hyperactive reflexes
C. Peaked T waves
D. Severe hypertension
Answer: A. Muscle weakness
Rationale: Low serum potassium can impair neuromuscular function and commonly causes weakness,
fatigue, and cardiac dysrhythmias.
4. A patient with diabetes mellitus is experiencing diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion. Which
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hyperglycemia
Answer: B. Hypoglycemia
Rationale: Sweating, tremors, confusion, and other neurologic changes are common manifestations of
low blood glucose.
5. Which laboratory value is most directly used to monitor long-term glycemic control?
A. Serum sodium
B. Hemoglobin A1C
C. Serum creatinine
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D. White blood cell count
Answer: B. Hemoglobin A1C
Rationale: Hemoglobin A1C reflects average blood glucose levels over approximately the previous 2–
3 months.
6. A patient with chronic kidney disease has an elevated serum creatinine. What does this
finding generally indicate?
A. Improved renal function
B. Reduced kidney filtration
C. Increased liver function
D. Increased pancreatic activity
Answer: B. Reduced kidney filtration
Rationale: Creatinine rises when the kidneys are less able to eliminate creatinine from the
bloodstream.
7. Which finding is most concerning in a patient receiving an opioid analgesic?
A. Mild nausea
B. Constipation
C. Respiratory rate of 8/min
D. Mild drowsiness
Answer: C. Respiratory rate of 8/min
Rationale: Opioids can depress the central nervous system and cause potentially life-threatening
respiratory depression.
8. A patient reports crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm. What is the nurse's priority?
A. Obtain a detailed dietary history
B. Assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation
C. Encourage ambulation
D. Offer a high-protein snack
Answer: B. Assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation
Chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome requires
immediate assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation while emergency interventions are
initiated.
9. Which symptom is commonly associated with left-sided heart failure?
NUR 265 Exams 1-3 &
Final Advanced
Medical-Surgical
Nursing Q&A 2026
Prepare for Galen NUR 265 with a
comprehensive study resource covering Exams 1,
2, 3, and the Final Exam. Review Advanced
Medical-Surgical Nursing concepts including
complex multisystem disorders, cardiovascular
and respiratory conditions, renal and
gastrointestinal problems, neurologic disorders,
oncology, shock, trauma, emergencies,
medications, and nursing prioritization. Includes
practice questions, answers, and rationales for
focused exam preparation.
,2|Page
NUR 265 Exam 1
Prepare for Galen NUR 265 Exam 1 with an organized
Advanced Medical-Surgical Nursing study resource.
Review high-yield concepts, clinical scenarios,
prioritization, patient assessment, nursing interventions,
pharmacology, and multisystem disorders. Includes
practice questions, answers, and rationales designed to
reinforce critical thinking and exam preparation. Ideal
for Galen nursing students reviewing NUR 265 concepts
before Exam 1.
1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy.
Which oxygen-delivery method is most appropriate when a precise oxygen concentration is
required?
A. Nasal cannula
B. Simple face mask
C. Venturi mask
D. Nonrebreather mask
Answer: C. Venturi mask
A Venturi mask delivers a precise, controlled oxygen concentration
,3|Page
and is commonly used when careful oxygen titration is important, including in some patients with
COPD.
2. A nurse is assessing a patient with heart failure. Which finding most strongly suggests
pulmonary congestion?
A. Dry mucous membranes
B. Crackles at the lung bases
C. Increased bowel sounds
D. Warm, flushed skin
Answer: B. Crackles at the lung bases
Rationale: Pulmonary congestion can cause fluid accumulation in the alveoli, producing crackles on
auscultation.
3. Which assessment finding is most characteristic of hypokalemia?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Hyperactive reflexes
C. Peaked T waves
D. Severe hypertension
Answer: A. Muscle weakness
Rationale: Low serum potassium can impair neuromuscular function and commonly causes weakness,
fatigue, and cardiac dysrhythmias.
4. A patient with diabetes mellitus is experiencing diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion. Which
condition should the nurse suspect?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hyperglycemia
Answer: B. Hypoglycemia
Rationale: Sweating, tremors, confusion, and other neurologic changes are common manifestations of
low blood glucose.
5. Which laboratory value is most directly used to monitor long-term glycemic control?
A. Serum sodium
B. Hemoglobin A1C
C. Serum creatinine
, 4|Page
D. White blood cell count
Answer: B. Hemoglobin A1C
Rationale: Hemoglobin A1C reflects average blood glucose levels over approximately the previous 2–
3 months.
6. A patient with chronic kidney disease has an elevated serum creatinine. What does this
finding generally indicate?
A. Improved renal function
B. Reduced kidney filtration
C. Increased liver function
D. Increased pancreatic activity
Answer: B. Reduced kidney filtration
Rationale: Creatinine rises when the kidneys are less able to eliminate creatinine from the
bloodstream.
7. Which finding is most concerning in a patient receiving an opioid analgesic?
A. Mild nausea
B. Constipation
C. Respiratory rate of 8/min
D. Mild drowsiness
Answer: C. Respiratory rate of 8/min
Rationale: Opioids can depress the central nervous system and cause potentially life-threatening
respiratory depression.
8. A patient reports crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm. What is the nurse's priority?
A. Obtain a detailed dietary history
B. Assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation
C. Encourage ambulation
D. Offer a high-protein snack
Answer: B. Assess the patient's airway, breathing, and circulation
Chest pain suggestive of acute coronary syndrome requires
immediate assessment of airway, breathing, and circulation while emergency interventions are
initiated.
9. Which symptom is commonly associated with left-sided heart failure?
