NSG 233 MED SURG 3 EXAM 1 EXAM STUDY
GUIDE 2026 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
GRADED A+
◉ What is the primary treatment for cardiac tamponade? Answer:
Pericardiocentesis.
- aspiration of fluid from the pericardial sac.
◉ What diagnostic is ordered for a suspected Aortic Aneurysm?
Answer: CT of the abdomen. This diagnostic exam is widely
available, rapid, and can remove cardiac motion artifacts which
enhances accuracy.
Will need a large bore IV.
Check for contrast allergy.
◉ What is a AAA and what are some assessment findings (s/s)?
Answer: AAA = Abdominal aortic aneurysm.
s/s
- pulsatile mass in the middle/upper abdomen.
- systolic bruit heard over the mass.
,◉ What are some pre-operative orders a nurse would anticipate for
a AAA surgery? Answer: Orders may include...
1. administer bowel preparation.
2. NPO after midnight.
3. cleansing skin with antimicrobial agent.
4. monitor peripheral pulses (especially in the LEs).
5. administer opioids and sedatives as prescribed.
6. manage pain and anxiety; provide emotional support.
◉ What is the primary cause of a thoracic aortic aneurysm? Answer:
Atherosclerosis.
◉ What are the s/s of a thoracic aortic aneurysm? Answer: s/s
- pain is the most prominent symptom.
- may cause dyspnea due to pressure placed on trachea.
- cough and dysphagia.
◉ What are some post-operative AAA orders a nurse may
anticipate? Answer: Orders may include...
1. Pt MUST lie supine for 6 hours.
2. HOB elevated to 46 degrees after 2 hours.
, 3. patient uses bedpan while on bed rest.
4. vitals every 15 minutes.
5. peripheral (pedal) pulses every 15 minutes.
6. assess for bleeding or formation of a hematoma.
7. monitor temperature every 4 hrs. (watch for post implantation
syndrome).
◉ What six medications can be given for patients with aortic
aneurysms? Answer: 1. Captopril (ACE inhibitor).
2. Amlodipine (Calcium channel blocker).
3. Enalapril (ACE inhibitor).
4. Propranolol (Beta-blocker).
5. Zosin (Prazosin, doxazosin, and terazosin). These are
antiadrenergic medications.
6. Losartan (angiotensin receptor blocker).
◉ What is captopril? What are some patient teaching points?
Answer: ACE inhibitor used to control HTN.
MOA: blocks production of angiotensin II decreasing
vasoconstriction. This decreases BP.
Pt Teaching
GUIDE 2026 QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS
GRADED A+
◉ What is the primary treatment for cardiac tamponade? Answer:
Pericardiocentesis.
- aspiration of fluid from the pericardial sac.
◉ What diagnostic is ordered for a suspected Aortic Aneurysm?
Answer: CT of the abdomen. This diagnostic exam is widely
available, rapid, and can remove cardiac motion artifacts which
enhances accuracy.
Will need a large bore IV.
Check for contrast allergy.
◉ What is a AAA and what are some assessment findings (s/s)?
Answer: AAA = Abdominal aortic aneurysm.
s/s
- pulsatile mass in the middle/upper abdomen.
- systolic bruit heard over the mass.
,◉ What are some pre-operative orders a nurse would anticipate for
a AAA surgery? Answer: Orders may include...
1. administer bowel preparation.
2. NPO after midnight.
3. cleansing skin with antimicrobial agent.
4. monitor peripheral pulses (especially in the LEs).
5. administer opioids and sedatives as prescribed.
6. manage pain and anxiety; provide emotional support.
◉ What is the primary cause of a thoracic aortic aneurysm? Answer:
Atherosclerosis.
◉ What are the s/s of a thoracic aortic aneurysm? Answer: s/s
- pain is the most prominent symptom.
- may cause dyspnea due to pressure placed on trachea.
- cough and dysphagia.
◉ What are some post-operative AAA orders a nurse may
anticipate? Answer: Orders may include...
1. Pt MUST lie supine for 6 hours.
2. HOB elevated to 46 degrees after 2 hours.
, 3. patient uses bedpan while on bed rest.
4. vitals every 15 minutes.
5. peripheral (pedal) pulses every 15 minutes.
6. assess for bleeding or formation of a hematoma.
7. monitor temperature every 4 hrs. (watch for post implantation
syndrome).
◉ What six medications can be given for patients with aortic
aneurysms? Answer: 1. Captopril (ACE inhibitor).
2. Amlodipine (Calcium channel blocker).
3. Enalapril (ACE inhibitor).
4. Propranolol (Beta-blocker).
5. Zosin (Prazosin, doxazosin, and terazosin). These are
antiadrenergic medications.
6. Losartan (angiotensin receptor blocker).
◉ What is captopril? What are some patient teaching points?
Answer: ACE inhibitor used to control HTN.
MOA: blocks production of angiotensin II decreasing
vasoconstriction. This decreases BP.
Pt Teaching
