The ultimate study guide
NU 155 FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
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1
Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Galen College of Nursing – 2025/2026
Updated Edition
Detail Information
Course NU 155 – Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Institution Galen College of Nursing
Edition 2025/2026
Format PDF – Exam Study Guide
Focus Endocrine Disorders, Diabetes Management, Thyroid Disorders,
Areas Fluid/Electrolytes, Perioperative Care, Respiratory, Cardiovascular
, �FINAL EXAM OVERVIEW
Page |
2 Based on the course syllabus and exam reviews , the final exam covers:
Section Topic
1 Endocrine Disorders: Thyroid & Parathyroid
2 Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2)
3 DKA vs. HHS
4 Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalances
5 Perioperative Nursing Care
6 Respiratory Disorders
7 Cardiovascular Disorders
8 NCLEX-Style Practice Questions
SECTION 1: THYROID & PARATHYROID DISORDERS
1.1 Hyperthyroidism (Graves' Disease)
, Feature Description
Excessive thyroid hormone (T3/T4) production; autoimmune
Page | Pathophysiology
3
stimulation of TSH receptors
Weight loss despite increased appetite, tachycardia, palpitations,
Clinical
heat intolerance, diaphoresis, tremors, anxiety, insomnia,
Manifestations
exophthalmos
Complications Thyroid storm, atrial fibrillation, heart failure
Thyroid Storm Fever, severe tachycardia, agitation, delirium, hypertension,
Signs vomiting, diarrhea
Question 1: A patient with hyperthyroidism is at greatest risk for which complication?
Answer: Heart failure
Rationale: Excess thyroid hormone increases metabolic rate, heart rate, and myocardial
oxygen demand. Prolonged untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to cardiomyopathy and
heart failure .
Question 2: Which finding is expected in a patient with hyperthyroidism?
Answer: Heat intolerance and weight loss
Rationale: Excess thyroid hormone increases metabolism, resulting in weight loss, heat
intolerance, sweating, tachycardia, and nervousness .
1.2 Hypothyroidism (Myxedema)
, Feature Description
Clinical Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, bradycardia, dry
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Manifestations skin, hair loss, periorbital edema, depression
Life-threatening complication: hypothermia, hypotension,
Myxedema Coma
bradycardia, decreased LOC, respiratory depression
Nursing Monitor vital signs, administer levothyroxine, warm environment,
Interventions monitor for constipation
Question 3: Which clinical finding is most consistent with hypothyroidism?
Answer: Cold intolerance and weight gain
Rationale: Hypothyroidism causes a decreased metabolic rate, leading to cold intolerance,
weight gain, fatigue, constipation, bradycardia, and dry skin .
Question 4: Which assessment finding suggests myxedema coma?
Answer: Hypothermia
Rationale: Extreme slowing of metabolism causes low body temperature, along with
hypotension, bradycardia, and decreased level of consciousness .
1.3 Post-Thyroidectomy Complications
Complication Signs/Symptoms Intervention
Hypocalcemia Tingling around mouth/fingertips, IV calcium gluconate; keep
NU 155 FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE
Page |
1
Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Galen College of Nursing – 2025/2026
Updated Edition
Detail Information
Course NU 155 – Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Institution Galen College of Nursing
Edition 2025/2026
Format PDF – Exam Study Guide
Focus Endocrine Disorders, Diabetes Management, Thyroid Disorders,
Areas Fluid/Electrolytes, Perioperative Care, Respiratory, Cardiovascular
, �FINAL EXAM OVERVIEW
Page |
2 Based on the course syllabus and exam reviews , the final exam covers:
Section Topic
1 Endocrine Disorders: Thyroid & Parathyroid
2 Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2)
3 DKA vs. HHS
4 Fluid & Electrolyte Imbalances
5 Perioperative Nursing Care
6 Respiratory Disorders
7 Cardiovascular Disorders
8 NCLEX-Style Practice Questions
SECTION 1: THYROID & PARATHYROID DISORDERS
1.1 Hyperthyroidism (Graves' Disease)
, Feature Description
Excessive thyroid hormone (T3/T4) production; autoimmune
Page | Pathophysiology
3
stimulation of TSH receptors
Weight loss despite increased appetite, tachycardia, palpitations,
Clinical
heat intolerance, diaphoresis, tremors, anxiety, insomnia,
Manifestations
exophthalmos
Complications Thyroid storm, atrial fibrillation, heart failure
Thyroid Storm Fever, severe tachycardia, agitation, delirium, hypertension,
Signs vomiting, diarrhea
Question 1: A patient with hyperthyroidism is at greatest risk for which complication?
Answer: Heart failure
Rationale: Excess thyroid hormone increases metabolic rate, heart rate, and myocardial
oxygen demand. Prolonged untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to cardiomyopathy and
heart failure .
Question 2: Which finding is expected in a patient with hyperthyroidism?
Answer: Heat intolerance and weight loss
Rationale: Excess thyroid hormone increases metabolism, resulting in weight loss, heat
intolerance, sweating, tachycardia, and nervousness .
1.2 Hypothyroidism (Myxedema)
, Feature Description
Clinical Fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, constipation, bradycardia, dry
Page |
4
Manifestations skin, hair loss, periorbital edema, depression
Life-threatening complication: hypothermia, hypotension,
Myxedema Coma
bradycardia, decreased LOC, respiratory depression
Nursing Monitor vital signs, administer levothyroxine, warm environment,
Interventions monitor for constipation
Question 3: Which clinical finding is most consistent with hypothyroidism?
Answer: Cold intolerance and weight gain
Rationale: Hypothyroidism causes a decreased metabolic rate, leading to cold intolerance,
weight gain, fatigue, constipation, bradycardia, and dry skin .
Question 4: Which assessment finding suggests myxedema coma?
Answer: Hypothermia
Rationale: Extreme slowing of metabolism causes low body temperature, along with
hypotension, bradycardia, and decreased level of consciousness .
1.3 Post-Thyroidectomy Complications
Complication Signs/Symptoms Intervention
Hypocalcemia Tingling around mouth/fingertips, IV calcium gluconate; keep
