NUR 170
Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam
3 Comprehensive Study Guide
Exam 3 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 170
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 170 Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam 3 Comprehensive Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATED
– Galen
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. Which laboratory result would most
concern the nurse regarding potential toxicity?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Magnesium 2.0 mg/dL
C. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
D. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) significantly increases the risk of
digoxin toxicity because potassium and digoxin compete for binding sites on the sodium-
potassium ATPase pump.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) during
its early stages?
A. Intermittent claudication that resolves with rest
B. Painless, irregular ulcers on the medial malleolus
C. Brownish discoloration of the lower legs
D. Dependent edema that improves with elevation
, Answer: A
Rationale: Intermittent claudication is muscle pain or cramping triggered by activity and
relieved by rest, indicating inadequate arterial blood flow to meet metabolic demands.
3. A patient is admitted with a suspected Pulmonary Embolism (PE). Which diagnostic test is
considered the ‘gold standard’ for definitive diagnosis?
A. CT Angiography (CTPA)
B. D-dimer assay
C. Chest X-ray
D. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
Answer: A
Rationale: CT Pulmonary Angiography is the preferred diagnostic test for PE as it provides
high sensitivity and visualization of the pulmonary vasculature.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient post-thoracentesis. Which assessment finding requires
immediate notification of the healthcare provider?
A. Diminished breath sounds at the site of the procedure
B. Asymmetrical chest expansion and tracheal deviation
C. Heart rate of 95 beats per minute
D. Pain at the needle insertion site
Answer: B
Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam
3 Comprehensive Study Guide
Exam 3 • Practice Questions & Rationales
UPDATE
Actual Questions & Verified Answers
with Detailed Clinical Rationales
Practice Questions with Rationales
Galen College of Nursing
NUR 170
✓ 100% Verified Answers
✓ Complete Rationales Included
Exam (elaborations)
Instant PDF Download • Ready for Study
,NUR 170 Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam 3 Comprehensive Study Guide 2026/2027 UPDATED
– Galen
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed Digoxin. Which laboratory result would most
concern the nurse regarding potential toxicity?
A. Sodium 138 mEq/L
B. Magnesium 2.0 mg/dL
C. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
D. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
Answer: D
Rationale: Hypokalemia (potassium < 3.5 mEq/L) significantly increases the risk of
digoxin toxicity because potassium and digoxin compete for binding sites on the sodium-
potassium ATPase pump.
2. Which clinical manifestation is a hallmark sign of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) during
its early stages?
A. Intermittent claudication that resolves with rest
B. Painless, irregular ulcers on the medial malleolus
C. Brownish discoloration of the lower legs
D. Dependent edema that improves with elevation
, Answer: A
Rationale: Intermittent claudication is muscle pain or cramping triggered by activity and
relieved by rest, indicating inadequate arterial blood flow to meet metabolic demands.
3. A patient is admitted with a suspected Pulmonary Embolism (PE). Which diagnostic test is
considered the ‘gold standard’ for definitive diagnosis?
A. CT Angiography (CTPA)
B. D-dimer assay
C. Chest X-ray
D. Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)
Answer: A
Rationale: CT Pulmonary Angiography is the preferred diagnostic test for PE as it provides
high sensitivity and visualization of the pulmonary vasculature.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient post-thoracentesis. Which assessment finding requires
immediate notification of the healthcare provider?
A. Diminished breath sounds at the site of the procedure
B. Asymmetrical chest expansion and tracheal deviation
C. Heart rate of 95 beats per minute
D. Pain at the needle insertion site
Answer: B
