NU 185
EXAM 3
3
NCLEX Style Questions w/ Rationales
Medical-Surgical Nursing II
Galen College of Nursing
This Document Description:
This document contains NCLEX-style Exam
questions tailored to the NU 185 course at
Galen College of Nursing
It covers core topics assessed in the course
and reflects the actual exam format and question style.
Each question is followed by a correct answer and rationale
to support exam preparation.
,A nurse is teaching a client newly diagnosed with chronic
gastritis. Which of the following statements indicates a
need for further teaching?
A. "I will avoid drinking alcohol."
B. "I should take NSAIDs regularly for my joint pain."
C. "I will quit smoking."
D. "I will follow up with my provider about my H. pylori
test."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) are a major irritant to the gastric lining
and a common cause of both acute and chronic gastritis. Clients
with chronic gastritis should avoid regular NSAID use. The other
choices reflect appropriate understanding and management.
Which statement made by a client with GERD indicates
correct understanding of discharge teaching?
A. "I'll lie down right after eating to help with digestion."
B. "I will eat small meals throughout the day."
C. "I should avoid elevating the head of my bed."
D. "Spicy foods help reduce acid production."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Small, frequent meals reduce gastric pressure and acid reflux.
Lying down after meals and spicy foods worsen GERD. The head
of the bed should be elevated 6-8 inches to reduce nighttime
reflux.
A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease presents
with a rigid abdomen and severe pain. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Administer prescribed pain medication
,B. Notify the healthcare provider
C. Check the client's last stool for occult blood
D. Place the client in a high Fowler's position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A rigid abdomen indicates possible perforation — a life-
threatening complication of PUD. This is a medical emergency,
and the provider should be notified immediately. Pain meds may
mask symptoms and delay intervention.
A client diagnosed with H. pylori infection is prescribed
triple therapy. Which combination of medications would
the nurse expect to administer?
A. A PPI, a laxative, and an antacid
B. A PPI, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin
C. An H2 blocker, bismuth, and prednisone
D. A PPI, sucralfate, and ibuprofen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Triple therapy for H. pylori typically includes:
• A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole
• Amoxicillin
• Clarithromycin
This combination eradicates the bacteria and reduces acid to
promote healing. The other options are incorrect or harmful (e.g.,
ibuprofen can worsen ulcers).
A 5-week-old infant presents with projectile vomiting after
feeds and signs of dehydration. Which finding would the
nurse expect during assessment?
A. Decreased bowel sounds
B. Olive-shaped mass in the right upper quadrant
, C. Hyperactive reflexes
D. Cyanosis around the lips
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Pyloric stenosis causes hypertrophy of the pylorus, leading to an
olive-shaped mass and projectile vomiting. Dehydration, visible
peristalsis, and metabolic alkalosis are also common. Cyanosis
and reflex changes are not typical findings.
A nurse is caring for a newborn with a cleft palate. Which
intervention is most important to prevent complications
during feeding?
A. Use a standard bottle and nipple
B. Feed in the supine position
C. Burp the infant frequently during feeds
D. Encourage breastfeeding as the only option
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Infants with cleft palate swallow excess air during feeds due to
poor suction. Frequent burping helps prevent aspiration and
abdominal distention. Standard bottles and supine positions
increase risk; special feeders and upright positioning are
preferred. Breastfeeding may not always be effective due to
suction difficulty.
A client is admitted with acute gastritis after ingesting an
unknown household cleaner. Which medical order should
the nurse question?
A. Administer IV fluids and monitor electrolytes
B. Insert a nasogastric tube for gastric lavage
C. Keep the client NPO
D. Administer a neutralizing agent as ordered
EXAM 3
3
NCLEX Style Questions w/ Rationales
Medical-Surgical Nursing II
Galen College of Nursing
This Document Description:
This document contains NCLEX-style Exam
questions tailored to the NU 185 course at
Galen College of Nursing
It covers core topics assessed in the course
and reflects the actual exam format and question style.
Each question is followed by a correct answer and rationale
to support exam preparation.
,A nurse is teaching a client newly diagnosed with chronic
gastritis. Which of the following statements indicates a
need for further teaching?
A. "I will avoid drinking alcohol."
B. "I should take NSAIDs regularly for my joint pain."
C. "I will quit smoking."
D. "I will follow up with my provider about my H. pylori
test."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) are a major irritant to the gastric lining
and a common cause of both acute and chronic gastritis. Clients
with chronic gastritis should avoid regular NSAID use. The other
choices reflect appropriate understanding and management.
Which statement made by a client with GERD indicates
correct understanding of discharge teaching?
A. "I'll lie down right after eating to help with digestion."
B. "I will eat small meals throughout the day."
C. "I should avoid elevating the head of my bed."
D. "Spicy foods help reduce acid production."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Small, frequent meals reduce gastric pressure and acid reflux.
Lying down after meals and spicy foods worsen GERD. The head
of the bed should be elevated 6-8 inches to reduce nighttime
reflux.
A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease presents
with a rigid abdomen and severe pain. Which action
should the nurse take first?
A. Administer prescribed pain medication
,B. Notify the healthcare provider
C. Check the client's last stool for occult blood
D. Place the client in a high Fowler's position
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
A rigid abdomen indicates possible perforation — a life-
threatening complication of PUD. This is a medical emergency,
and the provider should be notified immediately. Pain meds may
mask symptoms and delay intervention.
A client diagnosed with H. pylori infection is prescribed
triple therapy. Which combination of medications would
the nurse expect to administer?
A. A PPI, a laxative, and an antacid
B. A PPI, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin
C. An H2 blocker, bismuth, and prednisone
D. A PPI, sucralfate, and ibuprofen
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Triple therapy for H. pylori typically includes:
• A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole
• Amoxicillin
• Clarithromycin
This combination eradicates the bacteria and reduces acid to
promote healing. The other options are incorrect or harmful (e.g.,
ibuprofen can worsen ulcers).
A 5-week-old infant presents with projectile vomiting after
feeds and signs of dehydration. Which finding would the
nurse expect during assessment?
A. Decreased bowel sounds
B. Olive-shaped mass in the right upper quadrant
, C. Hyperactive reflexes
D. Cyanosis around the lips
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Pyloric stenosis causes hypertrophy of the pylorus, leading to an
olive-shaped mass and projectile vomiting. Dehydration, visible
peristalsis, and metabolic alkalosis are also common. Cyanosis
and reflex changes are not typical findings.
A nurse is caring for a newborn with a cleft palate. Which
intervention is most important to prevent complications
during feeding?
A. Use a standard bottle and nipple
B. Feed in the supine position
C. Burp the infant frequently during feeds
D. Encourage breastfeeding as the only option
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Infants with cleft palate swallow excess air during feeds due to
poor suction. Frequent burping helps prevent aspiration and
abdominal distention. Standard bottles and supine positions
increase risk; special feeders and upright positioning are
preferred. Breastfeeding may not always be effective due to
suction difficulty.
A client is admitted with acute gastritis after ingesting an
unknown household cleaner. Which medical order should
the nurse question?
A. Administer IV fluids and monitor electrolytes
B. Insert a nasogastric tube for gastric lavage
C. Keep the client NPO
D. Administer a neutralizing agent as ordered
