EXAM 1
Medical-Surgical Nursing
Galen College of Nursing
Tested Qs & Verified Answers with Rationales
This Exam Features:
NUR 265 Exam 1 Medical-Surgical Nursing (Galen
College) including 50 Tested questions written
to mirror actual course exams. Covers core Med-
Surg concepts with clear, accurate, and student-
friendly explanations. Perfect for mastering high-priority topics
and boosting exam confidence.
,### 1. The RN is caring for a patient with cirrhosis, and the patient
develops increasing abdominal girth with abdominal discomfort. What
should the RN expect as a new order from the healthcare provider?
A. Furosemide (Lasix)
B. Spironolactone
C. Beta-blockers
D. Albumin
Correct Answer: B. Spironolactone
Rationale: Ascites from cirrhosis often requires potassium-sparing diuretics
like spironolactone to manage fluid retention by antagonizing aldosterone.
This choice considers electrolyte balance and renal function, critical in
MedSurg care.
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### 2. The RN is caring for a patient with pancreatitis. What should
the RN continue to monitor to decrease the risk of complications?
A. Hypotension and tachycardia
B. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation
C. Blood glucose levels
D. Bowel sounds
Correct Answer: A. Hypotension and tachycardia
Rationale: Hypotension and tachycardia indicate hypovolemia, which can
lead to hypovolemic shock and necrotizing pancreatitis. Early identification
of hemodynamic instability is essential to prevent severe morbidity.
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### 3. A patient with acute kidney injury (AKI) has a serum potassium
level of 6.5 mEq/L. What is the priority action?
, A. Check urine output
B. Place patient on cardiac monitor
C. Administer potassium supplements
D. Prepare for dialysis immediately
Correct Answer: B. Place patient on cardiac monitor
Rationale: Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.
Continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial while notifying the provider and
addressing potassium elevation. This prioritization reflects patient safety
and progression of care.
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### 4. The RN is taking care of a patient with cirrhosis. The RN
notices the patient has ecchymosis, is coughing up blood, and has
dark, tarry stools. Based on the patient’s symptoms, which vitamin
does your patient’s liver have issues absorbing?
A. Vitamin A
B. Vitamin D
C. Vitamin K
D. Vitamin E
Correct Answer: C. Vitamin K
Rationale: Cirrhosis impairs bile production and secretion, which is
necessary for fat-soluble vitamin absorption, especially vitamin K. Vitamin
K is essential for synthesis of clotting factors II, VII, IX, and X. Deficiency
leads to bleeding tendencies such as ecchymosis, hemoptysis (coughing
blood), and melena (dark tarry stools), indicative of coagulopathy. This
aligns with advanced MedSurg expectations to recognize complications of
liver dysfunction impacting hemostasis.
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