NUR 377 Medical-Surgical & Critical Care Nursing | Exam 2 (2026) | 100 Questions with Answers | Shock, Sepsis, Cardiac Arrest, Stroke

This expertly verified Q&A guide for NUR 377 – Medical-Surgical and Critical Care Nursing features 100 exam-level questions and detailed answers tailored for Exam 2 (2026). It offers focused coverage of critical emergencies and cardiovascular care, using clinical reasoning and NCLEX-style content to boost student readiness. Major focus areas include: Shock Syndromes: Complete breakdown of all shock types—hypovolemic, cardiogenic, neurogenic, anaphylactic, septic, and distributive—with causes, stages (compensatory, progressive, irreversible), symptoms, and targeted nursing interventions. Management of shock is summarized with the “TIME” acronym (e.g., vasopressors, fluid resuscitation, respiratory support). Sepsis & Septic Shock: Identification using “TIME” mnemonic (Temperature, Infection, Mental decline, Extremely ill), sepsis bundles (1-hour and 6-hour), lactate levels, fluid resuscitation, and vasopressor therapy. Also includes blood cultures, source control, and ICU criteria. Blood Transfusion Reactions: Includes febrile, allergic, TACO, TRALI, and hemolytic reactions. Nursing responsibilities such as stopping transfusions, maintaining NS lines, notifying providers, and documentation protocols are explained clearly. Cardiac Arrest & Rhythms: Extensive coverage of V-fib, pulseless V-tach, asystole, PEA, SVT, bradycardia, and third-degree AV block, including medication protocols (epinephrine, amiodarone, adenosine), CPR cycles, defibrillation steps, and Hs & Ts causes. Coronary Syndromes & ACS: Unstable angina, NSTEMI, STEMI management with MONA protocol (Morphine, Oxygen, Nitrates, Aspirin), PCI timing, and thrombolytics. Post-MI medication strategies using the "A Better Approach Helps" mnemonic (Antiplatelets, Beta Blockers, ACE/ARBs, Statins). Stroke (Ischemic & Hemorrhagic): Identification using BEFAST, tPA window, CT scan timing, and medication/nursing interventions (e.g., BP control, mannitol, endovascular procedures). Includes distinctions between ischemic vs. hemorrhagic stroke signs and emergency care protocols. Aneurysms & Dissections: Differentiates abdominal vs. thoracic aneurysms, s/s like pulsating umbilicus or hoarseness, risk factors, and treatments (e.g., endovascular grafting). Also addresses aortic dissection as a medical emergency. Cardiomyopathies & Heart Failure: Explains dilated, hypertrophic, and restrictive cardiomyopathy, their clinical presentations, diagnostics (echo, EKG, labs), and treatment regimens including ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, and low sodium diets. Additional Critical Topics: Hypertensive crisis (urgency vs. emergency), Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) causes, labs, and treatment, Sickle Cell Crisis (hydration, oxygen, pain relief). Who is this document for? BSN and ADN nursing students Learners in Critical Care, Advanced Med-Surg, Cardiac or Emergency Nursing courses NCLEX-RN candidates focusing on cardiovascular emergencies, pharmacology, and clinical decision-making This document is a vital, up-to-date reference for mastering complex high-risk scenarios and improving rapid-response nursing knowledge. Perfect for preparing for both clinical performance and examination success. Keywords: NUR 377, shock management, septic shock, TIME acronym, sepsis bundle, blood transfusion reactions, cardiac arrest, ventricular fibrillation, PEA, CPR, ACLS, ACS, PCI, MONA, stroke, BEFAST, aneurysm, aortic dissection, cardiomyopathy, DIC, NCLEX prep