NU 136 Galen Theory Exam 3 2026
Comprehensive Actual Exam Questions and
Verified Answers | Detailed Study Guide for
High-Score Success
• This is a comprehensive 200-question multiple-choice exam study guide for NU
136 Galen Theory Exam 3 2026, featuring verified answers with detailed EXPERT
RATIONALE to maximize your score.
• Use this material by reading each question carefully, selecting your answer before
checking the highlighted correct option, then reinforcing your understanding with
the EXPERT RATIONALE provided.
QUESTION 1 Which of the following best describes the primary function of the
lymphatic system?
A. To transport oxygen to body tissues
B. To filter blood through the kidneys
C. To regulate blood pressure
D. To produce red blood cells
E. To return excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and support immune
defense
Correct Answer: E. To return excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and
support immune defense
EXPERT RATIONALE: The lymphatic system collects excess interstitial fluid from
tissues and returns it to the bloodstream. It also plays a critical role in immune
defense by transporting lymphocytes and filtering pathogens through lymph nodes.
QUESTION 2 A patient presents with an elevated temperature of 103°F, chills,
and diaphoresis. These findings are most consistent with which of the
following?
,A. Hypothyroidism
B. Fluid volume deficit
C. Chronic pain response
D. Allergic reaction
E. Systemic infection triggering a febrile response
Correct Answer: E. Systemic infection triggering a febrile response
EXPERT RATIONALE: Fever (103°F), chills, and diaphoresis are classic signs of a
systemic febrile response, typically triggered by infection. Pyrogens cause the
hypothalamus to raise the body's set point, leading to chills (heat conservation) and
diaphoresis (heat dissipation as the fever breaks).
QUESTION 3 Which cranial nerve is responsible for the gag reflex?
A. Cranial Nerve II (Optic)
B. Cranial Nerve IV (Trochlear)
C. Cranial Nerve VI (Abducens)
D. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
E. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal) and X (Vagus)
Correct Answer: E. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal) and X (Vagus)
EXPERT RATIONALE: The gag reflex is mediated by CN IX (sensory limb) and CN
X (motor limb). CN IX senses the stimulus at the posterior pharynx, while CN X
triggers the motor response. Absence of the gag reflex indicates dysfunction of one
or both of these nerves.
QUESTION 4 A nurse is assessing a patient's level of consciousness. The
patient opens eyes to pain, makes incomprehensible sounds, and withdraws
from pain. What is the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score?
,A. 5
B. 6
C. 7
D. 8
E. 9
Correct Answer: C. 7
EXPERT RATIONALE: GCS is scored as: Eye opening to pain = 2, Verbal response
(incomprehensible sounds) = 2, Motor response (withdraws from pain) = 3. Total = 2
+ 2 + 3 = 7. A GCS of ≤8 typically indicates coma and may require airway
management.
QUESTION 5 Which of the following is an early sign of increased intracranial
pressure (ICP)?
A. Bradycardia
B. Widened pulse pressure
C. Irregular respirations
D. Decerebrate posturing
E. Change in level of consciousness
Correct Answer: E. Change in level of consciousness
EXPERT RATIONALE: The earliest and most sensitive indicator of increasing ICP
is a change in level of consciousness (LOC), such as restlessness, confusion, or
lethargy. Cushing's triad (bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, irregular
respirations) is a late and ominous sign.
QUESTION 6 A patient diagnosed with meningitis is placed in a darkened
room. This intervention addresses which symptom?
, A. Nuchal rigidity
B. Kernig's sign
C. Brudzinski's sign
D. Fever
E. Photophobia
Correct Answer: E. Photophobia
EXPERT RATIONALE: Photophobia (sensitivity to light) is a hallmark symptom of
meningitis due to meningeal irritation. Placing the patient in a darkened room
reduces light-induced pain. Other classic findings include nuchal rigidity, Kernig's
sign, and Brudzinski's sign.
QUESTION 7 Which of the following medications is the first-line treatment for
status epilepticus?
A. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
B. Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
C. Levetiracetam (Keppra)
D. Phenobarbital
E. Lorazepam (Ativan)
Correct Answer: E. Lorazepam (Ativan)
EXPERT RATIONALE: Benzodiazepines, particularly lorazepam (Ativan) given IV,
are the first-line agents for status epilepticus due to their rapid onset of action. If
seizures persist, second-line agents such as phenytoin or levetiracetam are used.
QUESTION 8 When caring for a patient who has just experienced a tonic-clonic
seizure, which nursing action is the priority?
A. Restrain the patient to prevent injury
Comprehensive Actual Exam Questions and
Verified Answers | Detailed Study Guide for
High-Score Success
• This is a comprehensive 200-question multiple-choice exam study guide for NU
136 Galen Theory Exam 3 2026, featuring verified answers with detailed EXPERT
RATIONALE to maximize your score.
• Use this material by reading each question carefully, selecting your answer before
checking the highlighted correct option, then reinforcing your understanding with
the EXPERT RATIONALE provided.
QUESTION 1 Which of the following best describes the primary function of the
lymphatic system?
A. To transport oxygen to body tissues
B. To filter blood through the kidneys
C. To regulate blood pressure
D. To produce red blood cells
E. To return excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and support immune
defense
Correct Answer: E. To return excess interstitial fluid to the bloodstream and
support immune defense
EXPERT RATIONALE: The lymphatic system collects excess interstitial fluid from
tissues and returns it to the bloodstream. It also plays a critical role in immune
defense by transporting lymphocytes and filtering pathogens through lymph nodes.
QUESTION 2 A patient presents with an elevated temperature of 103°F, chills,
and diaphoresis. These findings are most consistent with which of the
following?
,A. Hypothyroidism
B. Fluid volume deficit
C. Chronic pain response
D. Allergic reaction
E. Systemic infection triggering a febrile response
Correct Answer: E. Systemic infection triggering a febrile response
EXPERT RATIONALE: Fever (103°F), chills, and diaphoresis are classic signs of a
systemic febrile response, typically triggered by infection. Pyrogens cause the
hypothalamus to raise the body's set point, leading to chills (heat conservation) and
diaphoresis (heat dissipation as the fever breaks).
QUESTION 3 Which cranial nerve is responsible for the gag reflex?
A. Cranial Nerve II (Optic)
B. Cranial Nerve IV (Trochlear)
C. Cranial Nerve VI (Abducens)
D. Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
E. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal) and X (Vagus)
Correct Answer: E. Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal) and X (Vagus)
EXPERT RATIONALE: The gag reflex is mediated by CN IX (sensory limb) and CN
X (motor limb). CN IX senses the stimulus at the posterior pharynx, while CN X
triggers the motor response. Absence of the gag reflex indicates dysfunction of one
or both of these nerves.
QUESTION 4 A nurse is assessing a patient's level of consciousness. The
patient opens eyes to pain, makes incomprehensible sounds, and withdraws
from pain. What is the patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score?
,A. 5
B. 6
C. 7
D. 8
E. 9
Correct Answer: C. 7
EXPERT RATIONALE: GCS is scored as: Eye opening to pain = 2, Verbal response
(incomprehensible sounds) = 2, Motor response (withdraws from pain) = 3. Total = 2
+ 2 + 3 = 7. A GCS of ≤8 typically indicates coma and may require airway
management.
QUESTION 5 Which of the following is an early sign of increased intracranial
pressure (ICP)?
A. Bradycardia
B. Widened pulse pressure
C. Irregular respirations
D. Decerebrate posturing
E. Change in level of consciousness
Correct Answer: E. Change in level of consciousness
EXPERT RATIONALE: The earliest and most sensitive indicator of increasing ICP
is a change in level of consciousness (LOC), such as restlessness, confusion, or
lethargy. Cushing's triad (bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, irregular
respirations) is a late and ominous sign.
QUESTION 6 A patient diagnosed with meningitis is placed in a darkened
room. This intervention addresses which symptom?
, A. Nuchal rigidity
B. Kernig's sign
C. Brudzinski's sign
D. Fever
E. Photophobia
Correct Answer: E. Photophobia
EXPERT RATIONALE: Photophobia (sensitivity to light) is a hallmark symptom of
meningitis due to meningeal irritation. Placing the patient in a darkened room
reduces light-induced pain. Other classic findings include nuchal rigidity, Kernig's
sign, and Brudzinski's sign.
QUESTION 7 Which of the following medications is the first-line treatment for
status epilepticus?
A. Phenytoin (Dilantin)
B. Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
C. Levetiracetam (Keppra)
D. Phenobarbital
E. Lorazepam (Ativan)
Correct Answer: E. Lorazepam (Ativan)
EXPERT RATIONALE: Benzodiazepines, particularly lorazepam (Ativan) given IV,
are the first-line agents for status epilepticus due to their rapid onset of action. If
seizures persist, second-line agents such as phenytoin or levetiracetam are used.
QUESTION 8 When caring for a patient who has just experienced a tonic-clonic
seizure, which nursing action is the priority?
A. Restrain the patient to prevent injury
