NUR 176 Exam 2: (Latest 2026/2027) GI, Renal, Cardiac,
Hematologic Disorders | Diverticulitis, Dialysis, MI, Anemia,
Hypertension | Q&A Grade A
Complete Review: Diverticulitis, Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis, Heart Failure, Myocardial Infarction, Anticoagulants,
Diuretics, Anemia, Incontinence & Lab Interpretation
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Geriatrics / NUR 176 Galen Exam 2 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What is the clinical presentation of diverticulitis?
CORRECT ANSWER
Acute onset of left lower quadrant pain (intermittent, varying intensity), constipation/diarrhea,
nausea/vomiting, fever, anorexia, hematochezia.
RATIONALE
• Exam: LLQ pain, possible rebound tenderness or guarding.
• Diagnostic test of choice: CT abdomen with IV and oral contrast.
• Barium enema is contraindicated in acute diverticulitis (risk of perforation).
• MORPHINE is NOT given due to increased intraluminal pressure.
Q2
What is hemodialysis and where is it performed?
CORRECT ANSWER
Most common renal replacement therapy for ESKD/kidney failure. Performed in‑patient (critically ill) or
out‑patient (stable patients).
RATIONALE
• Blood and dialysate run in opposite directions; toxins diffuse into dialysate.
• Subclavian dialysis catheter: Y‑shaped tubing for arterial outflow and venous return.
• Complications: disequilibrium syndrome, muscle cramps, hemorrhage, air embolus, hypotension, dysrhythmias, infection.
, Q3
How do you access an AV fistula?
CORRECT ANSWER
Two needles: one toward venous blood flow (clean blood returned), one toward arterial blood flow (blood
out to be cleaned).
RATIONALE
• AV fistula formed using radial/brachial artery and cephalic vein of nondominant arm.
• Complications: thrombosis (most frequent), stenosis, infections, aneurysms, ischemia, heart failure.
• Monitor for thrill and bruit daily.
Q4
What is dialysis disequilibrium syndrome?
CORRECT ANSWER
Neurological symptoms: headache, nausea/vomiting, restlessness, decreased LOC, seizures, coma, death.
RATIONALE
• Occurs when solutes are removed too quickly, causing cerebral edema.
• Risk higher in first few dialysis sessions.
• Treatment: slow dialysis, administer mannitol, barbiturates.
Q5
A patient complains of "heavy pressure in the center of my chest." What does this indicate?
CORRECT ANSWER
Myocardial infarction (MI) – classic crushing chest pain.
RATIONALE
• MONA: Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin (chewable).
• ECG, troponin, and CK‑MB are diagnostic.
• Nitroglycerin contraindicated if BP <90 or HR <50 or >100.
Hematologic Disorders | Diverticulitis, Dialysis, MI, Anemia,
Hypertension | Q&A Grade A
Complete Review: Diverticulitis, Hemodialysis vs Peritoneal Dialysis, Heart Failure, Myocardial Infarction, Anticoagulants,
Diuretics, Anemia, Incontinence & Lab Interpretation
SUBJECT SOURCE FORMAT
Geriatrics / NUR 176 Galen Exam 2 Study Guide 2026/2027 Q&A Guide with Rationale
Q1
What is the clinical presentation of diverticulitis?
CORRECT ANSWER
Acute onset of left lower quadrant pain (intermittent, varying intensity), constipation/diarrhea,
nausea/vomiting, fever, anorexia, hematochezia.
RATIONALE
• Exam: LLQ pain, possible rebound tenderness or guarding.
• Diagnostic test of choice: CT abdomen with IV and oral contrast.
• Barium enema is contraindicated in acute diverticulitis (risk of perforation).
• MORPHINE is NOT given due to increased intraluminal pressure.
Q2
What is hemodialysis and where is it performed?
CORRECT ANSWER
Most common renal replacement therapy for ESKD/kidney failure. Performed in‑patient (critically ill) or
out‑patient (stable patients).
RATIONALE
• Blood and dialysate run in opposite directions; toxins diffuse into dialysate.
• Subclavian dialysis catheter: Y‑shaped tubing for arterial outflow and venous return.
• Complications: disequilibrium syndrome, muscle cramps, hemorrhage, air embolus, hypotension, dysrhythmias, infection.
, Q3
How do you access an AV fistula?
CORRECT ANSWER
Two needles: one toward venous blood flow (clean blood returned), one toward arterial blood flow (blood
out to be cleaned).
RATIONALE
• AV fistula formed using radial/brachial artery and cephalic vein of nondominant arm.
• Complications: thrombosis (most frequent), stenosis, infections, aneurysms, ischemia, heart failure.
• Monitor for thrill and bruit daily.
Q4
What is dialysis disequilibrium syndrome?
CORRECT ANSWER
Neurological symptoms: headache, nausea/vomiting, restlessness, decreased LOC, seizures, coma, death.
RATIONALE
• Occurs when solutes are removed too quickly, causing cerebral edema.
• Risk higher in first few dialysis sessions.
• Treatment: slow dialysis, administer mannitol, barbiturates.
Q5
A patient complains of "heavy pressure in the center of my chest." What does this indicate?
CORRECT ANSWER
Myocardial infarction (MI) – classic crushing chest pain.
RATIONALE
• MONA: Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin (chewable).
• ECG, troponin, and CK‑MB are diagnostic.
• Nitroglycerin contraindicated if BP <90 or HR <50 or >100.
