NUR242 Exam 1 V3 | NUR 242 Med-Surg Exam
Q&A | Galen College of Nursing
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This exam-style preparation material is designed to support students preparing for medical-
surgical nursing assessments involving acute illnesses, complex nursing care, and multisystem
adult disorders. The material emphasizes safe nursing interventions and evidence-based patient
management practices.
The questions are structured to closely mirror actual course assessments while reinforcing
analytical reasoning and patient care decision-making skills. Detailed expert explanations are
included to improve comprehension and academic performance.
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The Exam Covers:
• Adult respiratory emergencies
• Dysrhythmia management
• Hemodynamic monitoring
• Nursing interventions for acute illness
• Adult mobility and safety
• Patient-centered communication
• Clinical nursing judgment
• Adult pharmacology review
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1. A patient with Atrial Fibrillation is at high risk for which of the following complications?
A. Ischemic stroke
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Pneumothorax
D. Pulmonary hypertension
,Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Atrial fibrillation causes blood to pool in the atria, which can lead to
the formation of clots. If a clot is ejected from the left ventricle, it can travel to the brain and
cause an ischemic stroke. Anticoagulation therapy is a primary management strategy for
these patients.
2. The high-pressure alarm on a mechanical ventilator is sounding. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Check the tubing for kinks or obstruction
B. Increase the oxygen concentration
C. Suction the patient’s airway immediately
D. Disconnect the patient and use a manual resuscitator
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: High-pressure alarms are often triggered by increased resistance in
the system, such as a kinked tube or the patient biting the ETT. Checking the physical
circuit for obstructions is the least invasive and quickest first step. If the cause is not found
and the patient is distressed, manual ventilation would be the next priority.
3. Which Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) value is the minimum required to maintain adequate
perfusion to vital organs?
A. 50 mmHg
B. 60 mmHg
, C. 65 mmHg
D. 80 mmHg
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: A MAP of at least 65 mmHg is generally required to ensure that vital
organs like the kidneys and brain receive enough oxygenated blood. If the MAP falls below
this threshold, the patient is at risk for organ ischemia and failure. MAP is calculated using
systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
4. A nurse observes tracheal deviation toward the left side in a patient with a right-sided
chest injury. This is a classic sign of:
A. Tension pneumothorax
B. Simple pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Flail chest
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Tension pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space but
cannot escape, causing pressure to build up. This pressure shifts the mediastinum and
trachea toward the unaffected side, which is a life-threatening emergency. The nurse must
recognize this sign and prepare for immediate needle decompression.
Q&A | Galen College of Nursing
────────────────────────────────────
This exam-style preparation material is designed to support students preparing for medical-
surgical nursing assessments involving acute illnesses, complex nursing care, and multisystem
adult disorders. The material emphasizes safe nursing interventions and evidence-based patient
management practices.
The questions are structured to closely mirror actual course assessments while reinforcing
analytical reasoning and patient care decision-making skills. Detailed expert explanations are
included to improve comprehension and academic performance.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Adult respiratory emergencies
• Dysrhythmia management
• Hemodynamic monitoring
• Nursing interventions for acute illness
• Adult mobility and safety
• Patient-centered communication
• Clinical nursing judgment
• Adult pharmacology review
════════════════════════════════════
1. A patient with Atrial Fibrillation is at high risk for which of the following complications?
A. Ischemic stroke
B. Hypovolemic shock
C. Pneumothorax
D. Pulmonary hypertension
,Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Atrial fibrillation causes blood to pool in the atria, which can lead to
the formation of clots. If a clot is ejected from the left ventricle, it can travel to the brain and
cause an ischemic stroke. Anticoagulation therapy is a primary management strategy for
these patients.
2. The high-pressure alarm on a mechanical ventilator is sounding. Which action should the
nurse take first?
A. Check the tubing for kinks or obstruction
B. Increase the oxygen concentration
C. Suction the patient’s airway immediately
D. Disconnect the patient and use a manual resuscitator
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: High-pressure alarms are often triggered by increased resistance in
the system, such as a kinked tube or the patient biting the ETT. Checking the physical
circuit for obstructions is the least invasive and quickest first step. If the cause is not found
and the patient is distressed, manual ventilation would be the next priority.
3. Which Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) value is the minimum required to maintain adequate
perfusion to vital organs?
A. 50 mmHg
B. 60 mmHg
, C. 65 mmHg
D. 80 mmHg
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: A MAP of at least 65 mmHg is generally required to ensure that vital
organs like the kidneys and brain receive enough oxygenated blood. If the MAP falls below
this threshold, the patient is at risk for organ ischemia and failure. MAP is calculated using
systolic and diastolic blood pressures.
4. A nurse observes tracheal deviation toward the left side in a patient with a right-sided
chest injury. This is a classic sign of:
A. Tension pneumothorax
B. Simple pneumothorax
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Flail chest
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Tension pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space but
cannot escape, causing pressure to build up. This pressure shifts the mediastinum and
trachea toward the unaffected side, which is a life-threatening emergency. The nurse must
recognize this sign and prepare for immediate needle decompression.
