1
MED SURG NSG 223: MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING II Comprehensive
Exam 1 Study Guide | Newest 2025/2026 Update 220 Complete
Questions with Correct Detailed Answers & Rationales Graded A+ |
NGN-Ready | Cardiac & Vascular Focus
Neurological & Sensory
1. A client with chronic alcoholism and late stage cirrhosis has
significant damage to Wernicke's area. What data obtained by the
nurse is indicative of this damage?
a. The client is unable to ambulate independently.
b. The client does not comprehend written and spoken language but
speaks.
c. The client has speech impairment, but is able to comprehend
language.
d. The client's left hand is experiencing paralysis.
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Wernicke's area is responsible for language comprehension.
Damage here results in receptive aphasia—the client can speak (often
, 2
fluently but nonsensically) but cannot understand written or spoken
language .
2. A client who sustained head trauma is determined to have an
increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). What related complications
should the nurse be aware of? (Select all that apply)
a. Brain hypoxia
b. Herniation of the brain
c. Brain compression
d. Paralysis of the lower extremities
e. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: a, b, c
Rationale: The skull is a rigid container. Increased ICP compresses brain
tissue, reduces blood flow (causing hypoxia), and can force brain tissue
through openings (herniation). Paralysis or incontinence may
occur secondary to this damage but are not the direct mechanical
complications listed .
, 3
3. A client is having a colonoscopy and suddenly the heart rate drops
from 72 BPM to 52 BPM. What cranial nerve does the nurse
determine has been stimulated?
Correct Answer: Vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X)
Rationale: Vagal stimulation during colonoscopy (due to bowel
distension) releases acetylcholine, which slows the heart rate
(bradycardia) .
4. What is the action of Atropine?
Correct Answer: Blocks the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic
cholinergic receptors .
5. What classification is Atropine?
Correct Answer: Anticholinergic .
6. What does Atropine treat?
Correct Answer: Cardiovascular effects such as bradycardia and
syncope .
, 4
7. What is the antidote for Atropine?
Correct Answer: Physostigmine (administered at a slow rate of 1
mg/min) .
8. How long does it take for the peak effects of IV Atropine to take
effect?
Correct Answer: 2 to 4 minutes .
9. What are some adverse effects from Atropine?
Correct Answer: Urinary retention, paralytic ileus, photophobia,
dry mouth, increased temperature .
10. Elderly and children are prone to what when on Atropine?
Correct Answer: Hyperpyrexia (severely elevated temperature)
due to suppression of perspiration and heat loss .
Hematology & Anticoagulation
11. After IV heparin injection, how long does it take to act?
Correct Answer: Immediately .
MED SURG NSG 223: MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING II Comprehensive
Exam 1 Study Guide | Newest 2025/2026 Update 220 Complete
Questions with Correct Detailed Answers & Rationales Graded A+ |
NGN-Ready | Cardiac & Vascular Focus
Neurological & Sensory
1. A client with chronic alcoholism and late stage cirrhosis has
significant damage to Wernicke's area. What data obtained by the
nurse is indicative of this damage?
a. The client is unable to ambulate independently.
b. The client does not comprehend written and spoken language but
speaks.
c. The client has speech impairment, but is able to comprehend
language.
d. The client's left hand is experiencing paralysis.
Correct Answer: b
Rationale: Wernicke's area is responsible for language comprehension.
Damage here results in receptive aphasia—the client can speak (often
, 2
fluently but nonsensically) but cannot understand written or spoken
language .
2. A client who sustained head trauma is determined to have an
increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). What related complications
should the nurse be aware of? (Select all that apply)
a. Brain hypoxia
b. Herniation of the brain
c. Brain compression
d. Paralysis of the lower extremities
e. Urinary retention
Correct Answer: a, b, c
Rationale: The skull is a rigid container. Increased ICP compresses brain
tissue, reduces blood flow (causing hypoxia), and can force brain tissue
through openings (herniation). Paralysis or incontinence may
occur secondary to this damage but are not the direct mechanical
complications listed .
, 3
3. A client is having a colonoscopy and suddenly the heart rate drops
from 72 BPM to 52 BPM. What cranial nerve does the nurse
determine has been stimulated?
Correct Answer: Vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X)
Rationale: Vagal stimulation during colonoscopy (due to bowel
distension) releases acetylcholine, which slows the heart rate
(bradycardia) .
4. What is the action of Atropine?
Correct Answer: Blocks the effects of acetylcholine at muscarinic
cholinergic receptors .
5. What classification is Atropine?
Correct Answer: Anticholinergic .
6. What does Atropine treat?
Correct Answer: Cardiovascular effects such as bradycardia and
syncope .
, 4
7. What is the antidote for Atropine?
Correct Answer: Physostigmine (administered at a slow rate of 1
mg/min) .
8. How long does it take for the peak effects of IV Atropine to take
effect?
Correct Answer: 2 to 4 minutes .
9. What are some adverse effects from Atropine?
Correct Answer: Urinary retention, paralytic ileus, photophobia,
dry mouth, increased temperature .
10. Elderly and children are prone to what when on Atropine?
Correct Answer: Hyperpyrexia (severely elevated temperature)
due to suppression of perspiration and heat loss .
Hematology & Anticoagulation
11. After IV heparin injection, how long does it take to act?
Correct Answer: Immediately .
