Galen NUR 242 Exam 1 Medical-Surgical
Nursing Study Guide 2025/2026
1. What is the priority nursing intervention when a patient develops chills and low back pain
during a blood transfusion?
A. Continue transfusion and monitor
B. Stop the transfusion immediately
C. Administer acetaminophen and continue
D. Slow the transfusion rate
Answer: B
2. A patient with congestive heart failure has gained 2 pounds in one day. What does this
indicate?
A. Improvement
B. Fluid retention
C. Dehydration
D. Infection
Answer: B
3. Which electrolyte imbalance can cause muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: A
4. What is the best action if infiltration is noted at a peripheral IV site?
A. Continue infusion at a slower rate
B. Remove the IV and restart at a new site
C. Elevate the limb only
D. Apply cold compress
Answer: B
5. Which lab value indicates good glycemic control in a diabetic patient?
A. Fasting blood glucose 200 mg/dL
B. Postprandial glucose 300 mg/dL
C. Hemoglobin A1C 6.0%
D. Random blood glucose 250 mg/dL
Answer: C
,6. What should the nurse do first when preparing to administer an IV antibiotic?
A. Verify patient allergies
B. Start IV infusion
C. Prepare medication dose
D. Monitor vital signs
Answer: A
7. Which assessment finding in a patient with respiratory distress is most concerning?
A. Nasal flaring
B. Mild cough
C. Clear lung sounds
D. Pink nail beds
Answer: A
8. A patient on a low-sodium diet should avoid which food?
A. Fresh fruit
B. Canned soup
C. Steamed vegetables
D. Grilled chicken
Answer: B
9. What measure helps prevent deep vein thrombosis in immobile patients?
A. Bed rest
B. Early ambulation
C. Restrict fluids
D. Apply heat packs
Answer: B
10.Which vital sign change indicates hypovolemia?
A. Increased blood pressure
B. Decreased heart rate
C. Increased respiratory rate
D. Elevated oxygen saturation
Answer: C
11.Which medication requires the nurse to monitor potassium levels regularly?
A. Furosemide
B. Acetaminophen
C. Insulin
D. Morphine
Answer: A
12.What is the correct action for a pressure ulcer stage II?
A. Apply dry gauze
, B. Clean with saline and apply a moist dressing
C. Use heat therapy
D. Administer antibiotics immediately
Answer: B
13.The nurse notices a patient's surgical wound is bright red and swollen. What should the
nurse do?
A. Document and continue monitoring
B. Notify the physician
C. Cover with dry dressing
D. Encourage ambulation
Answer: B
14.What is the most important teaching for a patient prescribed warfarin?
A. Avoid green leafy vegetables
B. Limit fluid intake
C. Decrease physical activity
D. Take medication only when feeling ill
Answer: A
15.Which diagnostic test is best for assessing acid-base balance?
A. CBC
B. ABG
C. Electrolyte panel
D. Chest X-ray
Answer: B
16.What is an early sign of hypoxia?
A. Cyanosis
B. Restlessness
C. Bradypnea
D. Hypotension
Answer: B
17.A patient with COPD should be positioned:
A. Supine
B. In high Fowler's
C. Trendelenburg
D. Prone
Answer: B
18.What is a common side effect of opioid analgesics?
A. Diarrhea
B. Respiratory depression
, C. Hypertension
D. Increased urination
Answer: B
19.Which nursing intervention helps reduce risk of infection in central line care?
A. Daily dressing change
B. Hand hygiene before handling
C. Use non-sterile gloves
D. Flush line only when occluded
Answer: B
20.Patient teaching for insulin administration should include:
A. Rotate injection sites
B. Inject into the muscle
C. Use same syringe for multiple doses
D. Avoid alcohol swabs
Answer: A
21.A nurse is caring for a patient with impaired tissue perfusion. Which intervention is
priority?
A. Elevate extremities
B. Monitor vital signs regularly
C. Encourage bed rest
D. Restrict fluid intake
Answer: B
22.What is the first step in implementing the nursing process?
A. Planning
B. Assessment
C. Evaluation
D. Diagnosis
Answer: B
23.Which position is most appropriate for a patient experiencing respiratory distress?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High Fowler's
D. Prone
Answer: C
24.What safety measure is essential for preventing falls in hospitalized patients?
A. Keeping bed in high position
B. Asking the patient to call for assistance
C. Leaving clutter on the floor
Nursing Study Guide 2025/2026
1. What is the priority nursing intervention when a patient develops chills and low back pain
during a blood transfusion?
A. Continue transfusion and monitor
B. Stop the transfusion immediately
C. Administer acetaminophen and continue
D. Slow the transfusion rate
Answer: B
2. A patient with congestive heart failure has gained 2 pounds in one day. What does this
indicate?
A. Improvement
B. Fluid retention
C. Dehydration
D. Infection
Answer: B
3. Which electrolyte imbalance can cause muscle weakness and cardiac arrhythmias?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hyponatremia
C. Hypercalcemia
D. Hypomagnesemia
Answer: A
4. What is the best action if infiltration is noted at a peripheral IV site?
A. Continue infusion at a slower rate
B. Remove the IV and restart at a new site
C. Elevate the limb only
D. Apply cold compress
Answer: B
5. Which lab value indicates good glycemic control in a diabetic patient?
A. Fasting blood glucose 200 mg/dL
B. Postprandial glucose 300 mg/dL
C. Hemoglobin A1C 6.0%
D. Random blood glucose 250 mg/dL
Answer: C
,6. What should the nurse do first when preparing to administer an IV antibiotic?
A. Verify patient allergies
B. Start IV infusion
C. Prepare medication dose
D. Monitor vital signs
Answer: A
7. Which assessment finding in a patient with respiratory distress is most concerning?
A. Nasal flaring
B. Mild cough
C. Clear lung sounds
D. Pink nail beds
Answer: A
8. A patient on a low-sodium diet should avoid which food?
A. Fresh fruit
B. Canned soup
C. Steamed vegetables
D. Grilled chicken
Answer: B
9. What measure helps prevent deep vein thrombosis in immobile patients?
A. Bed rest
B. Early ambulation
C. Restrict fluids
D. Apply heat packs
Answer: B
10.Which vital sign change indicates hypovolemia?
A. Increased blood pressure
B. Decreased heart rate
C. Increased respiratory rate
D. Elevated oxygen saturation
Answer: C
11.Which medication requires the nurse to monitor potassium levels regularly?
A. Furosemide
B. Acetaminophen
C. Insulin
D. Morphine
Answer: A
12.What is the correct action for a pressure ulcer stage II?
A. Apply dry gauze
, B. Clean with saline and apply a moist dressing
C. Use heat therapy
D. Administer antibiotics immediately
Answer: B
13.The nurse notices a patient's surgical wound is bright red and swollen. What should the
nurse do?
A. Document and continue monitoring
B. Notify the physician
C. Cover with dry dressing
D. Encourage ambulation
Answer: B
14.What is the most important teaching for a patient prescribed warfarin?
A. Avoid green leafy vegetables
B. Limit fluid intake
C. Decrease physical activity
D. Take medication only when feeling ill
Answer: A
15.Which diagnostic test is best for assessing acid-base balance?
A. CBC
B. ABG
C. Electrolyte panel
D. Chest X-ray
Answer: B
16.What is an early sign of hypoxia?
A. Cyanosis
B. Restlessness
C. Bradypnea
D. Hypotension
Answer: B
17.A patient with COPD should be positioned:
A. Supine
B. In high Fowler's
C. Trendelenburg
D. Prone
Answer: B
18.What is a common side effect of opioid analgesics?
A. Diarrhea
B. Respiratory depression
, C. Hypertension
D. Increased urination
Answer: B
19.Which nursing intervention helps reduce risk of infection in central line care?
A. Daily dressing change
B. Hand hygiene before handling
C. Use non-sterile gloves
D. Flush line only when occluded
Answer: B
20.Patient teaching for insulin administration should include:
A. Rotate injection sites
B. Inject into the muscle
C. Use same syringe for multiple doses
D. Avoid alcohol swabs
Answer: A
21.A nurse is caring for a patient with impaired tissue perfusion. Which intervention is
priority?
A. Elevate extremities
B. Monitor vital signs regularly
C. Encourage bed rest
D. Restrict fluid intake
Answer: B
22.What is the first step in implementing the nursing process?
A. Planning
B. Assessment
C. Evaluation
D. Diagnosis
Answer: B
23.Which position is most appropriate for a patient experiencing respiratory distress?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. High Fowler's
D. Prone
Answer: C
24.What safety measure is essential for preventing falls in hospitalized patients?
A. Keeping bed in high position
B. Asking the patient to call for assistance
C. Leaving clutter on the floor
