Exam 1: NUR170 / NUR 170 (Latest 2025/
2026 Update) Concepts of Medical-
Surgical Nursing Review| Questions &
ANSWER s| Grade A| 100% Correct
(Verified Solutions)- Galen
1. A patient with hypertension is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide. Which electrolyte should the
nurse monitor most closely?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium ✅
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics increase potassium excretion, risking hypokalemia.
2. A patient reports sudden chest pain radiating to the jaw. Priority action:
A. Administer aspirin ✅
B. Obtain vital signs
C. Encourage rest
D. Provide oxygen only
Rationale: Aspirin reduces platelet aggregation in suspected MI.
3. Which is a classic symptom of left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Dyspnea and pulmonary congestion ✅
C. Hepatomegaly
D. Jugular vein distention
Rationale: Left-sided HF causes fluid to back up into the lungs.
4. A patient with atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin. Which statement indicates correct
understanding?
A. “I will eat more leafy greens.”
B. “I will take my medication consistently at the same time each day.” ✅
C. “I can skip doses if I feel well.”
D. “I do not need to monitor INR.”
Rationale: Consistent dosing and INR monitoring prevent complications and maintain
therapeutic effect.
, 5. Patient on digoxin reports nausea, vomiting, and visual changes. Nurse recognizes:
A. Hypokalemia
B. Digoxin toxicity ✅
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Dehydration
Rationale: GI symptoms and visual changes are early signs of digoxin toxicity.
6. After an MI, the patient develops shortness of breath and crackles. Which type of heart failure
is likely?
A. Right-sided HF
B. Left-sided HF ✅
C. High-output HF
D. Diastolic HF
Rationale: Left-sided HF leads to pulmonary congestion and dyspnea.
7. Patient prescribed a beta-blocker should be taught to monitor:
A. Blood glucose
B. Heart rate ✅
C. Weight
D. Sodium levels
Rationale: Beta-blockers reduce heart rate and can cause bradycardia.
8. Patient with heart failure gains 3 pounds in one day. Nurse action:
A. Notify provider ✅
B. Restrict fluids only
C. Encourage activity
D. Administer diuretic without provider order
Rationale: Sudden weight gain may indicate fluid retention and worsening HF.
9. Patient with peripheral artery disease should be taught:
A. Avoid walking
B. Elevate legs above heart level
C. Stop smoking ✅
D. Take hot baths
Rationale: Smoking cessation improves circulation; avoid overheating extremities.
10. Patient experiences sudden unilateral chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia. Nurse suspects:
A. MI
B. Pulmonary embolism ✅
C. Pneumonia
D. Asthma attack
Rationale: Classic PE presentation includes dyspnea, chest pain, and tachycardia.
11. Patient with hypertension is prescribed ACE inhibitor. Key teaching:
A. Monitor for dry cough ✅
2026 Update) Concepts of Medical-
Surgical Nursing Review| Questions &
ANSWER s| Grade A| 100% Correct
(Verified Solutions)- Galen
1. A patient with hypertension is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide. Which electrolyte should the
nurse monitor most closely?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium ✅
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Rationale: Thiazide diuretics increase potassium excretion, risking hypokalemia.
2. A patient reports sudden chest pain radiating to the jaw. Priority action:
A. Administer aspirin ✅
B. Obtain vital signs
C. Encourage rest
D. Provide oxygen only
Rationale: Aspirin reduces platelet aggregation in suspected MI.
3. Which is a classic symptom of left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Dyspnea and pulmonary congestion ✅
C. Hepatomegaly
D. Jugular vein distention
Rationale: Left-sided HF causes fluid to back up into the lungs.
4. A patient with atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin. Which statement indicates correct
understanding?
A. “I will eat more leafy greens.”
B. “I will take my medication consistently at the same time each day.” ✅
C. “I can skip doses if I feel well.”
D. “I do not need to monitor INR.”
Rationale: Consistent dosing and INR monitoring prevent complications and maintain
therapeutic effect.
, 5. Patient on digoxin reports nausea, vomiting, and visual changes. Nurse recognizes:
A. Hypokalemia
B. Digoxin toxicity ✅
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Dehydration
Rationale: GI symptoms and visual changes are early signs of digoxin toxicity.
6. After an MI, the patient develops shortness of breath and crackles. Which type of heart failure
is likely?
A. Right-sided HF
B. Left-sided HF ✅
C. High-output HF
D. Diastolic HF
Rationale: Left-sided HF leads to pulmonary congestion and dyspnea.
7. Patient prescribed a beta-blocker should be taught to monitor:
A. Blood glucose
B. Heart rate ✅
C. Weight
D. Sodium levels
Rationale: Beta-blockers reduce heart rate and can cause bradycardia.
8. Patient with heart failure gains 3 pounds in one day. Nurse action:
A. Notify provider ✅
B. Restrict fluids only
C. Encourage activity
D. Administer diuretic without provider order
Rationale: Sudden weight gain may indicate fluid retention and worsening HF.
9. Patient with peripheral artery disease should be taught:
A. Avoid walking
B. Elevate legs above heart level
C. Stop smoking ✅
D. Take hot baths
Rationale: Smoking cessation improves circulation; avoid overheating extremities.
10. Patient experiences sudden unilateral chest pain, dyspnea, and tachycardia. Nurse suspects:
A. MI
B. Pulmonary embolism ✅
C. Pneumonia
D. Asthma attack
Rationale: Classic PE presentation includes dyspnea, chest pain, and tachycardia.
11. Patient with hypertension is prescribed ACE inhibitor. Key teaching:
A. Monitor for dry cough ✅
