Exam 2: 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 heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory value should the nurse
monitor most closely?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium is
essential to prevent arrhythmias.
2. A patient reports chest pain radiating to the left arm. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Obtain vital signs
B. Administer nitroglycerin
C. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
D. Assess pain characteristics
Answer: C. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
Rationale: Immediate cardiac monitoring is critical in suspected myocardial infarction to detect
life-threatening arrhythmias. Pain assessment and nitroglycerin follow per protocol.
3. Which symptom indicates left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Pulmonary congestion
C. Hepatomegaly
D. Jugular vein distention
Answer: B. Pulmonary congestion
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure leads to fluid backing up into the lungs, causing pulmonary
edema, dyspnea, and crackles.
,4. The nurse teaches a patient with hypertension about lifestyle modifications. Which statement
indicates understanding?
A. “I will limit my physical activity to prevent fatigue.”
B. “I will reduce salt intake and maintain a healthy weight.”
C. “I will take my medications only when I feel unwell.”
D. “I will avoid all fruits to reduce sugar intake.”
Answer: B. “I will reduce salt intake and maintain a healthy weight.”
Rationale: Lifestyle modifications, including reduced sodium intake, exercise, and weight
control, are first-line strategies for hypertension management.
Respiratory System
5. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed oxygen at 2
L/min. Which intervention is most important?
A. Keep oxygen saturation above 90%
B. Encourage deep breathing exercises
C. Monitor for CO₂ retention
D. Administer a bronchodilator
Answer: C. Monitor for CO₂ retention
Rationale: COPD patients may rely on hypoxic drive to breathe. Excess oxygen can suppress
respirations and lead to CO₂ retention (hypercapnia).
6. A patient with pneumonia has a temperature of 39.5°C (103°F). Which nursing action is
appropriate?
A. Encourage increased oral fluids
B. Apply warm compresses
C. Restrict activity completely
D. Administer oxygen
Answer: A. Encourage increased oral fluids
Rationale: Fluids help thin secretions, support hydration, and aid in temperature regulation.
7. Which finding indicates hypoxemia in a patient with respiratory distress?
A. Respiratory rate 18/min
B. SpO₂ 88%
, C. Heart rate 76/min
D. Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg
Answer: B. SpO₂ 88%
Rationale: Oxygen saturation below 90% indicates inadequate oxygenation.
Gastrointestinal System
8. A patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease reports black, tarry stools. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Administer antacids
B. Notify the healthcare provider
C. Assess abdominal pain
D. Encourage oral fluids
Answer: B. Notify the healthcare provider
Rationale: Black, tarry stools indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a medical emergency.
9. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a patient with cirrhosis regarding diet?
A. Increase protein intake regardless of encephalopathy
B. Restrict sodium intake
C. Consume large meals once daily
D. Avoid fluids completely
Answer: B. Restrict sodium intake
Rationale: Sodium restriction helps prevent fluid retention and ascites in cirrhosis.
Endocrine System
10. A patient with type 1 diabetes reports fatigue and sweating. The nurse suspects
hypoglycemia. What is the first action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Give 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate
C. Check blood pressure
D. Encourage exercise
Answer: B. Give 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate
Rationale: Hypoglycemia should be treated immediately with fast-acting carbohydrates to
prevent progression to severe complications.
2026 Update) Concepts of Medical-Surgical
Nursing Review| Questions & ANSWER s|
Grade A| 100% Correct (Verified Solutions)-
Galen
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory value should the nurse
monitor most closely?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium is
essential to prevent arrhythmias.
2. A patient reports chest pain radiating to the left arm. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Obtain vital signs
B. Administer nitroglycerin
C. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
D. Assess pain characteristics
Answer: C. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor
Rationale: Immediate cardiac monitoring is critical in suspected myocardial infarction to detect
life-threatening arrhythmias. Pain assessment and nitroglycerin follow per protocol.
3. Which symptom indicates left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Pulmonary congestion
C. Hepatomegaly
D. Jugular vein distention
Answer: B. Pulmonary congestion
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure leads to fluid backing up into the lungs, causing pulmonary
edema, dyspnea, and crackles.
,4. The nurse teaches a patient with hypertension about lifestyle modifications. Which statement
indicates understanding?
A. “I will limit my physical activity to prevent fatigue.”
B. “I will reduce salt intake and maintain a healthy weight.”
C. “I will take my medications only when I feel unwell.”
D. “I will avoid all fruits to reduce sugar intake.”
Answer: B. “I will reduce salt intake and maintain a healthy weight.”
Rationale: Lifestyle modifications, including reduced sodium intake, exercise, and weight
control, are first-line strategies for hypertension management.
Respiratory System
5. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed oxygen at 2
L/min. Which intervention is most important?
A. Keep oxygen saturation above 90%
B. Encourage deep breathing exercises
C. Monitor for CO₂ retention
D. Administer a bronchodilator
Answer: C. Monitor for CO₂ retention
Rationale: COPD patients may rely on hypoxic drive to breathe. Excess oxygen can suppress
respirations and lead to CO₂ retention (hypercapnia).
6. A patient with pneumonia has a temperature of 39.5°C (103°F). Which nursing action is
appropriate?
A. Encourage increased oral fluids
B. Apply warm compresses
C. Restrict activity completely
D. Administer oxygen
Answer: A. Encourage increased oral fluids
Rationale: Fluids help thin secretions, support hydration, and aid in temperature regulation.
7. Which finding indicates hypoxemia in a patient with respiratory distress?
A. Respiratory rate 18/min
B. SpO₂ 88%
, C. Heart rate 76/min
D. Blood pressure 120/80 mmHg
Answer: B. SpO₂ 88%
Rationale: Oxygen saturation below 90% indicates inadequate oxygenation.
Gastrointestinal System
8. A patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease reports black, tarry stools. What is the nurse’s
priority action?
A. Administer antacids
B. Notify the healthcare provider
C. Assess abdominal pain
D. Encourage oral fluids
Answer: B. Notify the healthcare provider
Rationale: Black, tarry stools indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a medical emergency.
9. Which instruction should the nurse provide to a patient with cirrhosis regarding diet?
A. Increase protein intake regardless of encephalopathy
B. Restrict sodium intake
C. Consume large meals once daily
D. Avoid fluids completely
Answer: B. Restrict sodium intake
Rationale: Sodium restriction helps prevent fluid retention and ascites in cirrhosis.
Endocrine System
10. A patient with type 1 diabetes reports fatigue and sweating. The nurse suspects
hypoglycemia. What is the first action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Give 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate
C. Check blood pressure
D. Encourage exercise
Answer: B. Give 15 g of fast-acting carbohydrate
Rationale: Hypoglycemia should be treated immediately with fast-acting carbohydrates to
prevent progression to severe complications.
