Assessment and Management of Clinical
Problems
• 5th Edition - June 15, 2022
• Latest edition
• Authors: Jane Tyerman, Shelley Cobbett,
Mariann M. Harding, Jeffrey Kwong, Dottie
Roberts, Debra Hagler, Courtney Reinisch
TEST BANK
Chapter 1: Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice in
Canada
Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th ed. (2022)
20 MCQs — Increased Clinical Judgment/Prioritization Focus
1.
A nurse is assigned four patients on a medical unit. Which
patient should be assessed first?
,A. A patient scheduled for discharge who needs teaching about
medications
B. A patient with chronic pain requesting additional analgesia
C. A patient who reports new onset shortness of breath
D. A patient awaiting routine morning vital signs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
New shortness of breath may indicate acute respiratory
compromise and requires immediate assessment. Discharge
teaching and routine care are lower priority. Chronic pain is
important but not immediately life-threatening.
Citation: Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th ed.
Chapter 1: Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice in
Canada
2.
Which action best demonstrates the nurse’s role in clinical
judgment?
A. Following physician orders exactly as written
B. Applying standardized care plans to all patients
C. Interpreting patient data and adjusting care accordingly
D. Delegating most patient care tasks to assistive personnel
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale:
Clinical judgment involves interpreting assessment data,
recognizing changes, and making patient-specific decisions.
Blindly following orders or standardized plans does not reflect
individualized clinical reasoning.
Citation: Chapter 1
3.
A patient’s blood pressure drops from 128/78 mm Hg to 92/56
mm Hg over 2 hours. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Document the finding and reassess later
B. Notify the health care provider after completing other tasks
C. Assess the patient for symptoms and potential causes
immediately
D. Encourage oral fluid intake
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
The nurse must first assess the patient to determine clinical
significance and identify causes. Documentation or notification
without assessment delays critical judgment.
Citation: Chapter 1
4.
, Which statement reflects patient-centred care?
A. “The care plan follows unit routines.”
B. “The patient participates in decisions about treatment.”
C. “The physician determines the care priorities.”
D. “All patients receive the same education materials.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Patient-centred care emphasizes collaboration, respect for
preferences, and shared decision-making.
Citation: Chapter 1
5.
The nurse notes that a patient’s condition is deteriorating.
Which action reflects the principle of patient safety?
A. Wait for the next scheduled assessment
B. Activate appropriate rapid response resources
C. Document the change at the end of the shift
D. Ask another nurse to monitor the patient later
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Early recognition and activation of emergency resources
support safety and prevent adverse events.
Citation: Chapter 1