Linton & Matteson Med-Surg PN Study Guide + Practice MCQ Bank

Linton and Matteson's Medical-Surgical
Practical Nursing in Canada, 1st Edition
Authors:



Katherine Poser,Adrianne Dill Linton,Mary
Ann Matteson


TEST BANK.



Linton & Matteson’s Medical-Surgical Practical Nursing in
Canada, 1st Edition — Chapter: Aspects of Medical-Surgical
Nursing (UNIT I, Chapter 1)
Below are 20 PN-level, exam-style MCQs derived for fast
revision from Aspects of Medical-Surgical Nursing. Each
question has four options (A–D), the correct answer, a short
rationale, and a citation to the chapter.

,1. A practical nurse (PN) is caring for a postoperative client.
Which activity best reflects the PN’s primary role in
medical-surgical nursing?
A. Developing the client’s overall medical diagnosis
B. Performing a focused assessment and reporting changes
to the RN/physician
C. Writing the discharge prescription for pain medication
D. Interpreting lab results and altering treatment plans
Answer: B.
Rationale: The PN’s scope emphasizes focused
assessments, monitoring, and communicating findings to
the RN/physician — not diagnosing or independently
changing orders.
Citation: Linton & Matteson — Chapter: Aspects of
Medical-Surgical Nursing.
2. Which statement best describes therapeutic
communication in medical-surgical care?
A. Using medical jargon to educate the client quickly
B. Asking closed questions to limit client responses
C. Listening actively and clarifying the client’s concerns
D. Giving advice based on personal experience
Answer: C.
Rationale: Active listening and clarification promote
understanding, trust, and accurate assessment — core
communication skills for PNs.

, Citation: Linton & Matteson — Chapter: Aspects of
Medical-Surgical Nursing.
3. When delegating a basic hygiene task to a nursing
assistant, the PN must first:
A. Assume the assistant knows the procedure
B. Provide clear instructions and expected outcomes
C. Delegate all assessment responsibilities as well
D. Limit documentation to the assistant’s verbal report
Answer: B.
Rationale: Safe delegation requires clear instructions,
defined outcomes, and appropriate supervision — PNs
remain responsible for client care.
Citation: Linton & Matteson — Chapter: Aspects of
Medical-Surgical Nursing.
4. A client is refusing an ordered treatment. The PN’s most
appropriate initial action is to:
A. Explain risks and benefits and document the refusal
B. Force the client to comply to avoid complications
C. Ignore the refusal and proceed with treatment
D. Report the client as noncompliant to family immediately
Answer: A.
Rationale: Respect for client autonomy requires
explanation, assessment of understanding, and
documentation of informed refusal.
Citation: Linton & Matteson — Chapter: Aspects of
Medical-Surgical Nursing.

, 5. Which priority action should the PN take on receiving a
telephone report about a hospitalized client’s sudden
confusion?
A. Ask the caller to wait while the PN finishes another task
B. Obtain a focused history and notify the RN/physician
immediately
C. Tell the caller to give the client a sedative
D. Document the phone call and do nothing further
Answer: B.
Rationale: Sudden confusion is an acute change; the PN
should gather focused data and escalate promptly for
further assessment and orders.
Citation: Linton & Matteson — Chapter: Aspects of
Medical-Surgical Nursing.
6. During shift report, which piece of information is most
essential for the PN to receive about each client?
A. The attending physician’s personal biography
B. Current status, recent changes, and immediate priorities
C. The client’s unrelated social media posts
D. The history of every admission on the unit from the last
year
Answer: B.
Rationale: Effective handover focuses on current
condition, recent changes, and priorities to ensure safe
continuity of care.
Citation: Linton & Matteson — Chapter: Aspects of
Medical-Surgical Nursing.