Week 6 Quiz: NURS 120 Introduction to Medical Surgical Nursing 2026
– WCU
1. Which assessment finding is a priority for a patient diagnosed with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
A. Oxygen saturation of 85% on room air
B. Increased anteroposterior chest diameter
C. Productive cough with clear sputum
D. Occasional wheezing on exertion
Answer: A
Rationale: While many COPD patients have lower baselines, an oxygen saturation of 85%
indicates significant hypoxia and requires immediate intervention compared to expected
chronic findings like a barrel chest or productive cough.
2. A patient with heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which electrolyte
imbalance should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of potassium, potentially
leading to hypokalemia.
,3. When assessing a patient for a suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which
clinical manifestation is most common?
A. Bilateral calf tenderness
B. Pale, cool skin on the affected extremity
C. Unilateral leg edema and warmth
D. Weak or absent pedal pulses
Answer: C
Rationale: DVT usually presents unilaterally with swelling, redness, and warmth. Pale skin
and weak pulses are more indicative of arterial insufficiency.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 24 hours postoperative. What is the
most effective nursing action to prevent atelectasis?
A. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
B. Encouraging frequent use of the incentive spirometer
C. Maintaining a strict NPO status
D. Keeping the patient in a supine position
Answer: B
Rationale: Incentive spirometry encourages deep breathing and lung expansion, which
helps prevent the collapse of alveoli (atelectasis) after surgery.
5. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is found sweaty, shaky, and confused.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer 10 units of regular insulin
B. Check the patient’s blood glucose level
C. Provide a high-protein snack
D. Call the healthcare provider immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: The symptoms suggest hypoglycemia. The nurse must verify the blood glucose
level to provide appropriate treatment, such as fast-acting carbohydrates.
, 6. Which teaching point is essential for a patient prescribed sublingual
nitroglycerin for stable angina?
A. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water
B. Place the tablet under the tongue when chest pain occurs
C. Discard tablets every 12 months regardless of use
D. Take the medication only after 30 minutes of pain
Answer: B
Rationale: Sublingual nitroglycerin must be absorbed through the oral mucosa under the
tongue to bypass first-pass metabolism and act quickly.
7. A patient is diagnosed with Stage II pressure injury. How should the nurse
document the appearance of the wound?
A. Intact skin with non-blanchable redness
B. Full-thickness skin loss with visible fat
C. Exposed bone, tendon, or muscle
D. Partial-thickness skin loss involving the dermis
Answer: D
Rationale: Stage II pressure injuries involve partial-thickness loss of dermis and may
present as an intact or ruptured blister.
8. A patient is scheduled for surgery. The nurse notices the patient signed the
consent form but states, ‘I don’t really understand what the doctor is doing.’
What is the nurse’s responsibility?
A. Explain the surgical procedure in detail to the patient
B. Proceed with preoperative medications as scheduled
C. Tell the patient not to worry because the surgeon is experienced
D. Notify the surgeon that the patient needs further explanation
Answer: D
– WCU
1. Which assessment finding is a priority for a patient diagnosed with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?
A. Oxygen saturation of 85% on room air
B. Increased anteroposterior chest diameter
C. Productive cough with clear sputum
D. Occasional wheezing on exertion
Answer: A
Rationale: While many COPD patients have lower baselines, an oxygen saturation of 85%
indicates significant hypoxia and requires immediate intervention compared to expected
chronic findings like a barrel chest or productive cough.
2. A patient with heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which electrolyte
imbalance should the nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypocalcemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the excretion of potassium, potentially
leading to hypokalemia.
,3. When assessing a patient for a suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which
clinical manifestation is most common?
A. Bilateral calf tenderness
B. Pale, cool skin on the affected extremity
C. Unilateral leg edema and warmth
D. Weak or absent pedal pulses
Answer: C
Rationale: DVT usually presents unilaterally with swelling, redness, and warmth. Pale skin
and weak pulses are more indicative of arterial insufficiency.
4. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 24 hours postoperative. What is the
most effective nursing action to prevent atelectasis?
A. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
B. Encouraging frequent use of the incentive spirometer
C. Maintaining a strict NPO status
D. Keeping the patient in a supine position
Answer: B
Rationale: Incentive spirometry encourages deep breathing and lung expansion, which
helps prevent the collapse of alveoli (atelectasis) after surgery.
5. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is found sweaty, shaky, and confused.
What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer 10 units of regular insulin
B. Check the patient’s blood glucose level
C. Provide a high-protein snack
D. Call the healthcare provider immediately
Answer: B
Rationale: The symptoms suggest hypoglycemia. The nurse must verify the blood glucose
level to provide appropriate treatment, such as fast-acting carbohydrates.
, 6. Which teaching point is essential for a patient prescribed sublingual
nitroglycerin for stable angina?
A. Swallow the tablet with a full glass of water
B. Place the tablet under the tongue when chest pain occurs
C. Discard tablets every 12 months regardless of use
D. Take the medication only after 30 minutes of pain
Answer: B
Rationale: Sublingual nitroglycerin must be absorbed through the oral mucosa under the
tongue to bypass first-pass metabolism and act quickly.
7. A patient is diagnosed with Stage II pressure injury. How should the nurse
document the appearance of the wound?
A. Intact skin with non-blanchable redness
B. Full-thickness skin loss with visible fat
C. Exposed bone, tendon, or muscle
D. Partial-thickness skin loss involving the dermis
Answer: D
Rationale: Stage II pressure injuries involve partial-thickness loss of dermis and may
present as an intact or ruptured blister.
8. A patient is scheduled for surgery. The nurse notices the patient signed the
consent form but states, ‘I don’t really understand what the doctor is doing.’
What is the nurse’s responsibility?
A. Explain the surgical procedure in detail to the patient
B. Proceed with preoperative medications as scheduled
C. Tell the patient not to worry because the surgeon is experienced
D. Notify the surgeon that the patient needs further explanation
Answer: D
