MED-SURG NURSING CARE EXAM LATEST 2026
UPDATE 100 QUESTIONS AND DETAILED VERIFIED
ANSWERS FROM ACTUAL EXAMS TEST GRADE A+
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which finding requires
immediate action?
A. Weight gain of 1 kg in 24 hr
B. Dyspnea at rest
C. Peripheral edema
D. Fatigue
Answer: B. Dyspnea at rest
Rationale: Dyspnea at rest indicates severe fluid overload and impaired gas
exchange, requiring urgent intervention.
2. A client with COPD is receiving oxygen therapy. Which prescription is
appropriate?
A. 10 L/min via nonrebreather
B. 6 L/min via simple mask
C. 2 L/min via nasal cannula
D. 8 L/min via Venturi mask
Answer: C. 2 L/min via nasal cannula
Rationale: Low-flow oxygen prevents suppression of the hypoxic respiratory drive
in COPD patients.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is associated with peaked T waves?
,A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: B. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Elevated potassium levels alter cardiac conduction, producing peaked T
waves.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with hypoglycemia. Which symptom is expected?
A. Polyuria
B. Warm dry skin
C. Confusion
D. Bradycardia
Answer: C. Confusion
Rationale: Hypoglycemia affects brain function, leading to confusion and altered
consciousness.
5. A client is post-op with a Foley catheter. Which finding indicates infection?
A. Clear urine
B. Output 50 mL/hr
C. Cloudy urine
D. Pale yellow urine
Answer: C. Cloudy urine
Rationale: Cloudy urine suggests bacterial growth and possible urinary tract
infection.
6. Which intervention prevents deep vein thrombosis?
,A. Bed rest
B. Leg elevation only
C. Early ambulation
D. Fluid restriction
Answer: C. Early ambulation
Rationale: Movement promotes venous return and reduces clot formation risk.
7. A client with anemia reports fatigue. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage activity
B. Schedule rest periods
C. Provide high-fat diet
D. Restrict fluids
Answer: B. Schedule rest periods
Rationale: Fatigue requires energy conservation strategies to prevent worsening
symptoms.
8. Which finding indicates effective pain management?
A. HR 120 bpm
B. BP elevated
C. Client reports pain 2/10
D. Guarding behavior
Answer: C. Client reports pain 2/10
Rationale: Patient self-report is the most reliable indicator of pain relief.
9. A nurse is caring for a burn patient. What is the priority?
A. Nutrition
B. Infection prevention
, C. Fluid resuscitation
D. Pain control
Answer: C. Fluid resuscitation
Rationale: Preventing shock through fluid replacement is the immediate priority.
10. Which lab value indicates kidney dysfunction?
A. Creatinine 3.0 mg/dL
B. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
C. Sodium 140 mEq/L
D. Glucose 100 mg/dL
Answer: A. Creatinine 3.0 mg/dL
Rationale: Elevated creatinine reflects impaired kidney filtration.
11. A client with pneumonia has crackles. What do these indicate?
A. Airway obstruction
B. Fluid in alveoli
C. Bronchospasm
D. Pleural friction
Answer: B. Fluid in alveoli
Rationale: Crackles occur when air moves through fluid-filled alveoli.
12. Which diet is appropriate for hypertension?
A. High sodium
B. DASH diet
C. High fat
D. Low potassium
UPDATE 100 QUESTIONS AND DETAILED VERIFIED
ANSWERS FROM ACTUAL EXAMS TEST GRADE A+
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which finding requires
immediate action?
A. Weight gain of 1 kg in 24 hr
B. Dyspnea at rest
C. Peripheral edema
D. Fatigue
Answer: B. Dyspnea at rest
Rationale: Dyspnea at rest indicates severe fluid overload and impaired gas
exchange, requiring urgent intervention.
2. A client with COPD is receiving oxygen therapy. Which prescription is
appropriate?
A. 10 L/min via nonrebreather
B. 6 L/min via simple mask
C. 2 L/min via nasal cannula
D. 8 L/min via Venturi mask
Answer: C. 2 L/min via nasal cannula
Rationale: Low-flow oxygen prevents suppression of the hypoxic respiratory drive
in COPD patients.
3. Which electrolyte imbalance is associated with peaked T waves?
,A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Answer: B. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Elevated potassium levels alter cardiac conduction, producing peaked T
waves.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with hypoglycemia. Which symptom is expected?
A. Polyuria
B. Warm dry skin
C. Confusion
D. Bradycardia
Answer: C. Confusion
Rationale: Hypoglycemia affects brain function, leading to confusion and altered
consciousness.
5. A client is post-op with a Foley catheter. Which finding indicates infection?
A. Clear urine
B. Output 50 mL/hr
C. Cloudy urine
D. Pale yellow urine
Answer: C. Cloudy urine
Rationale: Cloudy urine suggests bacterial growth and possible urinary tract
infection.
6. Which intervention prevents deep vein thrombosis?
,A. Bed rest
B. Leg elevation only
C. Early ambulation
D. Fluid restriction
Answer: C. Early ambulation
Rationale: Movement promotes venous return and reduces clot formation risk.
7. A client with anemia reports fatigue. What is the priority nursing action?
A. Encourage activity
B. Schedule rest periods
C. Provide high-fat diet
D. Restrict fluids
Answer: B. Schedule rest periods
Rationale: Fatigue requires energy conservation strategies to prevent worsening
symptoms.
8. Which finding indicates effective pain management?
A. HR 120 bpm
B. BP elevated
C. Client reports pain 2/10
D. Guarding behavior
Answer: C. Client reports pain 2/10
Rationale: Patient self-report is the most reliable indicator of pain relief.
9. A nurse is caring for a burn patient. What is the priority?
A. Nutrition
B. Infection prevention
, C. Fluid resuscitation
D. Pain control
Answer: C. Fluid resuscitation
Rationale: Preventing shock through fluid replacement is the immediate priority.
10. Which lab value indicates kidney dysfunction?
A. Creatinine 3.0 mg/dL
B. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
C. Sodium 140 mEq/L
D. Glucose 100 mg/dL
Answer: A. Creatinine 3.0 mg/dL
Rationale: Elevated creatinine reflects impaired kidney filtration.
11. A client with pneumonia has crackles. What do these indicate?
A. Airway obstruction
B. Fluid in alveoli
C. Bronchospasm
D. Pleural friction
Answer: B. Fluid in alveoli
Rationale: Crackles occur when air moves through fluid-filled alveoli.
12. Which diet is appropriate for hypertension?
A. High sodium
B. DASH diet
C. High fat
D. Low potassium
