NUR 1280 – MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING EXAM 1 QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT DOWNLOAD
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Core Domains
,Assessment and Diagnosis
Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
Fluids and Electrolytes Imbalances
Perioperative Nursing Care
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Functions
Gastrointestinal and Renal Disorders
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Professional Role and Ethics
Infection Control and Safety
Pain Management and Medication Administration This comprehensive exam assesses essential knowledge
and clinical decision-making skills required for medical-surgical nursing practice. The purpose is to evaluate
mastery of foundational theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory and legal compliance, ethics,
and professional standards. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions featuring scenario-based items
that mirror real-world clinical situations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, patient safety,
prioritization, and evidence-based decision-making to prepare nursing students for successful application in
clinical practice and professional certification examinations.
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient with severe dehydration. Which laboratory finding would most likely indicate
hypovolemic shock?
,A. Hematocrit 32%
B. Serum sodium 130 mEq/L
C. Hematocrit 52%
D. Blood glucose 110 mg/dL
🟢 C. Hematocrit 52%
🔴 RATIONALE: In hypovolemic shock due to dehydration, red blood cells become concentrated as plasma
volume decreases, resulting in elevated hematocrit. A hematocrit of 52% indicates significant volume depletion,
whereas 32% suggests anemia. Low sodium indicates hyponatremia, not specifically shock.
Question 2
Which postoperative intervention is most critical for preventing pulmonary complications in a patient 24 hours
after abdominal surgery?
A. Administering pain medication every 4 hours
B. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises
C. Applying warm compresses to the abdomen
D. Restricting fluid intake to 1500 mL/day
🟢 B. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises
🔴 RATIONALE: Deep breathing and coughing prevent atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung
expansion and clearing secretions. Pain management supports this but is not the primary pulmonary
intervention. Fluid restriction increases risk of complications.
, Question 3
A patient with diabetes mellitus presents with blood glucose of 45 mg/dL. What is the nurse's FIRST action?
A. Administer 50% dextrose IV
B. Provide 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrate
C. Check the patient's level of consciousness
D. Call the physician immediately
🟢 B. Provide 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrate
🔴 RATIONALE: For a conscious patient with mild hypoglycemia (blood glucose 45-70 mg/dL), the standard
first intervention is 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrate. IV dextrose is for severe hypoglycemia with
unconsciousness. Checking consciousness is important but treatment should not be delayed.
Question 4
Which finding in a patient with a chest tube requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. Mild pain at the insertion site
B. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
C. Drainage of 50 mL in the past hour
D. Tidal movement in the water seal chamber
🟢 B. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |STUDY GUIDE| INSTANT DOWNLOAD
Core Domains
,Assessment and Diagnosis
Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
Fluids and Electrolytes Imbalances
Perioperative Nursing Care
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Functions
Gastrointestinal and Renal Disorders
Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Professional Role and Ethics
Infection Control and Safety
Pain Management and Medication Administration This comprehensive exam assesses essential knowledge
and clinical decision-making skills required for medical-surgical nursing practice. The purpose is to evaluate
mastery of foundational theory, applied professional knowledge, regulatory and legal compliance, ethics,
and professional standards. The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions featuring scenario-based items
that mirror real-world clinical situations. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, patient safety,
prioritization, and evidence-based decision-making to prepare nursing students for successful application in
clinical practice and professional certification examinations.
Question 1
A nurse is assessing a patient with severe dehydration. Which laboratory finding would most likely indicate
hypovolemic shock?
,A. Hematocrit 32%
B. Serum sodium 130 mEq/L
C. Hematocrit 52%
D. Blood glucose 110 mg/dL
🟢 C. Hematocrit 52%
🔴 RATIONALE: In hypovolemic shock due to dehydration, red blood cells become concentrated as plasma
volume decreases, resulting in elevated hematocrit. A hematocrit of 52% indicates significant volume depletion,
whereas 32% suggests anemia. Low sodium indicates hyponatremia, not specifically shock.
Question 2
Which postoperative intervention is most critical for preventing pulmonary complications in a patient 24 hours
after abdominal surgery?
A. Administering pain medication every 4 hours
B. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises
C. Applying warm compresses to the abdomen
D. Restricting fluid intake to 1500 mL/day
🟢 B. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises
🔴 RATIONALE: Deep breathing and coughing prevent atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung
expansion and clearing secretions. Pain management supports this but is not the primary pulmonary
intervention. Fluid restriction increases risk of complications.
, Question 3
A patient with diabetes mellitus presents with blood glucose of 45 mg/dL. What is the nurse's FIRST action?
A. Administer 50% dextrose IV
B. Provide 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrate
C. Check the patient's level of consciousness
D. Call the physician immediately
🟢 B. Provide 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrate
🔴 RATIONALE: For a conscious patient with mild hypoglycemia (blood glucose 45-70 mg/dL), the standard
first intervention is 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrate. IV dextrose is for severe hypoglycemia with
unconsciousness. Checking consciousness is important but treatment should not be delayed.
Question 4
Which finding in a patient with a chest tube requires immediate nursing intervention?
A. Mild pain at the insertion site
B. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
C. Drainage of 50 mL in the past hour
D. Tidal movement in the water seal chamber
🟢 B. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
