Surgical Nursing
Making Connections to Practice
3rd Edition
• Author(s)Janice Hoffman; Nancy
Sullivan
• Print ISBN: 9781719647366
TEST BANK
1) MCQ
,Clinical Scenario:
A newly admitted medical-surgical patient says, “I feel weak
and a little dizzy when I sit up.”
Question Stem:
What is the nurse’s best initial action?
Answer Options:
A. Document the complaint and reassess later
B. Assist the patient back to bed and obtain vital signs
C. Teach the patient to change positions quickly to build
tolerance
D. Notify the provider before assessing the patient
Correct Answer:
B. Assist the patient back to bed and obtain vital signs
Detailed Rationale:
Dizziness on position change may indicate orthostatic
hypotension, fluid imbalance, or reduced perfusion. The nurse
should immediately ensure safety, return the patient to bed or
a safe position, and assess vital signs to recognize cues before
deciding next steps. This reflects clinical judgment and patient
safety.
Incorrect Option Analysis:
• A: Incorrect; delaying assessment risks missing
deterioration. Misconception: charting can wait before
safety assessment. Risk: fall or syncopal episode.
, • C: Incorrect; rapid position changes may worsen
symptoms. Misconception: symptom tolerance improves
by pushing through. Risk: injury.
• D: Incorrect; provider notification comes after assessment.
Misconception: escalation replaces nursing assessment.
Risk: incomplete information and delayed intervention.
Nursing Process Linkage: Assessment
NCJMM Competencies: Recognize Cues; Take Action
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Bloom’s Level: Apply
NCLEX Client Needs Category: Physiological Adaptation
Key Learning Objective: Prioritize immediate safety and
focused assessment when a patient reports positional dizziness.
2) MCQ
Clinical Scenario:
A nurse is reviewing unit practice for wound care dressings and
wants the most current, evidence-informed approach.
Question Stem:
Which source is the best evidence to support a nursing practice
change?
Answer Options:
A. A coworker’s personal experience with the dressing
B. A recent systematic review or clinical guideline
, C. A decade-old unit tradition
D. A patient’s opinion about what “usually works”
Correct Answer:
B. A recent systematic review or clinical guideline
Detailed Rationale:
Evidence-based nursing care relies on the best available
research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences. Systematic
reviews and clinical guidelines synthesize high-quality evidence
and are the strongest basis for practice change.
Incorrect Option Analysis:
• A: Incorrect; personal experience is not sufficient
evidence. Misconception: anecdotal success equals
efficacy. Risk: inconsistent or ineffective care.
• C: Incorrect; tradition is not evidence. Misconception: “we
have always done it this way” is safe. Risk: outdated or
harmful practice.
• D: Incorrect as a sole source; patient input matters, but
practice change needs evidence. Misconception:
preference replaces research. Risk: nonstandard care
decisions.
Nursing Process Linkage: Planning
NCJMM Competencies: Analyze Cues; Generate Solutions
Difficulty Level: Easy
Bloom’s Level: Understand
NCLEX Client Needs Category: Management of Care