Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam Prep| Complete Exam Study
Guide Questions With Verified Correct Answers And Detailed
Explanations – Latest Update 2026/2027 | Graded A+
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with a newly inserted central venous catheter.
Which nursing action is MOST important to prevent infection?
A. Change the dressing only when it becomes loose
B. Use strict aseptic technique during catheter care
C. Flush the catheter with sterile water daily
D. Limit patient movement
Correct Answer: B. Use strict aseptic technique during catheter care
Explanation: Central lines increase the risk of bloodstream infections. Strict
sterile/aseptic technique during insertion, dressing changes, and access is
essential for preventing catheter-related infections.
Question 2
A patient with heart failure reports increasing shortness of breath and
swelling in the legs. Which assessment finding requires immediate attention?
A. Weight gain of 2 kg in 2 days
B. Mild fatigue after activity
C. Occasional dry cough
D. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
Correct Answer: A. Weight gain of 2 kg in 2 days
Explanation: Rapid weight gain indicates fluid retention and worsening heart
failure. It may signal the need for medication adjustment or additional
interventions.
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,Question 3
Which position is BEST for a patient experiencing acute respiratory distress?
A. Supine position
B. High Fowler’s position
C. Trendelenburg position
D. Prone position only
Correct Answer: B. High Fowler’s position
Explanation: High Fowler’s improves lung expansion, decreases pressure on
the diaphragm, and promotes easier breathing.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving oxygen therapy. Which finding
indicates oxygen toxicity?
A. Dry nasal passages
B. Chest pain and worsening respiratory symptoms after prolonged high
oxygen exposure
C. Increased appetite
D. Decreased heart rate only
Correct Answer: B. Chest pain and worsening respiratory symptoms
after prolonged high oxygen exposure
Explanation: Prolonged exposure to high oxygen concentrations can cause
lung injury, inflammation, and oxygen toxicity.
Question 5
Which laboratory value is MOST important to monitor in a patient receiving
warfarin therapy?
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,A. Hemoglobin A1C
B. INR
C. Serum sodium
D. White blood cell count
Correct Answer: B. INR
Explanation: INR measures the effectiveness and safety of warfarin therapy.
Elevated INR increases bleeding risk, while low INR may indicate inadequate
anticoagulation.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes mellitus. Which assessment
finding indicates hypoglycemia?
A. Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL
B. Sweating, tremors, and confusion
C. Increased thirst
D. Frequent urination
Correct Answer: B. Sweating, tremors, and confusion
Explanation: Hypoglycemia activates the sympathetic nervous system,
causing sweating, shaking, hunger, confusion, and possible loss of
consciousness.
Question 7
A patient receiving insulin becomes confused and diaphoretic. What should
the nurse do FIRST?
A. Administer insulin
B. Check blood glucose level
C. Encourage exercise
D. Restrict fluids
3|Page
, Correct Answer: B. Check blood glucose level
Explanation: Confusion and diaphoresis suggest possible hypoglycemia.
Blood glucose should be checked immediately, and treatment provided if
confirmed.
Question 8
Which finding is expected in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD)?
A. Increased oxygen exchange ability
B. Barrel-shaped chest
C. Decreased respiratory effort
D. Low carbon dioxide retention
Correct Answer: B. Barrel-shaped chest
Explanation: Chronic air trapping in COPD causes increased anterior-
posterior chest diameter, known as barrel chest.
Question 9
A nurse is caring for a patient after abdominal surgery. Which intervention
helps prevent postoperative complications?
A. Encourage early ambulation
B. Keep the patient on strict bed rest
C. Avoid coughing exercises
D. Limit fluid intake
Correct Answer: A. Encourage early ambulation
Explanation: Early ambulation reduces complications such as deep vein
thrombosis, pneumonia, and impaired bowel function.
4|Page
Guide Questions With Verified Correct Answers And Detailed
Explanations – Latest Update 2026/2027 | Graded A+
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a patient with a newly inserted central venous catheter.
Which nursing action is MOST important to prevent infection?
A. Change the dressing only when it becomes loose
B. Use strict aseptic technique during catheter care
C. Flush the catheter with sterile water daily
D. Limit patient movement
Correct Answer: B. Use strict aseptic technique during catheter care
Explanation: Central lines increase the risk of bloodstream infections. Strict
sterile/aseptic technique during insertion, dressing changes, and access is
essential for preventing catheter-related infections.
Question 2
A patient with heart failure reports increasing shortness of breath and
swelling in the legs. Which assessment finding requires immediate attention?
A. Weight gain of 2 kg in 2 days
B. Mild fatigue after activity
C. Occasional dry cough
D. Blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg
Correct Answer: A. Weight gain of 2 kg in 2 days
Explanation: Rapid weight gain indicates fluid retention and worsening heart
failure. It may signal the need for medication adjustment or additional
interventions.
1|Page
,Question 3
Which position is BEST for a patient experiencing acute respiratory distress?
A. Supine position
B. High Fowler’s position
C. Trendelenburg position
D. Prone position only
Correct Answer: B. High Fowler’s position
Explanation: High Fowler’s improves lung expansion, decreases pressure on
the diaphragm, and promotes easier breathing.
Question 4
A nurse is caring for a patient receiving oxygen therapy. Which finding
indicates oxygen toxicity?
A. Dry nasal passages
B. Chest pain and worsening respiratory symptoms after prolonged high
oxygen exposure
C. Increased appetite
D. Decreased heart rate only
Correct Answer: B. Chest pain and worsening respiratory symptoms
after prolonged high oxygen exposure
Explanation: Prolonged exposure to high oxygen concentrations can cause
lung injury, inflammation, and oxygen toxicity.
Question 5
Which laboratory value is MOST important to monitor in a patient receiving
warfarin therapy?
2|Page
,A. Hemoglobin A1C
B. INR
C. Serum sodium
D. White blood cell count
Correct Answer: B. INR
Explanation: INR measures the effectiveness and safety of warfarin therapy.
Elevated INR increases bleeding risk, while low INR may indicate inadequate
anticoagulation.
Question 6
A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes mellitus. Which assessment
finding indicates hypoglycemia?
A. Blood glucose of 250 mg/dL
B. Sweating, tremors, and confusion
C. Increased thirst
D. Frequent urination
Correct Answer: B. Sweating, tremors, and confusion
Explanation: Hypoglycemia activates the sympathetic nervous system,
causing sweating, shaking, hunger, confusion, and possible loss of
consciousness.
Question 7
A patient receiving insulin becomes confused and diaphoretic. What should
the nurse do FIRST?
A. Administer insulin
B. Check blood glucose level
C. Encourage exercise
D. Restrict fluids
3|Page
, Correct Answer: B. Check blood glucose level
Explanation: Confusion and diaphoresis suggest possible hypoglycemia.
Blood glucose should be checked immediately, and treatment provided if
confirmed.
Question 8
Which finding is expected in a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD)?
A. Increased oxygen exchange ability
B. Barrel-shaped chest
C. Decreased respiratory effort
D. Low carbon dioxide retention
Correct Answer: B. Barrel-shaped chest
Explanation: Chronic air trapping in COPD causes increased anterior-
posterior chest diameter, known as barrel chest.
Question 9
A nurse is caring for a patient after abdominal surgery. Which intervention
helps prevent postoperative complications?
A. Encourage early ambulation
B. Keep the patient on strict bed rest
C. Avoid coughing exercises
D. Limit fluid intake
Correct Answer: A. Encourage early ambulation
Explanation: Early ambulation reduces complications such as deep vein
thrombosis, pneumonia, and impaired bowel function.
4|Page
