SHIFTKEY MEDICAL-SURGICAL
LPN/RN ASSESSMENT 2 QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Care
• Gastrointestinal and Renal Care
• Neurological and Musculoskeletal Care
• Endocrine, Hematologic, and Postoperative Care
• Infection Control and Safety
• Pharmacology and Medication Administration
• Ethics, Legal, and Professional Standards
• Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
Introduction
The ShiftKey Medical-Surgical LPN/RN Assessment 2 is designed
to evaluate the clinical competence and decision-making abilities
of practical and registered nurses in medical-surgical settings.
This assessment covers foundational theory, applied professional
knowledge, regulatory compliance, and ethical standards. The
exam utilizes a multiple-choice and scenario-based structure to
emphasize real-world application, critical thinking, and safe
clinical judgment. Candidates are assessed on their ability to
prioritize care, manage complex patient conditions, and adhere to
,professional practice standards in dynamic healthcare
environments.
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who is
prescribed furosemide. Which finding indicates a
therapeutic response?
A. Weight loss of 1 kg (2.2 lb) in 24 hours
B. Heart rate 110 beats per minute
C. Serum potassium 3.0 mEq/L
D. Decreased urine output
A. Weight loss of 1 kg (2.2 lb) in 24 hours
RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to reduce fluid
overload. A weight loss of 1 kg in 24 hours indicates effective
diuresis and fluid mobilization. Tachycardia may indicate
worsening heart failure, hypokalemia is an adverse effect, and
decreased urine output indicates the medication is not effective.
2. A nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart
failure. Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Crackles in the lungs
D. Hepatomegaly
C. Crackles in the lungs
RATIONALE: Left-sided heart failure causes pulmonary
congestion, leading to crackles, dyspnea, orthopnea, and pink
frothy sputum. Right-sided heart failure causes systemic
,congestion with peripheral edema, jugular venous distention, and
hepatomegaly.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours
postoperative following coronary artery bypass graft
(CABG) surgery. Which finding should the nurse report
immediately?
A. Temperature 37.8°C (100°F)
B. Chest tube drainage of 100 mL/hr
C. Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg
D. Heart rate 90 beats per minute
B. Chest tube drainage of 100 mL/hr
RATIONALE: Chest tube drainage greater than 100 mL/hr
indicates hemorrhage and requires immediate notification of the
provider. A low-grade temperature is common postoperatively.
Blood pressure and heart rate are within normal limits.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet for
heart failure. Which statement indicates an
understanding?
A. "I will use salt substitutes containing potassium."
B. "I will read food labels for sodium content."
C. "I will eat canned soups for convenience."
D. "I will add table salt during cooking."
B. "I will read food labels for sodium content."
RATIONALE: Reading food labels helps identify hidden sodium
sources, which is essential for managing heart failure. Salt
substitutes may contain potassium, which can be dangerous if the
, client is on potassium-sparing diuretics. Canned soups are high in
sodium. Adding table salt increases sodium intake.
5. A nurse is assessing a client with an abdominal aortic
aneurysm. Which finding is most concerning?
A. Pulsatile mass in the abdomen
B. Bruit over the abdomen
C. Sudden onset of severe back pain
D. Mild abdominal discomfort
C. Sudden onset of severe back pain
RATIONALE: Sudden onset of severe back pain in a client with
an abdominal aortic aneurysm may indicate rupture, which is a
life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention. A
pulsatile mass and bruit are expected findings. Mild discomfort is
less concerning than acute severe pain.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with peripheral arterial
disease. Which assessment finding is expected?
A. Dependent rubor
B. Pitting edema
C. Warm, red extremities
D. Bounding pulses
A. Dependent rubor
RATIONALE: Dependent rubor is a reddish-purple discoloration
of the extremities when dependent, caused by reactive
hyperemia. Peripheral arterial disease causes decreased pulses,
cool extremities, and pallor on elevation. Edema and bounding
pulses are more consistent with venous insufficiency.
LPN/RN ASSESSMENT 2 QUESTIONS
AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED
ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
• Cardiovascular and Respiratory Care
• Gastrointestinal and Renal Care
• Neurological and Musculoskeletal Care
• Endocrine, Hematologic, and Postoperative Care
• Infection Control and Safety
• Pharmacology and Medication Administration
• Ethics, Legal, and Professional Standards
• Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Balance
Introduction
The ShiftKey Medical-Surgical LPN/RN Assessment 2 is designed
to evaluate the clinical competence and decision-making abilities
of practical and registered nurses in medical-surgical settings.
This assessment covers foundational theory, applied professional
knowledge, regulatory compliance, and ethical standards. The
exam utilizes a multiple-choice and scenario-based structure to
emphasize real-world application, critical thinking, and safe
clinical judgment. Candidates are assessed on their ability to
prioritize care, manage complex patient conditions, and adhere to
,professional practice standards in dynamic healthcare
environments.
Section One: Questions 1–100
1. A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure who is
prescribed furosemide. Which finding indicates a
therapeutic response?
A. Weight loss of 1 kg (2.2 lb) in 24 hours
B. Heart rate 110 beats per minute
C. Serum potassium 3.0 mEq/L
D. Decreased urine output
A. Weight loss of 1 kg (2.2 lb) in 24 hours
RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic used to reduce fluid
overload. A weight loss of 1 kg in 24 hours indicates effective
diuresis and fluid mobilization. Tachycardia may indicate
worsening heart failure, hypokalemia is an adverse effect, and
decreased urine output indicates the medication is not effective.
2. A nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart
failure. Which finding should the nurse expect?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Jugular venous distention
C. Crackles in the lungs
D. Hepatomegaly
C. Crackles in the lungs
RATIONALE: Left-sided heart failure causes pulmonary
congestion, leading to crackles, dyspnea, orthopnea, and pink
frothy sputum. Right-sided heart failure causes systemic
,congestion with peripheral edema, jugular venous distention, and
hepatomegaly.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who is 24 hours
postoperative following coronary artery bypass graft
(CABG) surgery. Which finding should the nurse report
immediately?
A. Temperature 37.8°C (100°F)
B. Chest tube drainage of 100 mL/hr
C. Blood pressure 110/70 mm Hg
D. Heart rate 90 beats per minute
B. Chest tube drainage of 100 mL/hr
RATIONALE: Chest tube drainage greater than 100 mL/hr
indicates hemorrhage and requires immediate notification of the
provider. A low-grade temperature is common postoperatively.
Blood pressure and heart rate are within normal limits.
4. A nurse is teaching a client about a low-sodium diet for
heart failure. Which statement indicates an
understanding?
A. "I will use salt substitutes containing potassium."
B. "I will read food labels for sodium content."
C. "I will eat canned soups for convenience."
D. "I will add table salt during cooking."
B. "I will read food labels for sodium content."
RATIONALE: Reading food labels helps identify hidden sodium
sources, which is essential for managing heart failure. Salt
substitutes may contain potassium, which can be dangerous if the
, client is on potassium-sparing diuretics. Canned soups are high in
sodium. Adding table salt increases sodium intake.
5. A nurse is assessing a client with an abdominal aortic
aneurysm. Which finding is most concerning?
A. Pulsatile mass in the abdomen
B. Bruit over the abdomen
C. Sudden onset of severe back pain
D. Mild abdominal discomfort
C. Sudden onset of severe back pain
RATIONALE: Sudden onset of severe back pain in a client with
an abdominal aortic aneurysm may indicate rupture, which is a
life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention. A
pulsatile mass and bruit are expected findings. Mild discomfort is
less concerning than acute severe pain.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with peripheral arterial
disease. Which assessment finding is expected?
A. Dependent rubor
B. Pitting edema
C. Warm, red extremities
D. Bounding pulses
A. Dependent rubor
RATIONALE: Dependent rubor is a reddish-purple discoloration
of the extremities when dependent, caused by reactive
hyperemia. Peripheral arterial disease causes decreased pulses,
cool extremities, and pallor on elevation. Edema and bounding
pulses are more consistent with venous insufficiency.
