Medical-Surgical Practice Exam
Questions and Correct Answers
Which client should the practical nurse question a PRN prescription for sumatriptan (Imitrex)
for migraine headaches? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>C. 50-year-old with Prinzmetal's angina.
The practical nurse (PN) is reinforcing information to a older male client with a history of
coronary artery disease about his prescribed daily medication regimen. Which medication is
most likely to reduce the client's risk factors? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>D. A low-dose aspirin
given daily.
An adult client with otitis media has thick, yellow drainage from the right ear canal. What
additional findings should the practical nurse (PN) expect to identify? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>A.
Pain relief after ear drainage begins.
The practical nurse is caring for a client who is admitted with signs of possible acute brain
attack (Stroke) three hours ago. The client's blood pressure is 170/96, regular radial pulse 76
beats/minute, respirations are nonlabored at 11 breaths/minute, and a Sp02 of 99%. What
action is most important for the PN to implement? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>C. Continue to
monitor client's blood pressure.
A client who was hit in the head with a baseball is admitted to the hospital for observation.
Which finding requires the practical nurse (PN) to follow-up with further assessment? -
<CORRECT ANSWER >>D. Reports the hospital room is an office.
An older female client with osteoporosis asks the practical nurse (PN) to explain why she is now
2 inches shorter than when she was younger. What information is best for the practical nurse
(PN) to provide? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>D. It is a combination of wear and tear and calcium
loss that causes the change.
, A practical nurse (PN) is coordinating the care of four clients on an oncology unit. Which
neutrophil count should the PN identify as a risk for a life-threatening infection in one of the
clients? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>A. 500/mm3.
An older client who has had a cataract in the right eye for several years tells the practical nurse
(PN), "Now I have lost the sight in my right eye because I waited too long for treatment." What
information should the PN provide? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>C. Surgery can restore vision with
corrective lens implants or glasses.
The practical nurse (PN) is visiting a male client with diabetes who has a new cast on his arm.
The client's fingers are pale, cool, slightly swollen, and the radial pulse is strong. What should
the PN do first? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>D. Elevate the arm above the level of the heart.
A client with epilepsy is having bilateral rhythmic jerking movements of all extremities. After
calling for help, which action should the practical nurse (PN) do next? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>1.
Maintain the client's airway
2. Apply pads to the bedside rails.
3. Avoid stimulation during post-ictal phase.
4. Observe the client for incontinence.
The practical nurse (PN) should place a client in which position for a thoracentesis? - <CORRECT
ANSWER >>B. Sitting upright in a tripod position leaning on an overbed table.
Which action should the practical nurse take when handling a sample of cerebrospinal fluid
(CSF) collected for diagnostic testing from a client? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>A. Implement
standard precautions with the CSF specimen.
Which instruction should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce with a female client about skin care
after her first radiotherapy treatment? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>C. Avoid using ice packs on the
exposed area.
Questions and Correct Answers
Which client should the practical nurse question a PRN prescription for sumatriptan (Imitrex)
for migraine headaches? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>C. 50-year-old with Prinzmetal's angina.
The practical nurse (PN) is reinforcing information to a older male client with a history of
coronary artery disease about his prescribed daily medication regimen. Which medication is
most likely to reduce the client's risk factors? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>D. A low-dose aspirin
given daily.
An adult client with otitis media has thick, yellow drainage from the right ear canal. What
additional findings should the practical nurse (PN) expect to identify? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>A.
Pain relief after ear drainage begins.
The practical nurse is caring for a client who is admitted with signs of possible acute brain
attack (Stroke) three hours ago. The client's blood pressure is 170/96, regular radial pulse 76
beats/minute, respirations are nonlabored at 11 breaths/minute, and a Sp02 of 99%. What
action is most important for the PN to implement? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>C. Continue to
monitor client's blood pressure.
A client who was hit in the head with a baseball is admitted to the hospital for observation.
Which finding requires the practical nurse (PN) to follow-up with further assessment? -
<CORRECT ANSWER >>D. Reports the hospital room is an office.
An older female client with osteoporosis asks the practical nurse (PN) to explain why she is now
2 inches shorter than when she was younger. What information is best for the practical nurse
(PN) to provide? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>D. It is a combination of wear and tear and calcium
loss that causes the change.
, A practical nurse (PN) is coordinating the care of four clients on an oncology unit. Which
neutrophil count should the PN identify as a risk for a life-threatening infection in one of the
clients? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>A. 500/mm3.
An older client who has had a cataract in the right eye for several years tells the practical nurse
(PN), "Now I have lost the sight in my right eye because I waited too long for treatment." What
information should the PN provide? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>C. Surgery can restore vision with
corrective lens implants or glasses.
The practical nurse (PN) is visiting a male client with diabetes who has a new cast on his arm.
The client's fingers are pale, cool, slightly swollen, and the radial pulse is strong. What should
the PN do first? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>D. Elevate the arm above the level of the heart.
A client with epilepsy is having bilateral rhythmic jerking movements of all extremities. After
calling for help, which action should the practical nurse (PN) do next? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>1.
Maintain the client's airway
2. Apply pads to the bedside rails.
3. Avoid stimulation during post-ictal phase.
4. Observe the client for incontinence.
The practical nurse (PN) should place a client in which position for a thoracentesis? - <CORRECT
ANSWER >>B. Sitting upright in a tripod position leaning on an overbed table.
Which action should the practical nurse take when handling a sample of cerebrospinal fluid
(CSF) collected for diagnostic testing from a client? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>A. Implement
standard precautions with the CSF specimen.
Which instruction should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce with a female client about skin care
after her first radiotherapy treatment? - <CORRECT ANSWER >>C. Avoid using ice packs on the
exposed area.
