MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING CONCEPTS
AND PRACTICE EXAM Q&A 2026 STUDY
GUIDE
◉ What should a nurse do when a patient expresses feelings of
manipulation regarding medication requests? Answer: The nurse
should respond matter-of-factly to limit the manipulative behavior
and maintain professional boundaries.
◉ Why is it important for nurses to validate a patient's feelings?
Answer: Validating feelings helps build trust and rapport,
encouraging open communication.
◉ What is the significance of the NCLEX in nursing education?
Answer: The NCLEX is a standardized exam that assesses the
knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective nursing
practice.
◉ What does the term 'psychosocial integrity' refer to in nursing?
Answer: Psychosocial integrity refers to the nurse's role in
supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of patients.
◉ What is the difference between 'copay' and 'coinsurance' in health
care financing? Answer: A copay is a fixed amount paid for a service,
,while coinsurance is a percentage of the total cost that the patient
pays after the deductible is met.
◉ What is the cognitive level of understanding required for nursing
students regarding therapeutic communication? Answer: Students
should achieve an application level of understanding to effectively
implement therapeutic communication techniques.
◉ How does the nursing process step of implementation relate to
patient care? Answer: Implementation involves executing the care
plan, including therapeutic communication and interventions to
support patient needs.
◉ What is the impact of a nurse's response on patient
communication? Answer: A nurse's response can either facilitate or
hinder communication, affecting the patient's willingness to share
feelings.
◉ What should a nurse do if a patient expresses a belief that their
illness is a punishment? Answer: The nurse should engage the
patient in conversation to explore their feelings and beliefs without
judgment.
◉ What is the role of reflection in therapeutic communication?
Answer: Reflection helps patients process their emotions and
encourages deeper exploration of their thoughts.
,◉ How can a nurse effectively manage a patient's request for
additional medication? Answer: By clearly explaining the policies
and rationale behind medication administration, the nurse can
manage expectations.
◉ What is a common barrier to effective communication in nursing?
Answer: Cliches and dismissive responses can create barriers to
effective communication and understanding.
◉ What term refers to the severity of illness or condition of a
patient? Answer: Acuity.
◉ What does DRG stand for in the context of healthcare? Answer:
Diagnosis-Related Group, used for insurance billing and payment
processes.
◉ What is holistic care? Answer: Whole-person care.
◉ What are HMOs and PPOs? Answer: Types of managed care
programs.
◉ Which sources provide clear guidelines for upholding clinical
standards for safe and competent care? Answer: The National
, Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES) and
the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc. (NFLPN).
◉ What is the role of the LPN/LVN regarding clinical standards?
Answer: To uphold clinical standards, educate patients,
communicate effectively, and collaborate with the health care team.
◉ What is typically the responsibility of a registered nurse regarding
care plans? Answer: Initiation of a care plan immediately after
admission.
◉ In which areas can newly licensed LPNs/LVNs apply for
employment? Answer: Outpatient clinics, home health care agencies,
long-term care facilities, and ambulatory care units.
◉ What is a key factor for LPNs/LVNs to consider when delegating
tasks to UAPs? Answer: The UAP must voluntarily accept the task,
and the task must be within their job description.
◉ What does continued accountability mean for LPNs/LVNs when
delegating tasks? Answer: The LPN/LVN remains responsible for the
task even after delegating it to the UAP.
◉ What is the significance of the state's nurse practice act (NPA)?
Answer: It provides broad guidelines for nursing practice.
AND PRACTICE EXAM Q&A 2026 STUDY
GUIDE
◉ What should a nurse do when a patient expresses feelings of
manipulation regarding medication requests? Answer: The nurse
should respond matter-of-factly to limit the manipulative behavior
and maintain professional boundaries.
◉ Why is it important for nurses to validate a patient's feelings?
Answer: Validating feelings helps build trust and rapport,
encouraging open communication.
◉ What is the significance of the NCLEX in nursing education?
Answer: The NCLEX is a standardized exam that assesses the
knowledge and skills necessary for safe and effective nursing
practice.
◉ What does the term 'psychosocial integrity' refer to in nursing?
Answer: Psychosocial integrity refers to the nurse's role in
supporting the emotional and psychological well-being of patients.
◉ What is the difference between 'copay' and 'coinsurance' in health
care financing? Answer: A copay is a fixed amount paid for a service,
,while coinsurance is a percentage of the total cost that the patient
pays after the deductible is met.
◉ What is the cognitive level of understanding required for nursing
students regarding therapeutic communication? Answer: Students
should achieve an application level of understanding to effectively
implement therapeutic communication techniques.
◉ How does the nursing process step of implementation relate to
patient care? Answer: Implementation involves executing the care
plan, including therapeutic communication and interventions to
support patient needs.
◉ What is the impact of a nurse's response on patient
communication? Answer: A nurse's response can either facilitate or
hinder communication, affecting the patient's willingness to share
feelings.
◉ What should a nurse do if a patient expresses a belief that their
illness is a punishment? Answer: The nurse should engage the
patient in conversation to explore their feelings and beliefs without
judgment.
◉ What is the role of reflection in therapeutic communication?
Answer: Reflection helps patients process their emotions and
encourages deeper exploration of their thoughts.
,◉ How can a nurse effectively manage a patient's request for
additional medication? Answer: By clearly explaining the policies
and rationale behind medication administration, the nurse can
manage expectations.
◉ What is a common barrier to effective communication in nursing?
Answer: Cliches and dismissive responses can create barriers to
effective communication and understanding.
◉ What term refers to the severity of illness or condition of a
patient? Answer: Acuity.
◉ What does DRG stand for in the context of healthcare? Answer:
Diagnosis-Related Group, used for insurance billing and payment
processes.
◉ What is holistic care? Answer: Whole-person care.
◉ What are HMOs and PPOs? Answer: Types of managed care
programs.
◉ Which sources provide clear guidelines for upholding clinical
standards for safe and competent care? Answer: The National
, Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES) and
the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, Inc. (NFLPN).
◉ What is the role of the LPN/LVN regarding clinical standards?
Answer: To uphold clinical standards, educate patients,
communicate effectively, and collaborate with the health care team.
◉ What is typically the responsibility of a registered nurse regarding
care plans? Answer: Initiation of a care plan immediately after
admission.
◉ In which areas can newly licensed LPNs/LVNs apply for
employment? Answer: Outpatient clinics, home health care agencies,
long-term care facilities, and ambulatory care units.
◉ What is a key factor for LPNs/LVNs to consider when delegating
tasks to UAPs? Answer: The UAP must voluntarily accept the task,
and the task must be within their job description.
◉ What does continued accountability mean for LPNs/LVNs when
delegating tasks? Answer: The LPN/LVN remains responsible for the
task even after delegating it to the UAP.
◉ What is the significance of the state's nurse practice act (NPA)?
Answer: It provides broad guidelines for nursing practice.
