Medical-Surgical Practical Nursing in Canada MCQ Study Guide & Test Bank

Linton and Matteson's Medical-Surgical
Practical Nursing in Canada, 1st Edition
Authors:



Katherine Poser,Adrianne Dill Linton,Mary
Ann Matteson


TEST BANK.

Source: Linton and Matteson's Medical-Surgical Practical
Nursing in Canada, 1st Edition.
Below are exactly 20 PN-level, exam-ready MCQs derived for
Chapter 1 — Aspects of Medical-Surgical Nursing. Each
question has four options (A–D), a single correct answer, a
concise rationale, and the chapter citation.


1. Which action best demonstrates the Practical Nurse’s
primary role when a hospitalized patient reports new

, shortness of breath?
A. Order a chest x-ray.
B. Assess respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and lung
sounds.
C. Administer a bronchodilator without notifying the RN.
D. Tell the family to stay calm and wait.
Answer: B
Rationale: The PN’s first responsibility is focused assessment
and monitoring (vital signs, SpO₂, lung sounds) and timely
reporting so appropriate interventions can follow.
Source: Linton & Matteson — Chapter 1.


2. Which statement best reflects therapeutic communication
by the Practical Nurse?
A. “You shouldn’t worry — everything will be fine.”
B. “Tell me more about when your pain started.”
C. “I don’t have time to explain now.”
D. “You need to follow the doctor’s orders.”
Answer: B
Rationale: Open-ended prompts (e.g., “Tell me more…”)
encourage patient expression and assessment; PNs use
therapeutic communication to gather data and support
patients.
Source: Linton & Matteson — Chapter 1.

, 3. Which task is most appropriate for the Practical Nurse to
delegate to an unregulated care provider (UCP)?
A. Teach the patient about insulin administration.
B. Measure and record a patient’s temperature and pulse.
C. Perform the initial admission assessment.
D. Titrate oxygen to maintain target SpO₂.
Answer: B
Rationale: Routine data collection (vital signs) may be delegated
to UCPs when within their training and supervised; assessment,
teaching, and dependent interventions remain PN/RN
responsibilities.
Source: Linton & Matteson — Chapter 1.


4. A Practical Nurse finds an unfamiliar order on the chart
that conflicts with a recent plan of care. The best
immediate action is to:
A. Carry out the order and document it.
B. Ignore the order because it conflicts.
C. Clarify the order with the RN or prescriber before
proceeding.
D. Ask the patient whether they want the order followed.
Answer: C
Rationale: When orders conflict with the plan of care, the PN
must seek clarification from the RN or prescriber to ensure
safety and legal/ethical practice.
Source: Linton & Matteson — Chapter 1.

, 5. Which principle most directly supports patient-centred
care in medical-surgical nursing?
A. Completing tasks as quickly as possible.
B. Involving the patient in goal setting and care decisions.
C. Following routines without patient input.
D. Prioritizing documentation over bedside interaction.
Answer: B
Rationale: Patient-centred care emphasizes collaboration with
patients in planning and decision-making to meet individual
needs and preferences.
Source: Linton & Matteson — Chapter 1.


6. During handover, which element is highest priority for the
Practical Nurse to communicate using SBAR?
A. The patient’s preferred TV channel.
B. The patient’s current airway, breathing, and oxygen
needs.
C. Family visiting hours.
D. The colour of the patient’s nightgown.
Answer: B
Rationale: Handover must prioritize immediate safety issues
(ABC), and SBAR is used to convey situation, background,
assessment, and recommendation clearly.
Source: Linton & Matteson — Chapter 1.