Med-surg. ANCC Certification
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L?
✔✔Initiate cardiac monitoring and notify the healthcare provider.
A patient with chronic kidney disease reports metallic taste and fatigue. What is the most likely
cause?
✔✔Uremia from accumulation of waste products.
What lab result should be monitored closely in a patient receiving IV heparin?
✔✔Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).
A patient with heart failure is on furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse
watch for?
✔✔Hypokalemia.
Which vital sign change is most concerning in a patient with sepsis?
1
,✔✔A sudden drop in blood pressure.
A patient develops shortness of breath and crackles after a blood transfusion. What should the
nurse do first?
✔✔Stop the transfusion immediately.
Why should a nurse elevate the head of the bed for a patient with increased intracranial pressure?
✔✔To promote venous drainage from the brain.
What is the most reliable indicator of fluid volume status in a patient with heart failure?
✔✔Daily weight.
What condition should a nurse suspect in a post-op patient with absent bowel sounds and
abdominal distension?
✔✔Paralytic ileus.
What complication is associated with immobility in a surgical patient?
✔✔Deep vein thrombosis.
2
,What is a priority action for a nurse caring for a patient with a tracheostomy and copious
secretions?
✔✔Suction the airway to maintain patency.
What action should be taken when a chest tube becomes disconnected from the drainage system?
✔✔Submerge the end in sterile water.
Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention in a patient with pancreatitis?
✔✔Rigid, board-like abdomen.
What is the best indicator that pain management is effective in a post-op patient?
✔✔Patient reports decreased pain level.
What is the most common early sign of hypoxia in a surgical patient?
✔✔Restlessness.
What is a key nursing intervention for a patient with peripheral arterial disease?
3
, ✔✔Encourage dependent leg positioning.
What lab value confirms effective warfarin therapy?
✔✔INR between 2.0 and 3.0.
Why should a patient with cirrhosis avoid NSAIDs?
✔✔Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Which symptom indicates digoxin toxicity?
✔✔Blurred vision with yellow halos.
What is a priority intervention for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis?
✔✔Initiate IV insulin and fluid replacement.
What finding suggests a complication in a patient with a new arteriovenous (AV) fistula?
✔✔Absence of a bruit or thrill.
What is the rationale for elevating the legs in a patient with venous insufficiency?
4
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L?
✔✔Initiate cardiac monitoring and notify the healthcare provider.
A patient with chronic kidney disease reports metallic taste and fatigue. What is the most likely
cause?
✔✔Uremia from accumulation of waste products.
What lab result should be monitored closely in a patient receiving IV heparin?
✔✔Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT).
A patient with heart failure is on furosemide. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse
watch for?
✔✔Hypokalemia.
Which vital sign change is most concerning in a patient with sepsis?
1
,✔✔A sudden drop in blood pressure.
A patient develops shortness of breath and crackles after a blood transfusion. What should the
nurse do first?
✔✔Stop the transfusion immediately.
Why should a nurse elevate the head of the bed for a patient with increased intracranial pressure?
✔✔To promote venous drainage from the brain.
What is the most reliable indicator of fluid volume status in a patient with heart failure?
✔✔Daily weight.
What condition should a nurse suspect in a post-op patient with absent bowel sounds and
abdominal distension?
✔✔Paralytic ileus.
What complication is associated with immobility in a surgical patient?
✔✔Deep vein thrombosis.
2
,What is a priority action for a nurse caring for a patient with a tracheostomy and copious
secretions?
✔✔Suction the airway to maintain patency.
What action should be taken when a chest tube becomes disconnected from the drainage system?
✔✔Submerge the end in sterile water.
Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention in a patient with pancreatitis?
✔✔Rigid, board-like abdomen.
What is the best indicator that pain management is effective in a post-op patient?
✔✔Patient reports decreased pain level.
What is the most common early sign of hypoxia in a surgical patient?
✔✔Restlessness.
What is a key nursing intervention for a patient with peripheral arterial disease?
3
, ✔✔Encourage dependent leg positioning.
What lab value confirms effective warfarin therapy?
✔✔INR between 2.0 and 3.0.
Why should a patient with cirrhosis avoid NSAIDs?
✔✔Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Which symptom indicates digoxin toxicity?
✔✔Blurred vision with yellow halos.
What is a priority intervention for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis?
✔✔Initiate IV insulin and fluid replacement.
What finding suggests a complication in a patient with a new arteriovenous (AV) fistula?
✔✔Absence of a bruit or thrill.
What is the rationale for elevating the legs in a patient with venous insufficiency?
4
