TEST BANK FOR
MEDICAL-SURGICAL
NURSING 2026
Concepts and Practice, 5th Edition by
Holly K. Stromberg
Comprehensive Preparation Guide, Expert Rationales & Visual Study
Aids
Edition Year: 2026
THE CANDIDATE'S TOOLKIT:
FOUNDATIONAL MASTERY
Topic Index & Module Breakdown
This preparation guide is rigorously structured to mirror the unit distribution of the Stromberg 5th
Edition text (Chapters 1–49), ensuring a logical progression from fundamental principles to
,complex multisystem failure management. The content is organized into eight high-yield
modules designed to facilitate "chunking" of complex information—a proven strategy for
retention in high-stakes testing environments like the NCLEX-PN® or NCLEX-RN®.
Module 1: Professional Standards & Perioperative Care
● Focus: The legal and ethical framework of nursing practice (Nurse Practice Acts), critical
thinking models, and the continuum of surgical care (Preoperative, Intraoperative,
Postoperative).
● Key Chapters: 1–7.
● Core Competencies: Informed consent, sterile technique, malignant hyperthermia
recognition, and safety protocols.
Module 2: Fluid, Electrolytes & Acid-Base Balance
● Focus: Homeostatic mechanisms, intravenous therapy, and the physiological basis of
fluid shifts.
● Key Chapters: 3.
● Core Competencies: Interpreting ABGs, calculating anion gaps, managing
hypovolemia/hypervolemia, and electrolyte correction protocols.
Module 3: Respiratory & Immune Systems
● Focus: Gas exchange disorders, infectious diseases, and immune responses.
● Key Chapters: 8–12, 30–36.
● Core Competencies: TB management, COPD oxygen delivery, chest tube maintenance,
and anaphylaxis interventions.
,Module 4: Cardiovascular & Hematologic Systems
● Focus: Perfusion dynamics, cardiac pathology, and blood disorders.
● Key Chapters: 13–17, 23–29.
● Core Competencies: Heart failure management, shock states, hypertension
pharmacology, and anemia differentials.
Module 5: Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
● Focus: Hormonal regulation and metabolic crises.
● Key Chapters: 37–40.
● Core Competencies: Diabetes management (DKA vs. HHS), thyroid storms, adrenal
insufficiency, and pituitary disorders.
, Module 6: Gastrointestinal, Renal & Urinary Disorders
● Focus: Digestion, absorption, elimination, and filtration.
● Key Chapters: 28–32, 34–36.
● Core Competencies: Bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, renal failure
stages, dialysis care, and stoma management.
Module 7: Neurological, Sensory & Mental Health
● Focus: Central and peripheral nervous system regulation, sensory perception, and
psychiatric nursing.
● Key Chapters: 18–22, 46–49.
● Core Competencies: ICP monitoring, stroke protocols, spinal cord injury, mood
disorders, and psychopharmacology (Lithium toxicity).
MEDICAL-SURGICAL
NURSING 2026
Concepts and Practice, 5th Edition by
Holly K. Stromberg
Comprehensive Preparation Guide, Expert Rationales & Visual Study
Aids
Edition Year: 2026
THE CANDIDATE'S TOOLKIT:
FOUNDATIONAL MASTERY
Topic Index & Module Breakdown
This preparation guide is rigorously structured to mirror the unit distribution of the Stromberg 5th
Edition text (Chapters 1–49), ensuring a logical progression from fundamental principles to
,complex multisystem failure management. The content is organized into eight high-yield
modules designed to facilitate "chunking" of complex information—a proven strategy for
retention in high-stakes testing environments like the NCLEX-PN® or NCLEX-RN®.
Module 1: Professional Standards & Perioperative Care
● Focus: The legal and ethical framework of nursing practice (Nurse Practice Acts), critical
thinking models, and the continuum of surgical care (Preoperative, Intraoperative,
Postoperative).
● Key Chapters: 1–7.
● Core Competencies: Informed consent, sterile technique, malignant hyperthermia
recognition, and safety protocols.
Module 2: Fluid, Electrolytes & Acid-Base Balance
● Focus: Homeostatic mechanisms, intravenous therapy, and the physiological basis of
fluid shifts.
● Key Chapters: 3.
● Core Competencies: Interpreting ABGs, calculating anion gaps, managing
hypovolemia/hypervolemia, and electrolyte correction protocols.
Module 3: Respiratory & Immune Systems
● Focus: Gas exchange disorders, infectious diseases, and immune responses.
● Key Chapters: 8–12, 30–36.
● Core Competencies: TB management, COPD oxygen delivery, chest tube maintenance,
and anaphylaxis interventions.
,Module 4: Cardiovascular & Hematologic Systems
● Focus: Perfusion dynamics, cardiac pathology, and blood disorders.
● Key Chapters: 13–17, 23–29.
● Core Competencies: Heart failure management, shock states, hypertension
pharmacology, and anemia differentials.
Module 5: Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders
● Focus: Hormonal regulation and metabolic crises.
● Key Chapters: 37–40.
● Core Competencies: Diabetes management (DKA vs. HHS), thyroid storms, adrenal
insufficiency, and pituitary disorders.
, Module 6: Gastrointestinal, Renal & Urinary Disorders
● Focus: Digestion, absorption, elimination, and filtration.
● Key Chapters: 28–32, 34–36.
● Core Competencies: Bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, renal failure
stages, dialysis care, and stoma management.
Module 7: Neurological, Sensory & Mental Health
● Focus: Central and peripheral nervous system regulation, sensory perception, and
psychiatric nursing.
● Key Chapters: 18–22, 46–49.
● Core Competencies: ICP monitoring, stroke protocols, spinal cord injury, mood
disorders, and psychopharmacology (Lithium toxicity).
