MED-SURG PRIORITIZATION EXAM LATEST 2026 UPDATE 100 QUESTIONS AND DETAILED VERIFIED ANSWERS FROM ACTUAL EXAMS TEST GRADE A+

MED-SURG PRIORITIZATION EXAM LATEST 2026
UPDATE 100 QUESTIONS AND DETAILED VERIFIED
ANSWERS FROM ACTUAL EXAMS TEST GRADE A+

1.
A nurse is assigned four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. A client with COPD reporting dyspnea on exertion
B. A client with a new onset of chest pain
C. A client with diabetes requesting insulin
D. A client scheduled for discharge
Answer: B. A client with a new onset of chest pain
Rationale: Chest pain may indicate myocardial infarction, a life-threatening
condition requiring immediate assessment.


2.
Which client should the nurse see first?
A. A client with a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L
B. A client with a blood glucose of 250 mg/dL
C. A client with a hemoglobin of 10 g/dL
D. A client with a sodium level of 134 mEq/L
Answer: A. A client with a potassium level of 5.8 mEq/L
Rationale: Hyperkalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate
attention.


3.

,The nurse receives shift report. Which client requires priority assessment?
A. Postoperative client with pain rated 6/10
B. Client with pneumonia and oxygen saturation of 88%
C. Client with hypertension and BP 150/90
D. Client with urinary retention
Answer: B. Client with pneumonia and oxygen saturation of 88%
Rationale: Low oxygen saturation indicates impaired oxygenation, which is the
highest priority.


4.
Which task should the nurse complete first?
A. Administer oral medications
B. Check blood glucose
C. Respond to a client with shortness of breath
D. Document care
Answer: C. Respond to a client with shortness of breath
Rationale: Airway and breathing issues take priority over all other tasks.


5.
Which client should be assigned to the most experienced nurse?
A. Stable postoperative client
B. Client needing discharge teaching
C. Client with chest tube and respiratory distress
D. Client with controlled diabetes
Answer: C. Client with chest tube and respiratory distress
Rationale: This client is unstable and requires advanced assessment skills.


6.

,Which finding requires immediate intervention?
A. BP 140/88
B. HR 102
C. RR 8
D. Temp 37.5°C
Answer: C. RR 8
Rationale: Respiratory depression is life-threatening and requires urgent action.


7.
Which client should the nurse assess first?
A. Client with nausea
B. Client with headache
C. Client with sudden confusion
D. Client with constipation
Answer: C. Client with sudden confusion
Rationale: Sudden confusion may indicate hypoxia or neurological emergency.


8.
The nurse is caring for four clients. Who should be seen first?
A. Client with mild asthma
B. Client with fractured arm
C. Client with airway obstruction
D. Client awaiting lab results
Answer: C. Client with airway obstruction
Rationale: Airway compromise is the highest priority.


9.

, Which client is the priority?
A. Client with diarrhea
B. Client with dehydration
C. Client with active bleeding
D. Client with mild fever
Answer: C. Client with active bleeding
Rationale: Circulation issues such as hemorrhage take priority.


10.
Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer antibiotics
B. Start IV fluids
C. Assess airway
D. Document findings
Answer: C. Assess airway
Rationale: Airway always comes first in the ABC framework.


11.
Which client should be seen first?
A. Client with stable angina
B. Client with uncontrolled pain
C. Client with new arrhythmia
D. Client requesting food
Answer: C. Client with new arrhythmia
Rationale: New arrhythmias can be life-threatening.


12.