NUR 171 – EXAM 2 – CONCEPTS OF MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING] QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
- Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
- Perioperative Nursing Care
- Pain Management
- Respiratory Disorders
- Cardiovascular Disorders
- Endocrine Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Infection Control and Immunity
- Ethical and Legal Considerations in Med-Surg Nursing
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses foundational and applied knowledge in medical-surgical nursing
concepts critical for safe, competent practice. Questions evaluate clinical reasoning, prioritization, delegation,
ethical decision-making, and evidence-based interventions across common med-surg scenarios. Each multiple-
choice item includes a verified correct answer and a concise rationale for immediate feedback. The format
emphasizes real-world application, including patient prioritization, adverse event recognition, and regulatory
compliance. Mastery of this content supports success on course examinations and clinical judgment development.
Answers are distributed randomly to encourage genuine content understanding rather than test-taking patterns.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
Question 1
A postoperative patient reports sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. The nurse notes tachycardia and
oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer prescribed PRN morphine sulfate
B. Apply supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula
C. Obtain a stat electrocardiogram
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Oxygenation is the priority to correct hypoxemia. Airway and breathing take precedence over
pain management, diagnostics, or provider notification per ABC framework.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure receiving furosemide. Which laboratory value requires
immediate reporting to the healthcare provider?
A. Serum potassium 3.1 mEq/L
B. Serum sodium 135 mEq/L
C. Blood glucose 110 mg/dL
D. Serum creatinine 0.9 mg/dL
🟢A
🔴 RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting. Hypokalemia (K <3.5) increases
risk for cardiac arrhythmias, especially digoxin toxicity if the patient takes digoxin.
,Question 3
Which patient statement indicates correct understanding of discharge teaching following laparoscopic
cholecystectomy?
A. "I can return to heavy lifting after 3 days"
B. "I should expect severe nausea for the first week"
C. "I will report increasing abdominal pain or fever"
D. "I must avoid all food until my follow-up appointment"
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Increasing abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice may indicate infection or bile duct injury. Patients
need to recognize these complications early. Heavy lifting is restricted for several weeks.
Question 4
A nurse assesses a patient receiving a continuous opioid infusion for cancer pain. The patient's respiratory rate
is 8 breaths/minute, and they are difficult to arouse. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Increase the infusion rate to achieve pain control
B. Administer naloxone per protocol
C. Stimulate the patient and continue monitoring
D. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Respiratory depression with altered mental status indicates opioid overdose. Naloxone is an
opioid antagonist that reverses life-threatening respiratory depression.
Question 5
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway
clearance. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
, A. Encourage increased oral fluid intake
B. Administer prescribed bronchodilator
C. Teach pursed-lip breathing technique
D. Suction the airway as needed
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Bronchodilators open airways, making mucus clearance more effective. This is the priority
intervention before fluids, positioning, or suctioning to address the underlying airway obstruction.
Question 6
The nurse is caring for a patient following a total knee replacement. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Pain rated 5 on a 0-10 scale
B. Moderate serosanguinous drainage on dressing
C. Calf swelling and tenderness
D. Temperature 99.2°F (37.3°C)
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Unilateral calf swelling and tenderness are classic signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a
serious complication post-orthopedic surgery. DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism.
Question 7
A patient with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed metformin. Which instruction should the nurse include in
teaching?
A. "Take this medication only when your blood sugar is high"
B. "Skip breakfast after taking your morning dose"
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
Core Domains
- Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
- Perioperative Nursing Care
- Pain Management
- Respiratory Disorders
- Cardiovascular Disorders
- Endocrine Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Infection Control and Immunity
- Ethical and Legal Considerations in Med-Surg Nursing
Introduction
This comprehensive examination assesses foundational and applied knowledge in medical-surgical nursing
concepts critical for safe, competent practice. Questions evaluate clinical reasoning, prioritization, delegation,
ethical decision-making, and evidence-based interventions across common med-surg scenarios. Each multiple-
choice item includes a verified correct answer and a concise rationale for immediate feedback. The format
emphasizes real-world application, including patient prioritization, adverse event recognition, and regulatory
compliance. Mastery of this content supports success on course examinations and clinical judgment development.
Answers are distributed randomly to encourage genuine content understanding rather than test-taking patterns.
,SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1 – 100
Question 1
A postoperative patient reports sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. The nurse notes tachycardia and
oxygen saturation of 88% on room air. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Administer prescribed PRN morphine sulfate
B. Apply supplemental oxygen via nasal cannula
C. Obtain a stat electrocardiogram
D. Notify the healthcare provider immediately
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Oxygenation is the priority to correct hypoxemia. Airway and breathing take precedence over
pain management, diagnostics, or provider notification per ABC framework.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a patient with heart failure receiving furosemide. Which laboratory value requires
immediate reporting to the healthcare provider?
A. Serum potassium 3.1 mEq/L
B. Serum sodium 135 mEq/L
C. Blood glucose 110 mg/dL
D. Serum creatinine 0.9 mg/dL
🟢A
🔴 RATIONALE: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting. Hypokalemia (K <3.5) increases
risk for cardiac arrhythmias, especially digoxin toxicity if the patient takes digoxin.
,Question 3
Which patient statement indicates correct understanding of discharge teaching following laparoscopic
cholecystectomy?
A. "I can return to heavy lifting after 3 days"
B. "I should expect severe nausea for the first week"
C. "I will report increasing abdominal pain or fever"
D. "I must avoid all food until my follow-up appointment"
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Increasing abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice may indicate infection or bile duct injury. Patients
need to recognize these complications early. Heavy lifting is restricted for several weeks.
Question 4
A nurse assesses a patient receiving a continuous opioid infusion for cancer pain. The patient's respiratory rate
is 8 breaths/minute, and they are difficult to arouse. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Increase the infusion rate to achieve pain control
B. Administer naloxone per protocol
C. Stimulate the patient and continue monitoring
D. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Respiratory depression with altered mental status indicates opioid overdose. Naloxone is an
opioid antagonist that reverses life-threatening respiratory depression.
Question 5
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has a nursing diagnosis of ineffective airway
clearance. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
, A. Encourage increased oral fluid intake
B. Administer prescribed bronchodilator
C. Teach pursed-lip breathing technique
D. Suction the airway as needed
🟢B
🔴 RATIONALE: Bronchodilators open airways, making mucus clearance more effective. This is the priority
intervention before fluids, positioning, or suctioning to address the underlying airway obstruction.
Question 6
The nurse is caring for a patient following a total knee replacement. Which finding requires immediate
intervention?
A. Pain rated 5 on a 0-10 scale
B. Moderate serosanguinous drainage on dressing
C. Calf swelling and tenderness
D. Temperature 99.2°F (37.3°C)
🟢C
🔴 RATIONALE: Unilateral calf swelling and tenderness are classic signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a
serious complication post-orthopedic surgery. DVT can lead to pulmonary embolism.
Question 7
A patient with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed metformin. Which instruction should the nurse include in
teaching?
A. "Take this medication only when your blood sugar is high"
B. "Skip breakfast after taking your morning dose"
