8th Edition
Author(s)Adrianne Dill Linton;
Mary Ann Matteson
Print ISBN: 9780323826716
TEST BANK
Medical-Surgical Nursing (8th Edition)
Unit I: Medical-Surgical Nursing
Chapter 1: Aspects of Medical-Surgical Nursing
,Difficulty: Mixed
Question Bank (Questions 1–5 of 20)
Question 1 – MCQ
Clinical Scenario
A newly licensed nurse is caring for four patients on a medical-
surgical unit. During morning rounds, the nurse reviews each
patient's condition and determines which patient requires
immediate assessment.
Question Stem
Which patient should the nurse assess first?
Answer Options
A. A patient with chronic heart failure reporting mild fatigue
B. A patient receiving intravenous antibiotics who reports
itching and shortness of breath
C. A patient scheduled for discharge requesting medication
teaching
D. A patient with osteoarthritis requesting pain medication
Correct Answer
B. A patient receiving intravenous antibiotics who reports
itching and shortness of breath
,Detailed Rationale
Clinical judgment requires prioritization of life-threatening
conditions. Itching and shortness of breath occurring during
antibiotic administration suggest an acute hypersensitivity
reaction that may rapidly progress to anaphylaxis. Airway
compromise and circulatory collapse can occur quickly, making
this the highest-priority assessment.
The other patients have important but non-emergent needs.
Incorrect Option Analysis
A. Chronic heart failure reporting mild fatigue
Why Incorrect: Fatigue is expected in chronic heart failure and
is not immediately life-threatening.
Common Misconception: Assuming chronic cardiac disease
always takes priority.
Patient Safety Risk: Delayed recognition of anaphylaxis.
C. Scheduled for discharge requesting medication teaching
Why Incorrect: Education is important but can occur after
urgent concerns are addressed.
Common Misconception: Believing discharge tasks supersede
physiologic emergencies.
, Patient Safety Risk: Failure to recognize airway compromise.
D. Osteoarthritis requesting pain medication
Why Incorrect: Pain management is important but less urgent
than a potential allergic reaction.
Common Misconception: Treating pain before addressing
threats to airway and breathing.
Patient Safety Risk: Delayed intervention for anaphylaxis.
Nursing Process Linkage
Assessment
NCJMM Competencies
Recognize Cues
Analyze Cues
Prioritize Hypotheses
Take Action
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Bloom's Level
Analyze
NCLEX Client Needs Category