UNDERSTANDING MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING,
7TH EDITION BY LINDA S.
,TABLE OF CONTENTS
Unit One: Understanding Health Care Issues
1. Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment, and the Nursing Process
2. Evidence-Based Practice
3. Issues in Nursing Practice
4. Cultural and Spiritual Influences on Nursing Care
5. Complementary and Alternative Modalities
Unit Two: Understanding Health and Illness
6. Nursing Care of Patients with Fluid, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base
Imbalances
7. Nursing Care of Patients Receiving Intravenous Therapy
8. Nursing Care of Patients with Infections
9. Nursing Care of Patients in Shock
10. Additional topics in health/illness
CHAPTER 1: Critical Thinking, Clinical Judgment, and the
,Nursing Process
Question 1
A nurse explains the purpose of medical-surgical nursing to a newly hired graduate nurse.
Which statement best describes this specialty?
A. It focuses exclusively on postoperative patients.
B. It provides comprehensive care for adults with acute and chronic health conditions.
C. It is limited to emergency department care.
D. It primarily involves pediatric patients.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Medical-surgical nursing encompasses the care of adults with a wide range of
acute and chronic illnesses across diverse healthcare settings. The other options are too
narrow or inaccurate.
Question 2
Which nursing action best demonstrates patient-centered care?
A. Following unit routines regardless of patient preference
B. Including the patient in decisions about the plan of care
C. Making decisions without consulting the patient
D. Prioritizing physician preferences over patient goals
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Patient-centered care emphasizes collaboration, respect for patient preferences,
and shared decision-making.
Question 3
Which phase of the nursing process involves setting measurable patient goals?
A. Assessment
B. Diagnosis
C. Planning
D. Evaluation
, Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During the planning phase, the nurse establishes measurable outcomes and
selects appropriate interventions.
Question 4
A nurse obtains a blood pressure of 182/108 mm Hg. What should the nurse do first?
A. Notify the provider immediately.
B. Reassess the blood pressure using proper technique.
C. Administer an antihypertensive medication without an order.
D. Document the value and continue rounds.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should verify abnormal findings before taking further action unless the
patient is unstable.
Question 5
Which action best helps prevent healthcare-associated infections?
A. Wearing gloves for every interaction
B. Performing hand hygiene before and after patient contact
C. Limiting patient mobility
D. Using antibiotics for all patients
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hand hygiene remains the most effective strategy for preventing the spread of
infection.
Question 6
Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A. A patient reporting new-onset chest pain
B. A patient requesting assistance with bathing