NURS 120 MEDICAL-SURGICAL
NURSING EXAM STUDY GUIDE (2026
UPDATE) WCU QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 2 hours postoperative following an abdominal
hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider
immediately?
A. Serosanguineous drainage on the abdominal dressing
B. Decreased bowel sounds in all four quadrants
C. Urine output of 20 mL/hr for the last 2 hours
D. Pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Urine output of less than 30 mL/hr can indicate hypovolemia or
renal failure and must be reported immediately. Serosanguineous drainage and decreased
bowel sounds are common postoperative findings.
2. A patient is diagnosed with hyperkalemia. Which of the following EKG changes should the
nurse expect to see?
A. ST-segment depression
,B. Prominent U waves
C. Tall, peaked T waves
D. Prolonged PR interval
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia typically causes tall, peaked T waves.
Hypokalemia is associated with U waves and ST depression.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). Which action
is the priority?
A. Ensure a 22-gauge peripheral IV is patent
B. Warm the blood to room temperature for 30 minutes
C. Obtain the patient’s baseline vital signs
D. Verify the client’s identity and blood type with another nurse
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: While vital signs and IV access are important, verification of the
patient and blood product by two qualified individuals is the most critical safety step to
prevent hemolytic reactions.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD). Which oxygen delivery method is most appropriate for precise delivery of low
concentrations?
A. Simple face mask
B. Venturi mask
C. Non-rebreather mask
D. Nasal cannula
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Venturi mask is the most accurate device for delivering a
specific concentration of oxygen, which is vital for COPD patients who rely on a hypoxic
drive.
5. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is found unconscious and diaphoretic. What is the
nurse’s first action?
A. Administer 15g of oral glucose gel
B. Check the patient’s blood glucose level
C. Call a Code Blue
D. Administer 1 mg of Glucagon IM
Answer: D
NURSING EXAM STUDY GUIDE (2026
UPDATE) WCU QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who is 2 hours postoperative following an abdominal
hysterectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider
immediately?
A. Serosanguineous drainage on the abdominal dressing
B. Decreased bowel sounds in all four quadrants
C. Urine output of 20 mL/hr for the last 2 hours
D. Pain level of 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Urine output of less than 30 mL/hr can indicate hypovolemia or
renal failure and must be reported immediately. Serosanguineous drainage and decreased
bowel sounds are common postoperative findings.
2. A patient is diagnosed with hyperkalemia. Which of the following EKG changes should the
nurse expect to see?
A. ST-segment depression
,B. Prominent U waves
C. Tall, peaked T waves
D. Prolonged PR interval
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia typically causes tall, peaked T waves.
Hypokalemia is associated with U waves and ST depression.
3. The nurse is preparing to administer a unit of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). Which action
is the priority?
A. Ensure a 22-gauge peripheral IV is patent
B. Warm the blood to room temperature for 30 minutes
C. Obtain the patient’s baseline vital signs
D. Verify the client’s identity and blood type with another nurse
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: While vital signs and IV access are important, verification of the
patient and blood product by two qualified individuals is the most critical safety step to
prevent hemolytic reactions.
, 4. A nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD). Which oxygen delivery method is most appropriate for precise delivery of low
concentrations?
A. Simple face mask
B. Venturi mask
C. Non-rebreather mask
D. Nasal cannula
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: The Venturi mask is the most accurate device for delivering a
specific concentration of oxygen, which is vital for COPD patients who rely on a hypoxic
drive.
5. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is found unconscious and diaphoretic. What is the
nurse’s first action?
A. Administer 15g of oral glucose gel
B. Check the patient’s blood glucose level
C. Call a Code Blue
D. Administer 1 mg of Glucagon IM
Answer: D
