• CMSRN Exam 09/11/2026
Med-Surg Certification Test Bank 1 Questions
Real Exam Questions real exam questions with
verified correct answers for the Certified
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
A 67-year-old woman who lives alone tripped on a rug in her home and fractured her hip. Which predisposing
factor probably led to the fracture in the proximal end of her femur?
Failing eyesight resulting in an unsafe environment.
Renal osteodystrophy resulting from chronic renal failure.
Osteoporosis resulting from hormonal changes.
Cardiovascular changes resulting in small strokes which impair mental acuity. –
Correct Answer :Osteoporosis resulting from hormonal changes.
The most common cause of a fractured hip in elderly women is osteoporosis, resulting from reduced calcium in
the bones as a result of hormonal changes in later life.
P 1
, • CMSRN Exam 09/11/2026
During a health fair, a 72-year-old male client tells the nurse that he is experiencing shortness of breath.
Auscultation reveals crackles and wheezing in both lungs. Suspecting that the client might have chronic
bronchitis, which classic symptom would the nurse expect this client to have?
Racing pulse with exertion.
Clubbing of the fingers.
An increased chest diameter.
Productive cough with grayish-white sputum. –
Correct Answer :Productive cough with grayish-white sputum.
Chronic bronchitis, one of the diseases comprising the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), is characterized by a productive cough with grayish-white sputum.
A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing polyphagia. Which outcome statement is the priority for this client?
Fluid and electrolyte balance.
Prevention of water toxicity.
Reduced glucose in the urine.
Adequate cellular nourishment. - Correct Answer :Adequate cellular nourishment.
Diabetes mellitus Type 1 is characterized by hyperglycemia that precipitates glucosuria and polyuria (frequent
urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (excessive hunger). Polyphagia is a consequence of
cellular malnourishment when insulin deficiency prevents utilization of glucose into the cell for energy, so the
outcome statement should include stabilization of adequate cellular nutrition which is done by providing the
insulin supplement the client needs.
An ER nurse is completing an assessment on a patient that is alert but struggles to answer questions. When she
attempts to talk, she slurs her speech and appears very frightened. What additional clinical manifestation does
the nurse expect to find if nacy's sysmptoms have been caused by a brain attack (stroke)?
P 2
, • CMSRN Exam 09/11/2026
A. A carotid bruit
B. A hypotensive blood pressure
C. hyperreflexic deep tendon relexes.
D. Decreased bowel sounds - Correct Answer :A) A carotid bruit.
Rationale: the carotid artery (artery to the brain) is narrowed in clients with a brain attack. A bruit is an abnormal
sound heard on auscultation resulting from interference with normal blood flow. Usually the blood pressure is
hypertensive. Initially flaccid paralysis occurs, resulting in hyporefkexic deep tendon reflexes. Bowel sounds are
not indicative of a brain attack.
Which clinical manifestation further supports an assessment of a left-sided brain attack?
A) Visual field deficit on the left side.
B) Spatial-perceptual deficits.
C) Paresthesia of the left side.
D) Global aphasia.
D) Global aphasia. - Correct Answer :D) Global aphasia.
Rationale: Global aphasia refers to difficulty speaking, listening, and understanding, as well as difficulty reading
and writing. Symptoms vary from person to person. Aphasia may occur secondary to any brain injury involving
the left hemisphere. Visual field deficits, spatial-perceptual deficits, and paresthsia of the left side usually occur
with right-sided brain attack.
When preparing a patient for a noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan STAT, what nursing intervention
should the nurse implement?
A) Determine if the client has any allergies to iodine
B) Explain that the client will not be able to move her head throughout the CT scan.
C) Premedicate the client to decrease pain prior to having the procedure.
D) Provide an explanation of relaxation exercises prior to the procedure. - Correct Answer :B) Explain that the
client will not be able to move her head throughout the CT scan.
P 3
, • CMSRN Exam 09/11/2026
Rationale: Because head motion will distort the images, Nancy will have to remain still throughout the
procedure. Allergies to iodine is important if contrast dye is being used for the CT scan. Premedicating the client
to decrease pain prior to the procedure is unnecessary because CT scanning is a noninvasive and painless
procedure. Providing an explanation of relaxation exercises prior to the procedure is a worthwhile intervention
to decrease anxiety but is not of highest priority.
A neurologist prescribes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head STAT for a patient. Which data
warrants immediate intervention by the nurse concerning this diagnostic test?
A) Elevated blood pressure.
B) Allergy to shell fish.
C) Right hip replacement.
D) History of atrial fibrillation. - Correct Answer :C) Right hip replacement.
The magnetic field generated by the MRI is so strong that metal-containing items are strongly attracted to the
magnet. Because the hip joint is made of metal, a lead shield must be used during the procedure. Elevated blood
pressure, an allergy to shell fish, and a history of atrial fibrillation would not affect the MRI.
A client's daughter is sitting by her mother's bedside who was recently transferred to the Intermediate Care
Unit. She states "I don't understand what a brain attack is. The healthcare provider told me my mother is in
serious condition and they are going to run several tests. I just don't know what is going on. What happened to
my mother?" What is the best response by the nurse?
A) "I am sorry, but according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act (HIPAA), I cannot give you
any information."
B) "Your mother has had a stroke, and the blood supply to the brain has been blocked."
C) "How do you feel about what the healthcare provider said?"
D) "I will call the healthcare provider so he/she can talk to you about your mother's serious condition." - Correct
Answer :B) "Your mother has had a stroke, and the blood supply to the brain has been blocked."
Rationale: The nurse can discuss what a diagnosis means. Nancy is unable to make decisions, so the next of kin,
her daughter, Gail, needs sufficient information to make informed decisions. The nurse has the knowledge, and
P 4
Med-Surg Certification Test Bank 1 Questions
Real Exam Questions real exam questions with
verified correct answers for the Certified
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
A 67-year-old woman who lives alone tripped on a rug in her home and fractured her hip. Which predisposing
factor probably led to the fracture in the proximal end of her femur?
Failing eyesight resulting in an unsafe environment.
Renal osteodystrophy resulting from chronic renal failure.
Osteoporosis resulting from hormonal changes.
Cardiovascular changes resulting in small strokes which impair mental acuity. –
Correct Answer :Osteoporosis resulting from hormonal changes.
The most common cause of a fractured hip in elderly women is osteoporosis, resulting from reduced calcium in
the bones as a result of hormonal changes in later life.
P 1
, • CMSRN Exam 09/11/2026
During a health fair, a 72-year-old male client tells the nurse that he is experiencing shortness of breath.
Auscultation reveals crackles and wheezing in both lungs. Suspecting that the client might have chronic
bronchitis, which classic symptom would the nurse expect this client to have?
Racing pulse with exertion.
Clubbing of the fingers.
An increased chest diameter.
Productive cough with grayish-white sputum. –
Correct Answer :Productive cough with grayish-white sputum.
Chronic bronchitis, one of the diseases comprising the diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), is characterized by a productive cough with grayish-white sputum.
A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing polyphagia. Which outcome statement is the priority for this client?
Fluid and electrolyte balance.
Prevention of water toxicity.
Reduced glucose in the urine.
Adequate cellular nourishment. - Correct Answer :Adequate cellular nourishment.
Diabetes mellitus Type 1 is characterized by hyperglycemia that precipitates glucosuria and polyuria (frequent
urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (excessive hunger). Polyphagia is a consequence of
cellular malnourishment when insulin deficiency prevents utilization of glucose into the cell for energy, so the
outcome statement should include stabilization of adequate cellular nutrition which is done by providing the
insulin supplement the client needs.
An ER nurse is completing an assessment on a patient that is alert but struggles to answer questions. When she
attempts to talk, she slurs her speech and appears very frightened. What additional clinical manifestation does
the nurse expect to find if nacy's sysmptoms have been caused by a brain attack (stroke)?
P 2
, • CMSRN Exam 09/11/2026
A. A carotid bruit
B. A hypotensive blood pressure
C. hyperreflexic deep tendon relexes.
D. Decreased bowel sounds - Correct Answer :A) A carotid bruit.
Rationale: the carotid artery (artery to the brain) is narrowed in clients with a brain attack. A bruit is an abnormal
sound heard on auscultation resulting from interference with normal blood flow. Usually the blood pressure is
hypertensive. Initially flaccid paralysis occurs, resulting in hyporefkexic deep tendon reflexes. Bowel sounds are
not indicative of a brain attack.
Which clinical manifestation further supports an assessment of a left-sided brain attack?
A) Visual field deficit on the left side.
B) Spatial-perceptual deficits.
C) Paresthesia of the left side.
D) Global aphasia.
D) Global aphasia. - Correct Answer :D) Global aphasia.
Rationale: Global aphasia refers to difficulty speaking, listening, and understanding, as well as difficulty reading
and writing. Symptoms vary from person to person. Aphasia may occur secondary to any brain injury involving
the left hemisphere. Visual field deficits, spatial-perceptual deficits, and paresthsia of the left side usually occur
with right-sided brain attack.
When preparing a patient for a noncontrast computed tomography (CT) scan STAT, what nursing intervention
should the nurse implement?
A) Determine if the client has any allergies to iodine
B) Explain that the client will not be able to move her head throughout the CT scan.
C) Premedicate the client to decrease pain prior to having the procedure.
D) Provide an explanation of relaxation exercises prior to the procedure. - Correct Answer :B) Explain that the
client will not be able to move her head throughout the CT scan.
P 3
, • CMSRN Exam 09/11/2026
Rationale: Because head motion will distort the images, Nancy will have to remain still throughout the
procedure. Allergies to iodine is important if contrast dye is being used for the CT scan. Premedicating the client
to decrease pain prior to the procedure is unnecessary because CT scanning is a noninvasive and painless
procedure. Providing an explanation of relaxation exercises prior to the procedure is a worthwhile intervention
to decrease anxiety but is not of highest priority.
A neurologist prescribes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head STAT for a patient. Which data
warrants immediate intervention by the nurse concerning this diagnostic test?
A) Elevated blood pressure.
B) Allergy to shell fish.
C) Right hip replacement.
D) History of atrial fibrillation. - Correct Answer :C) Right hip replacement.
The magnetic field generated by the MRI is so strong that metal-containing items are strongly attracted to the
magnet. Because the hip joint is made of metal, a lead shield must be used during the procedure. Elevated blood
pressure, an allergy to shell fish, and a history of atrial fibrillation would not affect the MRI.
A client's daughter is sitting by her mother's bedside who was recently transferred to the Intermediate Care
Unit. She states "I don't understand what a brain attack is. The healthcare provider told me my mother is in
serious condition and they are going to run several tests. I just don't know what is going on. What happened to
my mother?" What is the best response by the nurse?
A) "I am sorry, but according to the Health Insurance Portability and Accounting Act (HIPAA), I cannot give you
any information."
B) "Your mother has had a stroke, and the blood supply to the brain has been blocked."
C) "How do you feel about what the healthcare provider said?"
D) "I will call the healthcare provider so he/she can talk to you about your mother's serious condition." - Correct
Answer :B) "Your mother has had a stroke, and the blood supply to the brain has been blocked."
Rationale: The nurse can discuss what a diagnosis means. Nancy is unable to make decisions, so the next of kin,
her daughter, Gail, needs sufficient information to make informed decisions. The nurse has the knowledge, and
P 4
