Barkley Medsurg-Bc Medical-Surgical Certification
Practice Exam] Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |Latest
Exam Update 2026/2027.
1. A patient with a new colostomy is being taught about diet. Which
food should the nurse recommend to help thicken stool output?
A) Prunes
B) Bananas
C) Spicy chili
D) Coffee
Answer: B) Bananas
Explanation: Bananas are a low-fiber, binding food that can help
thicken stool output in patients with a colostomy. Prunes, spicy
foods, and coffee can increase motility and loosen stool.
2. The nurse is assessing a patient with suspected appendicitis.
Which finding is most concerning for a ruptured appendix?
A) Rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant
B) Sudden relief of pain followed by diffuse abdominal pain
C) Low-grade fever
D) Nausea and vomiting
Answer: B) Sudden relief of pain followed by diffuse abdominal pain
Explanation: A sudden relief of pain followed by diffuse abdominal
,pain and rigidity may indicate a ruptured appendix, which is a
surgical emergency.
3. A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?
A) Potassium
B) Sodium
C) Calcium
D) Magnesium
Answer: A) Potassium
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause
hypokalemia. Potassium levels should be monitored closely.
4. A patient is admitted with an acute exacerbation of COPD. Which
oxygen delivery method is most appropriate?
A) Nasal cannula at 6 L/min
B) Simple face mask at 8 L/min
C) Venturi mask at 2-4 L/min
D) Non-rebreather mask at 10 L/min
Answer: C) Venturi mask at 2-4 L/min
Explanation: Patients with COPD should receive controlled oxygen
therapy to avoid suppressing their hypoxic drive. A Venturi mask
provides precise oxygen concentrations.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A) Gentle bubbling in the water seal chamber
,B) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
C) Drainage of 50 mL in the first hour
D) The tube is secured with tape
Answer: B) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
indicates an air leak in the system, which requires immediate
assessment and intervention.
6. A patient with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is being taught
about insulin administration. Which statement indicates a need for
further teaching?
A) "I will rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy."
B) "I will store unopened insulin in the refrigerator."
C) "I will inject insulin into the same site each time for consistency."
D) "I will check my blood sugar before meals and at bedtime."
Answer: C) "I will inject insulin into the same site each time for
consistency."
Explanation: Injecting insulin into the same site can cause
lipodystrophy, which affects absorption. Sites should be rotated.
7. The nurse is assessing a patient with a suspected stroke. Which
finding is most indicative of a stroke?
A) Sudden onset of severe headache
B) Gradual onset of weakness over several days
C) Sudden onset of facial drooping and arm weakness
D) Gradual onset of confusion over several weeks
, Answer: C) Sudden onset of facial drooping and arm weakness
Explanation: Sudden onset of facial drooping, arm weakness, and
speech difficulty are classic signs of a stroke.
8. A patient is receiving a blood transfusion. Which finding indicates
a transfusion reaction?
A) Temperature increase of 1°F
B) Urticaria and itching
C) Blood pressure increase of 10 mmHg
D) Heart rate decrease of 5 bpm
Answer: B) Urticaria and itching
Explanation: Urticaria and itching are signs of an allergic
transfusion reaction. The transfusion should be stopped
immediately.
9. The nurse is caring for a patient with a new tracheostomy. Which
intervention is priority?
A) Suctioning every 2 hours
B) Providing humidified oxygen
C) Changing the dressing daily
D) Deflating the cuff every 4 hours
Answer: B) Providing humidified oxygen
Explanation: Humidified oxygen is essential for patients with a
tracheostomy to prevent drying of secretions and mucous plugging.
10. A patient with a hip fracture is scheduled for surgery. Which
preoperative assessment is most important?
Practice Exam] Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |Latest
Exam Update 2026/2027.
1. A patient with a new colostomy is being taught about diet. Which
food should the nurse recommend to help thicken stool output?
A) Prunes
B) Bananas
C) Spicy chili
D) Coffee
Answer: B) Bananas
Explanation: Bananas are a low-fiber, binding food that can help
thicken stool output in patients with a colostomy. Prunes, spicy
foods, and coffee can increase motility and loosen stool.
2. The nurse is assessing a patient with suspected appendicitis.
Which finding is most concerning for a ruptured appendix?
A) Rebound tenderness in the right lower quadrant
B) Sudden relief of pain followed by diffuse abdominal pain
C) Low-grade fever
D) Nausea and vomiting
Answer: B) Sudden relief of pain followed by diffuse abdominal pain
Explanation: A sudden relief of pain followed by diffuse abdominal
,pain and rigidity may indicate a ruptured appendix, which is a
surgical emergency.
3. A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which
laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?
A) Potassium
B) Sodium
C) Calcium
D) Magnesium
Answer: A) Potassium
Explanation: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause
hypokalemia. Potassium levels should be monitored closely.
4. A patient is admitted with an acute exacerbation of COPD. Which
oxygen delivery method is most appropriate?
A) Nasal cannula at 6 L/min
B) Simple face mask at 8 L/min
C) Venturi mask at 2-4 L/min
D) Non-rebreather mask at 10 L/min
Answer: C) Venturi mask at 2-4 L/min
Explanation: Patients with COPD should receive controlled oxygen
therapy to avoid suppressing their hypoxic drive. A Venturi mask
provides precise oxygen concentrations.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient with a chest tube. Which finding
requires immediate intervention?
A) Gentle bubbling in the water seal chamber
,B) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
C) Drainage of 50 mL in the first hour
D) The tube is secured with tape
Answer: B) Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
Explanation: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
indicates an air leak in the system, which requires immediate
assessment and intervention.
6. A patient with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes is being taught
about insulin administration. Which statement indicates a need for
further teaching?
A) "I will rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy."
B) "I will store unopened insulin in the refrigerator."
C) "I will inject insulin into the same site each time for consistency."
D) "I will check my blood sugar before meals and at bedtime."
Answer: C) "I will inject insulin into the same site each time for
consistency."
Explanation: Injecting insulin into the same site can cause
lipodystrophy, which affects absorption. Sites should be rotated.
7. The nurse is assessing a patient with a suspected stroke. Which
finding is most indicative of a stroke?
A) Sudden onset of severe headache
B) Gradual onset of weakness over several days
C) Sudden onset of facial drooping and arm weakness
D) Gradual onset of confusion over several weeks
, Answer: C) Sudden onset of facial drooping and arm weakness
Explanation: Sudden onset of facial drooping, arm weakness, and
speech difficulty are classic signs of a stroke.
8. A patient is receiving a blood transfusion. Which finding indicates
a transfusion reaction?
A) Temperature increase of 1°F
B) Urticaria and itching
C) Blood pressure increase of 10 mmHg
D) Heart rate decrease of 5 bpm
Answer: B) Urticaria and itching
Explanation: Urticaria and itching are signs of an allergic
transfusion reaction. The transfusion should be stopped
immediately.
9. The nurse is caring for a patient with a new tracheostomy. Which
intervention is priority?
A) Suctioning every 2 hours
B) Providing humidified oxygen
C) Changing the dressing daily
D) Deflating the cuff every 4 hours
Answer: B) Providing humidified oxygen
Explanation: Humidified oxygen is essential for patients with a
tracheostomy to prevent drying of secretions and mucous plugging.
10. A patient with a hip fracture is scheduled for surgery. Which
preoperative assessment is most important?
