NURS 120 MED SURG EXAM 3 REVIEW 2026/2027 | WEST COAST UNIVERSITY |
INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING | COMPLETE EXAM REVIEW |
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS | ALL-IN-ONE STUDY GUIDE
1. If a patient exhibits signs of malignant hyperthermia during surgery, which
combination of actions should the surgical team prioritize immediately?
Infuse iced IV fluids, provide 100% oxygen, place the client on a
cooling blanket, administer IV dantrolene
Place the patient in a supine position, administer nitroglycerin, and
prepare for intubation.
Provide warm IV fluids, administer aspirin, and call for a surgical
consult.
Administer IV morphine, increase the room temperature, and monitor
vital signs.
2. A postoperative patient is reluctant to use the incentive spirometer due to
discomfort. What should the nurse do to encourage its use while ensuring the
patient's comfort?
Force the patient to use the spirometer despite discomfort
Discontinue the use of the spirometer altogether
Provide education on the benefits of the spirometer and assist with
proper positioning
Suggest the patient wait until they feel better to use it
3. If a nurse discovers that a client does not fully understand the information
about a paracentesis, what should the nurse do next?
Contact the surgeon to cancel the procedure
Proceed with the signing of the consent form
Provide additional education and clarification about the procedure
, Document the client's lack of understanding and move on
4. What is a common nursing action for a patient undergoing a colon resection?
Perform a physical therapy assessment
Administer insulin
Schedule a follow-up appointment
Monitor vital signs
5. When transporting the client to an operating room, which concerns is the first
priority to nurse?
Preop assessments
Safety of the client
Premedication
Lab tests
6. Why is it important for a nurse to administer pain medication 30 minutes prior
to ambulation for a postoperative patient?
To decrease the risk of infection
To prevent nausea and vomiting
To reduce discomfort and facilitate mobility
To promote wound healing
7. Which client is at increased risk for surgical complications?
An 18 year old female who is overweight
A 34 year old female with fibromyalgia
, A 90 year old male with heart disease
A 24 year old with mild asthma
8. The client is scheduled to have surgery in the morning. Which assessment
data should the nurse notify the MD about prior to surgery?
Platelet count of 200,000
Urine with a specific gravity of 1.020
Oral temperature of 100.2 and a cough
Hemoglobin of 14g/dL and Hematocrit of 38%
9. What is the top priority for the nurse caring for a client who is recovering
from general anesthesia?
Treat with antiemetics to prevent aspiration from vomiting
Maintaining a patent airway
Notifying the family that the patient is out of surgery
Neurological assessment
10. Why is a creatinine level of 2.8 significant in the context of preoperative
assessments?
A creatinine level of 2.8 suggests high blood sugar levels.
A creatinine level of 2.8 is indicative of an infection.
A creatinine level of 2.8 is normal and does not require reporting.
A creatinine level of 2.8 indicates impaired kidney function, which
can affect anesthesia and medication clearance.
11. A postoperative patient is experiencing increased pain and requests
medication 30 minutes before the scheduled dose. What should the nurse
INTRODUCTION TO MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING | COMPLETE EXAM REVIEW |
PRACTICE QUESTIONS & VERIFIED ANSWERS | ALL-IN-ONE STUDY GUIDE
1. If a patient exhibits signs of malignant hyperthermia during surgery, which
combination of actions should the surgical team prioritize immediately?
Infuse iced IV fluids, provide 100% oxygen, place the client on a
cooling blanket, administer IV dantrolene
Place the patient in a supine position, administer nitroglycerin, and
prepare for intubation.
Provide warm IV fluids, administer aspirin, and call for a surgical
consult.
Administer IV morphine, increase the room temperature, and monitor
vital signs.
2. A postoperative patient is reluctant to use the incentive spirometer due to
discomfort. What should the nurse do to encourage its use while ensuring the
patient's comfort?
Force the patient to use the spirometer despite discomfort
Discontinue the use of the spirometer altogether
Provide education on the benefits of the spirometer and assist with
proper positioning
Suggest the patient wait until they feel better to use it
3. If a nurse discovers that a client does not fully understand the information
about a paracentesis, what should the nurse do next?
Contact the surgeon to cancel the procedure
Proceed with the signing of the consent form
Provide additional education and clarification about the procedure
, Document the client's lack of understanding and move on
4. What is a common nursing action for a patient undergoing a colon resection?
Perform a physical therapy assessment
Administer insulin
Schedule a follow-up appointment
Monitor vital signs
5. When transporting the client to an operating room, which concerns is the first
priority to nurse?
Preop assessments
Safety of the client
Premedication
Lab tests
6. Why is it important for a nurse to administer pain medication 30 minutes prior
to ambulation for a postoperative patient?
To decrease the risk of infection
To prevent nausea and vomiting
To reduce discomfort and facilitate mobility
To promote wound healing
7. Which client is at increased risk for surgical complications?
An 18 year old female who is overweight
A 34 year old female with fibromyalgia
, A 90 year old male with heart disease
A 24 year old with mild asthma
8. The client is scheduled to have surgery in the morning. Which assessment
data should the nurse notify the MD about prior to surgery?
Platelet count of 200,000
Urine with a specific gravity of 1.020
Oral temperature of 100.2 and a cough
Hemoglobin of 14g/dL and Hematocrit of 38%
9. What is the top priority for the nurse caring for a client who is recovering
from general anesthesia?
Treat with antiemetics to prevent aspiration from vomiting
Maintaining a patent airway
Notifying the family that the patient is out of surgery
Neurological assessment
10. Why is a creatinine level of 2.8 significant in the context of preoperative
assessments?
A creatinine level of 2.8 suggests high blood sugar levels.
A creatinine level of 2.8 is indicative of an infection.
A creatinine level of 2.8 is normal and does not require reporting.
A creatinine level of 2.8 indicates impaired kidney function, which
can affect anesthesia and medication clearance.
11. A postoperative patient is experiencing increased pain and requests
medication 30 minutes before the scheduled dose. What should the nurse
