NUR 242 Med Surg Exam
Questions and Answers
1. Question:
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with shortness of breath,
a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute, and low oxygen saturation. Which action should the
nurse take first?
Answer:
● Administer supplemental oxygen.
Rationale: Oxygen supplementation is a priority intervention to improve oxygenation in a patient
with respiratory distress. Monitoring and reassessing the patient's response to treatment follow
after oxygen is administered.
2. Question:
A patient is receiving furosemide (Lasix) for the treatment of heart failure. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor closely?
Answer:
● Potassium levels.
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia by promoting the
excretion of potassium. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications like
arrhythmias.
3. Question:
A patient with a history of hypertension is admitted for management of a hypertensive crisis.
The physician orders IV nitroprusside. What is the most important nursing consideration?
Answer:
● Monitor blood pressure continuously.
, Rationale: Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator that can cause rapid blood pressure drops, so
continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure patient safety and avoid hypotension.
4. Question:
A patient with diabetes mellitus is scheduled for surgery. The nurse notes that the patient’s
blood glucose level is 250 mg/dL. What action should the nurse take?
Answer:
● Notify the surgeon and administer insulin as prescribed.
Rationale: Hyperglycemia can lead to complications during surgery, such as delayed wound
healing and increased infection risk. The nurse should notify the surgeon and ensure proper
management of the patient’s glucose levels.
5. Question:
What is the most important assessment in a patient who has just undergone a thyroidectomy?
Answer:
● Assess for signs of airway obstruction and stridor.
Rationale: Post-thyroidectomy patients are at risk for airway obstruction due to swelling or
hematoma formation. Stridor is an early sign of airway compromise, and immediate intervention
may be required.
6. Question:
A patient presents with a gastrointestinal bleed. The nurse notes the patient has a blood
pressure of 90/60 mmHg, heart rate of 120 bpm, and is weak and lightheaded. What is the
nurse’s priority intervention?
Answer:
● Start IV fluids to stabilize blood pressure.
Rationale: The patient shows signs of hypovolemic shock due to blood loss. Fluid resuscitation
is the priority to maintain adequate perfusion and blood pressure.
7. Question:
A patient receiving chemotherapy reports nausea and vomiting. What is the most appropriate
nursing intervention?
Answer:
● Administer an antiemetic before chemotherapy administration.
Questions and Answers
1. Question:
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) presents with shortness of breath,
a respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute, and low oxygen saturation. Which action should the
nurse take first?
Answer:
● Administer supplemental oxygen.
Rationale: Oxygen supplementation is a priority intervention to improve oxygenation in a patient
with respiratory distress. Monitoring and reassessing the patient's response to treatment follow
after oxygen is administered.
2. Question:
A patient is receiving furosemide (Lasix) for the treatment of heart failure. Which laboratory
value should the nurse monitor closely?
Answer:
● Potassium levels.
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia by promoting the
excretion of potassium. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications like
arrhythmias.
3. Question:
A patient with a history of hypertension is admitted for management of a hypertensive crisis.
The physician orders IV nitroprusside. What is the most important nursing consideration?
Answer:
● Monitor blood pressure continuously.
, Rationale: Nitroprusside is a potent vasodilator that can cause rapid blood pressure drops, so
continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure patient safety and avoid hypotension.
4. Question:
A patient with diabetes mellitus is scheduled for surgery. The nurse notes that the patient’s
blood glucose level is 250 mg/dL. What action should the nurse take?
Answer:
● Notify the surgeon and administer insulin as prescribed.
Rationale: Hyperglycemia can lead to complications during surgery, such as delayed wound
healing and increased infection risk. The nurse should notify the surgeon and ensure proper
management of the patient’s glucose levels.
5. Question:
What is the most important assessment in a patient who has just undergone a thyroidectomy?
Answer:
● Assess for signs of airway obstruction and stridor.
Rationale: Post-thyroidectomy patients are at risk for airway obstruction due to swelling or
hematoma formation. Stridor is an early sign of airway compromise, and immediate intervention
may be required.
6. Question:
A patient presents with a gastrointestinal bleed. The nurse notes the patient has a blood
pressure of 90/60 mmHg, heart rate of 120 bpm, and is weak and lightheaded. What is the
nurse’s priority intervention?
Answer:
● Start IV fluids to stabilize blood pressure.
Rationale: The patient shows signs of hypovolemic shock due to blood loss. Fluid resuscitation
is the priority to maintain adequate perfusion and blood pressure.
7. Question:
A patient receiving chemotherapy reports nausea and vomiting. What is the most appropriate
nursing intervention?
Answer:
● Administer an antiemetic before chemotherapy administration.
