CHAPTER 03: OVERVIEW OF HEALTH
CONCEPTS FOR MEDICAL-SURGICAL
NURSING EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% CORRECT!!
, A nurse is caring for a client who is acidotic. The nurse asks the charge nurse why the
client is breathing rapidly. What response by the charge nurse is best?
a. Anxiety is causing the client to breathe rapidly.
b. The client is trying to get rid of excess body acids.
c. The rapid respirations cause buildup of bicarbonate.
d. An increased respiratory rate is due to increased metabolism. - ANSWER ANS: B
The client is acidotic, and the respiratory system is attempting to compensate by
"blowing off" excess acid in the form of carbon dioxide. The increased respiratory rate is
not due to anxiety or increased metabolism. An increased respiratory rate does not
cause a buildup of bicarbonate.
A client had a recent thromboembolism and must resume work which requires frequent
car and plane travel. What self-care measure does the nurse teach to reduce the risk of
impaired clotting in this client?
a. Get up and walk around at least every 2 hours while traveling.
b. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor for safety.
c. Be sure to sit with the legs elevated as much as possible.
d. Increase fiber in the diet so as not to strain to move the bowels. - ANSWER ANS: A
Clients who are at risk of increased clotting (as evidenced by prior thromboembolic
event) can take several measures to reduce their risk of further problems. One measure
is to get up and walk frequently when sitting for a long period of time. Using a soft
toothbrush and an electric razor and needing to prevent constipation would be important
for a client at risk of bleeding. Elevating the legs is not as beneficial as ambulating.
A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client does the nurse assess first for impaired
cognition?
a. A 28-year-old client 2 days post-open cholecystectomy
b. An 88-year-old client 3 days post-hemorrhagic stroke
c. A 32-year-old client with a 20-pack-year history of smoking
d. A 42-year-old client with a serum sodium of 134 mEq/L (134 mmol/L) - ANSWER
ANS: B
There are many risk factors for impaired cognition including advanced age and diseases
and disorders that affect the brain. The 88-year-old client who is recovering from a
stroke has two such risk factors and is at highest risk for impaired cognition. The nurse
assesses this client first. The other clients have a much lower risk of developing
impaired cognition.
The assistive personnel (AP) reports to the registered nurse that a postoperative client
has a pulse of 132 beats/min and a blood pressure of 168/90 mm Hg. What response
by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Ask the AP to repeat the client's vital signs in 15 minutes.
CONCEPTS FOR MEDICAL-SURGICAL
NURSING EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% CORRECT!!
, A nurse is caring for a client who is acidotic. The nurse asks the charge nurse why the
client is breathing rapidly. What response by the charge nurse is best?
a. Anxiety is causing the client to breathe rapidly.
b. The client is trying to get rid of excess body acids.
c. The rapid respirations cause buildup of bicarbonate.
d. An increased respiratory rate is due to increased metabolism. - ANSWER ANS: B
The client is acidotic, and the respiratory system is attempting to compensate by
"blowing off" excess acid in the form of carbon dioxide. The increased respiratory rate is
not due to anxiety or increased metabolism. An increased respiratory rate does not
cause a buildup of bicarbonate.
A client had a recent thromboembolism and must resume work which requires frequent
car and plane travel. What self-care measure does the nurse teach to reduce the risk of
impaired clotting in this client?
a. Get up and walk around at least every 2 hours while traveling.
b. Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor for safety.
c. Be sure to sit with the legs elevated as much as possible.
d. Increase fiber in the diet so as not to strain to move the bowels. - ANSWER ANS: A
Clients who are at risk of increased clotting (as evidenced by prior thromboembolic
event) can take several measures to reduce their risk of further problems. One measure
is to get up and walk frequently when sitting for a long period of time. Using a soft
toothbrush and an electric razor and needing to prevent constipation would be important
for a client at risk of bleeding. Elevating the legs is not as beneficial as ambulating.
A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client does the nurse assess first for impaired
cognition?
a. A 28-year-old client 2 days post-open cholecystectomy
b. An 88-year-old client 3 days post-hemorrhagic stroke
c. A 32-year-old client with a 20-pack-year history of smoking
d. A 42-year-old client with a serum sodium of 134 mEq/L (134 mmol/L) - ANSWER
ANS: B
There are many risk factors for impaired cognition including advanced age and diseases
and disorders that affect the brain. The 88-year-old client who is recovering from a
stroke has two such risk factors and is at highest risk for impaired cognition. The nurse
assesses this client first. The other clients have a much lower risk of developing
impaired cognition.
The assistive personnel (AP) reports to the registered nurse that a postoperative client
has a pulse of 132 beats/min and a blood pressure of 168/90 mm Hg. What response
by the nurse is most appropriate?
a. Ask the AP to repeat the client's vital signs in 15 minutes.
