PN 2005 Medical-Surgical Final Exam
(A+ GRADED) QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Section 1: Multiple Choice (Questions 1–20)
Choose the best answer.
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with congestive heart failure. Which
symptom is most indicative of left-sided heart failure?
A. Pedal edema
B. Jugular vein distention
C. Crackles in the lungs
D. Weight gain
Answer: C
Rationale: Crackles result from pulmonary congestion, which is a
hallmark of left-sided heart failure.
2. A patient with Type 1 diabetes becomes confused, diaphoretic, and
shaky. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Call the physician
B. Administer insulin
C. Check the blood glucose
D. Give IV fluids
Answer: C
,Rationale: These are signs of hypoglycemia. The nurse must first check
the blood sugar to confirm before intervening.
3. Which lab result is most indicative of a myocardial infarction?
A. Elevated BUN
B. Increased potassium
C. Elevated troponin
D. Decreased calcium
Answer: C
Rationale: Troponin is a cardiac enzyme that rises during a myocardial
infarction.
4. A nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about dietary
modifications. Which food should the client avoid?
A. Fresh vegetables
B. Canned soup
C. Grilled chicken
D. Brown rice
Answer: B
Rationale: Canned soup contains high levels of sodium, which can
worsen hypertension.
5. The priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing an asthma
attack is:
A. Monitor temperature
B. Apply oxygen
C. Give oral fluids
D. Administer antibiotics
Answer: B
, Rationale: During an asthma attack, oxygenation is the priority.
Supplemental oxygen is often the first intervention.
6. A client with COPD is receiving oxygen at 6 L/min via nasal cannula.
What is the nurse's best action?
A. Increase the flow rate
B. Place in supine position
C. Notify provider—reduce O2 flow
D. Encourage fluid intake
Answer: C
Rationale: High oxygen flow can suppress the respiratory drive in COPD
patients. Notify the provider to reduce it.
7. Which finding is expected in a patient with iron-deficiency anemia?
A. Bradycardia
B. Pale mucous membranes
C. Hypertension
D. Warm flushed skin
Answer: B
Rationale: A hallmark of anemia is pallor, especially in the mucous
membranes.
8. The nurse recognizes a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as:
A. Bilateral leg pain
B. Cold extremities
C. Unilateral leg swelling
D. Hypotension
Answer: C
(A+ GRADED) QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Section 1: Multiple Choice (Questions 1–20)
Choose the best answer.
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with congestive heart failure. Which
symptom is most indicative of left-sided heart failure?
A. Pedal edema
B. Jugular vein distention
C. Crackles in the lungs
D. Weight gain
Answer: C
Rationale: Crackles result from pulmonary congestion, which is a
hallmark of left-sided heart failure.
2. A patient with Type 1 diabetes becomes confused, diaphoretic, and
shaky. What is the nurse’s first action?
A. Call the physician
B. Administer insulin
C. Check the blood glucose
D. Give IV fluids
Answer: C
,Rationale: These are signs of hypoglycemia. The nurse must first check
the blood sugar to confirm before intervening.
3. Which lab result is most indicative of a myocardial infarction?
A. Elevated BUN
B. Increased potassium
C. Elevated troponin
D. Decreased calcium
Answer: C
Rationale: Troponin is a cardiac enzyme that rises during a myocardial
infarction.
4. A nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about dietary
modifications. Which food should the client avoid?
A. Fresh vegetables
B. Canned soup
C. Grilled chicken
D. Brown rice
Answer: B
Rationale: Canned soup contains high levels of sodium, which can
worsen hypertension.
5. The priority nursing intervention for a patient experiencing an asthma
attack is:
A. Monitor temperature
B. Apply oxygen
C. Give oral fluids
D. Administer antibiotics
Answer: B
, Rationale: During an asthma attack, oxygenation is the priority.
Supplemental oxygen is often the first intervention.
6. A client with COPD is receiving oxygen at 6 L/min via nasal cannula.
What is the nurse's best action?
A. Increase the flow rate
B. Place in supine position
C. Notify provider—reduce O2 flow
D. Encourage fluid intake
Answer: C
Rationale: High oxygen flow can suppress the respiratory drive in COPD
patients. Notify the provider to reduce it.
7. Which finding is expected in a patient with iron-deficiency anemia?
A. Bradycardia
B. Pale mucous membranes
C. Hypertension
D. Warm flushed skin
Answer: B
Rationale: A hallmark of anemia is pallor, especially in the mucous
membranes.
8. The nurse recognizes a sign of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as:
A. Bilateral leg pain
B. Cold extremities
C. Unilateral leg swelling
D. Hypotension
Answer: C
