NUR 305 Midterm Exam Module
Reviews/Case Study Questions &
Answers (2025-2026) Updated
The Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) goals focus on which of the following? (Select all
that apply.
a.Stroke
b.Infection
c.Serious cardiac events
d.Thromboembolism
e.Hemorrhage - Answer b.Infection
c.Serious cardiac events
d.Thromboembolism
Which of the following are correct examples for the different types of surgery?
a.Decompression craniotomy: palliative
b.Liver biopsy: diagnostic
c.Mastectomy: restorative
d.Hemicolectomy: diagnostic
e.Total shoulder replacement: restorative - Answer a.Decompression craniotomy: palliative
b.Liver biopsy: diagnostic
e.Total shoulder replacement: restorative
Rationale: A diagnostic procedure is used to determine cell type of cancer and to determine the
cause of a problem. An example is a liver biopsy. A restorative procedure aims to improve
functional ability. An example would be a total shoulder replacement. A curative procedure
either removes or repairs the causative problem. An example would be a mastectomy (not
restorative) or a hemicolectomy (not diagnostic). A palliative procedure relieves symptoms but
will not cure the disease. An example is an ileostomy. A cosmetic procedure is done to improve
appearance. An example is rhinoplasty (a "nose job").
, b.Hemoglobin: 14.8 mg/dL (148 mmol/L)
c.Sodium: 134 mEq/L (134 mmol/l)
d.Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mmol/l) - Answer d. Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mmol/l)
The preoperative assessment revealed that the patient's HR is 115. The surgeon ordered a beta-
blocker. Which of the following is a correct rationale for this prescription?
a."A rapid heart rate requires more effort by the heart."
b."The patient may have an undiagnosed heart condition."
c."When the heart rate goes up, the blood pressure does too."
d."Anesthesia has bad effects if the patient is tachycardic." - Answer a."A rapid heart rate
requires more effort by the heart."
Rationale: Tachycardia increases the workload of the heart and requires more oxygen delivery
to the myocardial tissues. This added strain is not needed on top of the physical and emotional
stress of surgery. The beta-blocker will blunt the effect of sympathetic nervous system
stimulation and reduce the heart rate. The other statements are not accurate.
The preoperative assessment revealed that the patient has brittle nails and hair, dry skin turgor,
and muscle wasting. What is the best nurse's action?
a.Refer the patient to Meals on Wheels after discharge.
b.Document the findings thoroughly in the patient's chart.
c.Encourage the patient to eat more after recovering from surgery.
d.Consult the surgeon about a postoperative dietitian referral - Answer d.Consult the surgeon
about a postoperative dietitian referral
Rationale: This patient has signs of malnutrition, which can impact recovery from surgery. The
nurse should consult the surgeon about prescribing a consultation with a dietitian in the
postoperative period. The nurse should document the findings but needs to do more.
Encouraging the patient to eat more may be helpful, but the patient needs a professional
nutritional assessment so that the appropriate diet and supplements can be ordered. The
patient may or may not need Meals on Wheels after discharge
Which of the following patients undergoing surgery are considered to be at high risk for venous
Reviews/Case Study Questions &
Answers (2025-2026) Updated
The Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) goals focus on which of the following? (Select all
that apply.
a.Stroke
b.Infection
c.Serious cardiac events
d.Thromboembolism
e.Hemorrhage - Answer b.Infection
c.Serious cardiac events
d.Thromboembolism
Which of the following are correct examples for the different types of surgery?
a.Decompression craniotomy: palliative
b.Liver biopsy: diagnostic
c.Mastectomy: restorative
d.Hemicolectomy: diagnostic
e.Total shoulder replacement: restorative - Answer a.Decompression craniotomy: palliative
b.Liver biopsy: diagnostic
e.Total shoulder replacement: restorative
Rationale: A diagnostic procedure is used to determine cell type of cancer and to determine the
cause of a problem. An example is a liver biopsy. A restorative procedure aims to improve
functional ability. An example would be a total shoulder replacement. A curative procedure
either removes or repairs the causative problem. An example would be a mastectomy (not
restorative) or a hemicolectomy (not diagnostic). A palliative procedure relieves symptoms but
will not cure the disease. An example is an ileostomy. A cosmetic procedure is done to improve
appearance. An example is rhinoplasty (a "nose job").
, b.Hemoglobin: 14.8 mg/dL (148 mmol/L)
c.Sodium: 134 mEq/L (134 mmol/l)
d.Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mmol/l) - Answer d. Potassium: 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mmol/l)
The preoperative assessment revealed that the patient's HR is 115. The surgeon ordered a beta-
blocker. Which of the following is a correct rationale for this prescription?
a."A rapid heart rate requires more effort by the heart."
b."The patient may have an undiagnosed heart condition."
c."When the heart rate goes up, the blood pressure does too."
d."Anesthesia has bad effects if the patient is tachycardic." - Answer a."A rapid heart rate
requires more effort by the heart."
Rationale: Tachycardia increases the workload of the heart and requires more oxygen delivery
to the myocardial tissues. This added strain is not needed on top of the physical and emotional
stress of surgery. The beta-blocker will blunt the effect of sympathetic nervous system
stimulation and reduce the heart rate. The other statements are not accurate.
The preoperative assessment revealed that the patient has brittle nails and hair, dry skin turgor,
and muscle wasting. What is the best nurse's action?
a.Refer the patient to Meals on Wheels after discharge.
b.Document the findings thoroughly in the patient's chart.
c.Encourage the patient to eat more after recovering from surgery.
d.Consult the surgeon about a postoperative dietitian referral - Answer d.Consult the surgeon
about a postoperative dietitian referral
Rationale: This patient has signs of malnutrition, which can impact recovery from surgery. The
nurse should consult the surgeon about prescribing a consultation with a dietitian in the
postoperative period. The nurse should document the findings but needs to do more.
Encouraging the patient to eat more may be helpful, but the patient needs a professional
nutritional assessment so that the appropriate diet and supplements can be ordered. The
patient may or may not need Meals on Wheels after discharge
Which of the following patients undergoing surgery are considered to be at high risk for venous
