Medical-Surgical Practice Exam with
Questions and Correct Answers
Which client should the practical nurse question a PRN prescription for
sumatriptan (Imitrex) for migraine headaches? - CORRECT ANSWERS C. 50-
year-old with Prinzmetal's angina.
The practical nurse (PN) is reinforcing information to an older male client with a
history of coronary artery disease about his prescribed daily medication
regimen. Which medication is most likely to reduce the client's risk factors? -
CORRECT ANSWERS D. A low-dose aspirin given daily.
An adult client with otitis media has thick, yellow drainage from the right ear
canal. What additional findings should the practical nurse (PN) expect to
identify? - CORRECT ANSWERS A. Pain relief after ear drainage begins.
The practical nurse is caring for a client who is admitted with signs of possible
acute brain attack (Stroke) three hours ago. The client's blood pressure is
170/96, regular radial pulse 76 beats/minute, respirations are nonlabored at 11
breaths/minute, and a Sp02 of 99%. What action is most important for the PN to
implement? - CORRECT ANSWERS C. Continue to monitor client's blood
pressure.
A client who was hit in the head with a baseball is admitted to the hospital for
observation. Which finding requires the practical nurse (PN) to follow-up with
further assessment? - CORRECT ANSWERS D. Reports the hospital room is an
office.
An older female client with osteoporosis asks the practical nurse (PN) to
explain why she is now 2 inches shorter than when she was younger. What
information is best for the practical nurse (PN) to provide? - CORRECT
ANSWERS D. It is a combination of wear and tear and calcium loss that causes
the change.
A practical nurse (PN) is coordinating the care of four clients in an oncology
unit. Which neutrophil count should the PN identify as a risk for a life-
threatening infection in one of the clients? - CORRECT ANSWERS A. 500/mm3.
An older client who has had a cataract in the right eye for several years tells the
practical nurse (PN), "Now I have lost the sight in my right eye because I waited
too long for treatment." What information should the PN provide? - CORRECT
, ANSWERS C. Surgery can restore vision with corrective lens implants or
glasses.
The practical nurse (PN) is visiting a male client with diabetes who has a new
cast on his arm. The client's fingers are pale, cool, slightly swollen, and the
radial pulse is strong. What should the PN do first? - CORRECT ANSWERS D.
Elevate the arm above the level of the heart.
A client with epilepsy is having bilateral rhythmic jerking movements of all
extremities. After calling for help, which action should the practical nurse (PN)
do next? - CORRECT ANSWERS 1. Maintain the client's airway
2. Apply pads to the bedside rails.
3. Avoid stimulation during the post-ictal phase.
4. Observe the client for incontinence.
The practical nurse (PN) should place a client in which position for a
thoracentesis? - CORRECT ANSWERS B. Sitting upright in a tripod position
leaning on an overbed table.
Which action should the practical nurse take when handling a sample of
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected for diagnostic testing from a client? -
CORRECT ANSWERS A. Implement standard precautions with the CSF
specimen.
Which instruction should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce with a female client
about skin care after her first radiotherapy treatment? - CORRECT ANSWERS
C. Avoid using ice packs on the exposed area.
A client with heart failure (HF) takes a daily tablet of furosemide (Lasix) and
lisinopril (Zestril). Which finding during the clinic visit should indicate to the
practical nurse that the client's condition is worsening? - CORRECT ANSWERS
D. Sleeps with two additional pillows.
A client who is 3 days postoperative after a laminectomy is coughing up thick
green sputum and wheezing. What action is most important for the practical
nurse (PN) to implement? - CORRECT ANSWERS D. Report the change in
condition to the healthcare provider.
A male client who had a stroke is incontinent of urine. Which action should the
practical nurse (PN) implement in providing bladder training? - CORRECT
ANSWERS B. Offer the client the commode or urinal every two hours.
Which action should the practical nurse (PN) implement to reduce the risk of
infection for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN)? -
CORRECT ANSWERS C. Change the transparent dressing every 72 hours.
Questions and Correct Answers
Which client should the practical nurse question a PRN prescription for
sumatriptan (Imitrex) for migraine headaches? - CORRECT ANSWERS C. 50-
year-old with Prinzmetal's angina.
The practical nurse (PN) is reinforcing information to an older male client with a
history of coronary artery disease about his prescribed daily medication
regimen. Which medication is most likely to reduce the client's risk factors? -
CORRECT ANSWERS D. A low-dose aspirin given daily.
An adult client with otitis media has thick, yellow drainage from the right ear
canal. What additional findings should the practical nurse (PN) expect to
identify? - CORRECT ANSWERS A. Pain relief after ear drainage begins.
The practical nurse is caring for a client who is admitted with signs of possible
acute brain attack (Stroke) three hours ago. The client's blood pressure is
170/96, regular radial pulse 76 beats/minute, respirations are nonlabored at 11
breaths/minute, and a Sp02 of 99%. What action is most important for the PN to
implement? - CORRECT ANSWERS C. Continue to monitor client's blood
pressure.
A client who was hit in the head with a baseball is admitted to the hospital for
observation. Which finding requires the practical nurse (PN) to follow-up with
further assessment? - CORRECT ANSWERS D. Reports the hospital room is an
office.
An older female client with osteoporosis asks the practical nurse (PN) to
explain why she is now 2 inches shorter than when she was younger. What
information is best for the practical nurse (PN) to provide? - CORRECT
ANSWERS D. It is a combination of wear and tear and calcium loss that causes
the change.
A practical nurse (PN) is coordinating the care of four clients in an oncology
unit. Which neutrophil count should the PN identify as a risk for a life-
threatening infection in one of the clients? - CORRECT ANSWERS A. 500/mm3.
An older client who has had a cataract in the right eye for several years tells the
practical nurse (PN), "Now I have lost the sight in my right eye because I waited
too long for treatment." What information should the PN provide? - CORRECT
, ANSWERS C. Surgery can restore vision with corrective lens implants or
glasses.
The practical nurse (PN) is visiting a male client with diabetes who has a new
cast on his arm. The client's fingers are pale, cool, slightly swollen, and the
radial pulse is strong. What should the PN do first? - CORRECT ANSWERS D.
Elevate the arm above the level of the heart.
A client with epilepsy is having bilateral rhythmic jerking movements of all
extremities. After calling for help, which action should the practical nurse (PN)
do next? - CORRECT ANSWERS 1. Maintain the client's airway
2. Apply pads to the bedside rails.
3. Avoid stimulation during the post-ictal phase.
4. Observe the client for incontinence.
The practical nurse (PN) should place a client in which position for a
thoracentesis? - CORRECT ANSWERS B. Sitting upright in a tripod position
leaning on an overbed table.
Which action should the practical nurse take when handling a sample of
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected for diagnostic testing from a client? -
CORRECT ANSWERS A. Implement standard precautions with the CSF
specimen.
Which instruction should the practical nurse (PN) reinforce with a female client
about skin care after her first radiotherapy treatment? - CORRECT ANSWERS
C. Avoid using ice packs on the exposed area.
A client with heart failure (HF) takes a daily tablet of furosemide (Lasix) and
lisinopril (Zestril). Which finding during the clinic visit should indicate to the
practical nurse that the client's condition is worsening? - CORRECT ANSWERS
D. Sleeps with two additional pillows.
A client who is 3 days postoperative after a laminectomy is coughing up thick
green sputum and wheezing. What action is most important for the practical
nurse (PN) to implement? - CORRECT ANSWERS D. Report the change in
condition to the healthcare provider.
A male client who had a stroke is incontinent of urine. Which action should the
practical nurse (PN) implement in providing bladder training? - CORRECT
ANSWERS B. Offer the client the commode or urinal every two hours.
Which action should the practical nurse (PN) implement to reduce the risk of
infection for a client who is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN)? -
CORRECT ANSWERS C. Change the transparent dressing every 72 hours.
