Lewis's Medical-Surgical Nursing in Canada,
5th Edition Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the most important principle of infection
control in nursing?
A. Using antibiotics prophylactically
B. Hand hygiene
C. Wearing sterile gloves for all patient contact
D. Avoiding patient contact
Answer: B. Hand hygiene
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most effective measure to prevent
the spread of infection in healthcare settings.
2. A patient with chronic kidney disease is scheduled for dialysis.
Which electrolyte imbalance is most critical to monitor?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Hyperkalemia is life-threatening and can cause cardiac
arrhythmias in patients with kidney failure.
3. The nurse is caring for a patient with type 2 diabetes. Which
instruction is most important regarding foot care?
A. Wash feet daily with warm water and soap, inspect for injuries
, B. Wear sandals to allow feet to breathe
C. Soak feet daily in hot water
D. Use sharp instruments to remove calluses
Answer: A. Wash feet daily with warm water and soap, inspect for
injuries
Rationale: Daily inspection and hygiene prevent infections and
complications such as ulcers and gangrene.
4. A patient reports shortness of breath and wheezing. Which
condition is most likely?
A. Pneumonia
B. Asthma
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Myocardial infarction
Answer: B. Asthma
Rationale: Wheezing is a hallmark symptom of asthma due to airway
constriction.
5. Which of the following patients is at highest risk for pressure
injuries?
A. Young adult with broken arm
B. Elderly patient with limited mobility
C. Middle-aged patient with mild dehydration
D. Adult with mild anemia
Answer: B. Elderly patient with limited mobility
Rationale: Pressure injuries develop due to prolonged pressure,
especially in immobile and older adults.
, 6. The nurse is teaching a patient about proper nutrition after
surgery. Which statement is correct?
A. Avoid protein-rich foods
B. Eat high-calorie, high-protein meals
C. Limit fluid intake to reduce swelling
D. Focus solely on carbohydrates
Answer: B. Eat high-calorie, high-protein meals
Rationale: Protein and calories are essential for wound healing and
tissue repair.
7. A patient with COPD should be instructed to:
A. Use a high-flow oxygen mask at all times
B. Avoid pursed-lip breathing
C. Practice diaphragmatic breathing
D. Restrict fluid intake
Answer: C. Practice diaphragmatic breathing
Rationale: Diaphragmatic breathing helps improve ventilation and
reduce dyspnea in COPD patients.
8. Which lab value indicates anemia?
A. WBC 8,000/mm³
B. Hemoglobin 9 g/dL
C. Platelet count 200,000/mm³
D. Sodium 140 mmol/L
Answer: B. Hemoglobin 9 g/dL
Rationale: Normal hemoglobin is 12–16 g/dL for women and 14–18
g/dL for men; 9 g/dL indicates anemia.
, 9. Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention for a
patient with chest pain?
A. Assess pain and vital signs immediately
B. Encourage walking to reduce pain
C. Administer a high-calorie snack
D. Take a detailed family history
Answer: A. Assess pain and vital signs immediately
Rationale: Chest pain may indicate life-threatening cardiac conditions;
immediate assessment is crucial.
10. A patient with a newly placed urinary catheter should be
monitored for:
A. Skin breakdown at the catheter site
B. Respiratory rate changes
C. Blood sugar fluctuations
D. Vision changes
Answer: A. Skin breakdown at the catheter site
Rationale: Catheters increase the risk of infection and skin irritation;
monitoring for complications is essential.
11. Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly seen in patients
with heart failure?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Patients on diuretics for heart failure often develop
hypokalemia.
5th Edition Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Instant Download Pdf
1. Which of the following is the most important principle of infection
control in nursing?
A. Using antibiotics prophylactically
B. Hand hygiene
C. Wearing sterile gloves for all patient contact
D. Avoiding patient contact
Answer: B. Hand hygiene
Rationale: Hand hygiene is the single most effective measure to prevent
the spread of infection in healthcare settings.
2. A patient with chronic kidney disease is scheduled for dialysis.
Which electrolyte imbalance is most critical to monitor?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Magnesium
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Hyperkalemia is life-threatening and can cause cardiac
arrhythmias in patients with kidney failure.
3. The nurse is caring for a patient with type 2 diabetes. Which
instruction is most important regarding foot care?
A. Wash feet daily with warm water and soap, inspect for injuries
, B. Wear sandals to allow feet to breathe
C. Soak feet daily in hot water
D. Use sharp instruments to remove calluses
Answer: A. Wash feet daily with warm water and soap, inspect for
injuries
Rationale: Daily inspection and hygiene prevent infections and
complications such as ulcers and gangrene.
4. A patient reports shortness of breath and wheezing. Which
condition is most likely?
A. Pneumonia
B. Asthma
C. Pulmonary embolism
D. Myocardial infarction
Answer: B. Asthma
Rationale: Wheezing is a hallmark symptom of asthma due to airway
constriction.
5. Which of the following patients is at highest risk for pressure
injuries?
A. Young adult with broken arm
B. Elderly patient with limited mobility
C. Middle-aged patient with mild dehydration
D. Adult with mild anemia
Answer: B. Elderly patient with limited mobility
Rationale: Pressure injuries develop due to prolonged pressure,
especially in immobile and older adults.
, 6. The nurse is teaching a patient about proper nutrition after
surgery. Which statement is correct?
A. Avoid protein-rich foods
B. Eat high-calorie, high-protein meals
C. Limit fluid intake to reduce swelling
D. Focus solely on carbohydrates
Answer: B. Eat high-calorie, high-protein meals
Rationale: Protein and calories are essential for wound healing and
tissue repair.
7. A patient with COPD should be instructed to:
A. Use a high-flow oxygen mask at all times
B. Avoid pursed-lip breathing
C. Practice diaphragmatic breathing
D. Restrict fluid intake
Answer: C. Practice diaphragmatic breathing
Rationale: Diaphragmatic breathing helps improve ventilation and
reduce dyspnea in COPD patients.
8. Which lab value indicates anemia?
A. WBC 8,000/mm³
B. Hemoglobin 9 g/dL
C. Platelet count 200,000/mm³
D. Sodium 140 mmol/L
Answer: B. Hemoglobin 9 g/dL
Rationale: Normal hemoglobin is 12–16 g/dL for women and 14–18
g/dL for men; 9 g/dL indicates anemia.
, 9. Which of the following is a priority nursing intervention for a
patient with chest pain?
A. Assess pain and vital signs immediately
B. Encourage walking to reduce pain
C. Administer a high-calorie snack
D. Take a detailed family history
Answer: A. Assess pain and vital signs immediately
Rationale: Chest pain may indicate life-threatening cardiac conditions;
immediate assessment is crucial.
10. A patient with a newly placed urinary catheter should be
monitored for:
A. Skin breakdown at the catheter site
B. Respiratory rate changes
C. Blood sugar fluctuations
D. Vision changes
Answer: A. Skin breakdown at the catheter site
Rationale: Catheters increase the risk of infection and skin irritation;
monitoring for complications is essential.
11. Which electrolyte imbalance is commonly seen in patients
with heart failure?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypocalcemia
Answer: B. Hypokalemia
Rationale: Patients on diuretics for heart failure often develop
hypokalemia.
