Surgical Nursing, 11th Edition Exam
Questions and Answers (Latest Update
2026)
The nurse teaches a 28-year-old man newly diagnosed with
hypertension about lifestyle modifications to reduce his blood
pressure. Which statement by the patient requires an intervention
by the nurse?
A "I will avoid adding salt to my food during or after cooking."
B "If I lose weight, I might not need to continue taking
medications."
C "I can lower my blood pressure by switching to smokeless
tobacco."
D "Diet changes can be as effective as taking blood pressure
medications." -
correct answer ✅C "I can lower my blood pressure by switching to
smokeless tobacco."
Nicotine contained in tobacco products (smoking and chew) cause
vasoconstriction and increase blood pressure. Persons with
hypertension should restrict sodium to 1500 mg/day by avoiding
foods high in sodium and not adding salt in preparation of food or
at meals. Weight loss can decrease blood pressure between 5 to 20
mm Hg. Following dietary recommendations (such as the DASH
,Lewis Chapter 32: Hypertension/Medical-
Surgical Nursing, 11th Edition Exam
Questions and Answers (Latest Update
2026)
diet) lowers blood pressure, and these decreases compare with
those achieved with blood pressure-lowering medication.
The nurse supervises an unlicensed assistant personnel (UAP) who
is taking the blood pressure of 58-year-old female patient admitted
with heart failure. The patient is obese. The nurse should intervene
if what is observed?
A The UAP waits 2 minutes after position changes to take
orthostatic pressures.
B The UAP deflates the blood pressure cuff at a rate of 8 to 10 mm
Hg per second.
C The UAP takes the blood pressure with the patient's arm at the
level of the heart.
D The UAP takes a forearm blood pressure because the largest cuff
will not fit the patient's upper arm. -
correct answer ✅B The UAP deflates the blood pressure cuff at a
rate of 8 to 10 mm Hg per second.
The cuff should be deflated at a rate of 2 to 3 mm Hg per second.
The arm should be supported at the level of the heart for accurate
blood pressure measurements. If the maximum size blood pressure
,Lewis Chapter 32: Hypertension/Medical-
Surgical Nursing, 11th Edition Exam
Questions and Answers (Latest Update
2026)
cuff does not fit the upper arm, the forearm may be used.
Orthostatic blood pressures should be taken within 1 to 2 minutes
of repositioning the patient.
A 44-year-old man is diagnosed with hypertension and receives a
prescription for benazepril (Lotensin). After the nurse teaches him
about the medication, which statement by the patient indicates his
correct understanding?
A "If I take this medication, I will not need to follow a special diet."
B "It is normal to have some swelling in my face while taking this
medication."
C "I will need to eat foods such as bananas and potatoes that are
high in potassium."
D "If I develop a dry cough while taking this medication, I should
notify my doctor." -
correct answer ✅D "If I develop a dry cough while taking this
medication, I should notify my doctor."
Benazepril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. The
medication inhibits breakdown of bradykinin, which may cause a
dry, hacking cough. Other adverse effects include hyperkalemia.
, Lewis Chapter 32: Hypertension/Medical-
Surgical Nursing, 11th Edition Exam
Questions and Answers (Latest Update
2026)
Swelling in the face could indicate angioedema and should be
reported immediately to the prescriber. Patients taking drug
therapy for hypertension should also attempt lifestyle modifications
to lower blood pressure such as a reduced-sodium diet.
A 67-year-old woman with a history of coronary artery disease and
prior myocardial infarction is admitted to the emergency
department with a blood pressure of 234/148 mm Hg and started
on IV nitroprusside (Nitropress). What should the nurse determine
as an appropriate goal for the first hour of treatment?
A Mean arterial pressure lower than 70 mm Hg
B Mean arterial pressure no more than 120 mm Hg
C Mean arterial pressure no lower than 133 mm Hg
D Mean arterial pressure between 70 and 110 mm Hg -
correct answer ✅C Mean arterial pressure no lower than 133 mm
Hg
The initial treatment goal is to decrease mean arterial pressure by
no more than 25% within minutes to 1 hour. If the patient is stable,
the goal for BP is 160/100 to 110 mm Hg over the next 2 to 6 hours.
Lowering the blood pressure too much may decrease cerebral,