NU155 Exam 2 Medical-Surgical Nursing I
Questions and Answers
Content
Fluid & Electrolyte Balance
Post-Operative & Surgical Care
Respiratory & Oxygenation
IV Therapy & Transfusions
GI & Nutrition
Cardiovascular
Endocrine & Metabolic
Safety & Prevention
Prioritization & Critical Thinking
Fluid & Electrolyte Balance
Q1. A patient with fluid overload is admitted. Which interventions are most appropriate?
A. Encourage fluids
B. Restrict sodium
C. Monitor daily weight
D. Provide high-sodium snacks
Rationale: Sodium and fluid restriction plus daily weights help prevent worsening edema
and cardiac strain.
Q2. Which finding indicates hypokalemia?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Bradycardia
C. Tetany
D. Warm flushed skin
Rationale: Potassium deficiency causes neuromuscular weakness and cardiac rhythm
changes.
Q3. A patient with renal failure is most at risk for which imbalance?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
,C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyponatremia
Rationale: Kidneys cannot excrete potassium effectively, leading to hyperkalemia.
Post-Operative & Surgical Care
Q4. Which intervention prevents post-op pneumonia?
A. Bed rest
B. Incentive spirometry
C. Fluid restriction
D. Oxygen at 4 L/min
Rationale: Incentive spirometry promotes lung expansion and prevents atelectasis.
Q5. Which sign suggests wound infection?
A. Clear drainage
B. Redness and swelling
C. Dry incision
D. Decreased temperature
Rationale: Redness, swelling, and purulent drainage indicate infection.
Respiratory & Oxygenation
Q6. Which safety teaching is essential for oxygen therapy?
A. Use petroleum jelly on lips
B. No smoking near oxygen
C. Store tanks in closed cabinets
D. Increase flow rate as needed
Rationale: Oxygen supports combustion; smoking is a major hazard.
Q7. A COPD patient requires oxygen. Which delivery is safest?
A. 6 L/min via nasal cannula
, B. 1–2 L/min via nasal cannula
C. 10 L/min via mask
D. Room air only
Rationale: COPD patients need low-flow oxygen to avoid suppressing respiratory drive.
IV Therapy & Transfusions
Q8. Which finding indicates IV infiltration?
A. Warm, red vein
B. Cool, swollen site
C. Purulent drainage
D. Pain at insertion
Rationale: Infiltration causes cool swelling due to fluid leakage.
Q9. What is the nurse’s first action during a transfusion reaction?
A. Slow the infusion
B. Stop the transfusion
C. Give antihistamines
D. Flush with dextrose
Rationale: Stop transfusion immediately, maintain IV with saline, notify provider.
GI & Nutrition
Q10. Which foods increase gas in colostomy patients?
A. Rice, bananas
B. Cherries, radishes, watermelon
C. Yogurt, eggs
D. Chicken, potatoes
Rationale: Certain fruits/vegetables increase intestinal gas.
Q11. What is the priority in stoma care?
A. Sterile technique
Questions and Answers
Content
Fluid & Electrolyte Balance
Post-Operative & Surgical Care
Respiratory & Oxygenation
IV Therapy & Transfusions
GI & Nutrition
Cardiovascular
Endocrine & Metabolic
Safety & Prevention
Prioritization & Critical Thinking
Fluid & Electrolyte Balance
Q1. A patient with fluid overload is admitted. Which interventions are most appropriate?
A. Encourage fluids
B. Restrict sodium
C. Monitor daily weight
D. Provide high-sodium snacks
Rationale: Sodium and fluid restriction plus daily weights help prevent worsening edema
and cardiac strain.
Q2. Which finding indicates hypokalemia?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Bradycardia
C. Tetany
D. Warm flushed skin
Rationale: Potassium deficiency causes neuromuscular weakness and cardiac rhythm
changes.
Q3. A patient with renal failure is most at risk for which imbalance?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
,C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hyponatremia
Rationale: Kidneys cannot excrete potassium effectively, leading to hyperkalemia.
Post-Operative & Surgical Care
Q4. Which intervention prevents post-op pneumonia?
A. Bed rest
B. Incentive spirometry
C. Fluid restriction
D. Oxygen at 4 L/min
Rationale: Incentive spirometry promotes lung expansion and prevents atelectasis.
Q5. Which sign suggests wound infection?
A. Clear drainage
B. Redness and swelling
C. Dry incision
D. Decreased temperature
Rationale: Redness, swelling, and purulent drainage indicate infection.
Respiratory & Oxygenation
Q6. Which safety teaching is essential for oxygen therapy?
A. Use petroleum jelly on lips
B. No smoking near oxygen
C. Store tanks in closed cabinets
D. Increase flow rate as needed
Rationale: Oxygen supports combustion; smoking is a major hazard.
Q7. A COPD patient requires oxygen. Which delivery is safest?
A. 6 L/min via nasal cannula
, B. 1–2 L/min via nasal cannula
C. 10 L/min via mask
D. Room air only
Rationale: COPD patients need low-flow oxygen to avoid suppressing respiratory drive.
IV Therapy & Transfusions
Q8. Which finding indicates IV infiltration?
A. Warm, red vein
B. Cool, swollen site
C. Purulent drainage
D. Pain at insertion
Rationale: Infiltration causes cool swelling due to fluid leakage.
Q9. What is the nurse’s first action during a transfusion reaction?
A. Slow the infusion
B. Stop the transfusion
C. Give antihistamines
D. Flush with dextrose
Rationale: Stop transfusion immediately, maintain IV with saline, notify provider.
GI & Nutrition
Q10. Which foods increase gas in colostomy patients?
A. Rice, bananas
B. Cherries, radishes, watermelon
C. Yogurt, eggs
D. Chicken, potatoes
Rationale: Certain fruits/vegetables increase intestinal gas.
Q11. What is the priority in stoma care?
A. Sterile technique
