Swift River Medical-Surgical Questions
and Answers Latest Version Already
Passed
What is the primary goal when caring for a patient with acute respiratory distress?
✔✔To provide adequate oxygenation and ventilation while addressing the underlying cause of
the distress.
How should a nurse respond if a patient is experiencing hypovolemic shock?
✔✔Administer IV fluids, monitor vital signs closely, and prepare for possible blood transfusion
if necessary.
What is a key consideration when managing a patient with a chest tube?
✔✔Ensure that the drainage system remains below the level of the chest to prevent backflow and
facilitate proper drainage.
What is the purpose of using a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) pump for pain management?
✔✔To allow the patient to administer their own pain medication in a controlled manner,
improving comfort and reducing the risk of overmedication.
1
,Why is it important to monitor urine output in patients with kidney disease?
✔✔Urine output is a key indicator of kidney function, hydration status, and the patient’s overall
fluid balance.
How should a nurse assess a patient's pain level effectively?
✔✔Use a standardized pain scale and ask the patient to describe the intensity, location, and
nature of the pain.
What is a common complication following abdominal surgery?
✔✔Infection, ileus (intestinal obstruction), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are common
complications that must be monitored closely.
How do you assess a patient's risk for developing a pressure ulcer?
✔✔Use a standardized risk assessment tool like the Braden Scale to evaluate sensory perception,
moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction.
What should the nurse do if a patient experiences a seizure?
✔✔Ensure patient safety by preventing injury, positioning the patient on their side, and
monitoring the duration and characteristics of the seizure.
2
,What are the signs of a transfusion reaction?
✔✔Fever, chills, hives, back pain, and difficulty breathing are common signs of a transfusion
reaction.
What is the priority intervention for a patient with a myocardial infarction (MI)?
✔✔Administer oxygen, pain relief (usually morphine), and prepare for possible thrombolytic
therapy or intervention.
Why is it important to monitor electrolytes in patients receiving diuretics?
✔✔Diuretics can cause imbalances in sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes, which can lead
to serious complications like arrhythmias.
What should the nurse assess before administering antihypertensive medications?
✔✔Check the patient's blood pressure to ensure it is not too low before administering the
medication.
What is the main concern when caring for a patient with a central venous catheter (CVC)?
3
, ✔✔Monitor for signs of infection and ensure the catheter is properly secured to prevent
accidental removal or dislodgment.
How can a nurse help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hospitalized patients?
✔✔Encourage early ambulation, use compression stockings, and administer anticoagulants as
prescribed.
What is an important consideration when administering antibiotics intravenously?
✔✔Monitor the patient for allergic reactions or adverse effects, such as phlebitis or anaphylaxis.
How should a nurse monitor a patient after administering a sedative?
✔✔Monitor the patient’s respiratory rate, level of consciousness, and vital signs for any signs of
sedation or respiratory depression.
What are common symptoms of an infection in a post-operative patient?
✔✔Fever, increased heart rate, redness, swelling, and discharge from the surgical site are
common symptoms of infection.
How can a nurse assess a patient's mental status?
4
and Answers Latest Version Already
Passed
What is the primary goal when caring for a patient with acute respiratory distress?
✔✔To provide adequate oxygenation and ventilation while addressing the underlying cause of
the distress.
How should a nurse respond if a patient is experiencing hypovolemic shock?
✔✔Administer IV fluids, monitor vital signs closely, and prepare for possible blood transfusion
if necessary.
What is a key consideration when managing a patient with a chest tube?
✔✔Ensure that the drainage system remains below the level of the chest to prevent backflow and
facilitate proper drainage.
What is the purpose of using a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) pump for pain management?
✔✔To allow the patient to administer their own pain medication in a controlled manner,
improving comfort and reducing the risk of overmedication.
1
,Why is it important to monitor urine output in patients with kidney disease?
✔✔Urine output is a key indicator of kidney function, hydration status, and the patient’s overall
fluid balance.
How should a nurse assess a patient's pain level effectively?
✔✔Use a standardized pain scale and ask the patient to describe the intensity, location, and
nature of the pain.
What is a common complication following abdominal surgery?
✔✔Infection, ileus (intestinal obstruction), and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) are common
complications that must be monitored closely.
How do you assess a patient's risk for developing a pressure ulcer?
✔✔Use a standardized risk assessment tool like the Braden Scale to evaluate sensory perception,
moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction.
What should the nurse do if a patient experiences a seizure?
✔✔Ensure patient safety by preventing injury, positioning the patient on their side, and
monitoring the duration and characteristics of the seizure.
2
,What are the signs of a transfusion reaction?
✔✔Fever, chills, hives, back pain, and difficulty breathing are common signs of a transfusion
reaction.
What is the priority intervention for a patient with a myocardial infarction (MI)?
✔✔Administer oxygen, pain relief (usually morphine), and prepare for possible thrombolytic
therapy or intervention.
Why is it important to monitor electrolytes in patients receiving diuretics?
✔✔Diuretics can cause imbalances in sodium, potassium, and other electrolytes, which can lead
to serious complications like arrhythmias.
What should the nurse assess before administering antihypertensive medications?
✔✔Check the patient's blood pressure to ensure it is not too low before administering the
medication.
What is the main concern when caring for a patient with a central venous catheter (CVC)?
3
, ✔✔Monitor for signs of infection and ensure the catheter is properly secured to prevent
accidental removal or dislodgment.
How can a nurse help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in hospitalized patients?
✔✔Encourage early ambulation, use compression stockings, and administer anticoagulants as
prescribed.
What is an important consideration when administering antibiotics intravenously?
✔✔Monitor the patient for allergic reactions or adverse effects, such as phlebitis or anaphylaxis.
How should a nurse monitor a patient after administering a sedative?
✔✔Monitor the patient’s respiratory rate, level of consciousness, and vital signs for any signs of
sedation or respiratory depression.
What are common symptoms of an infection in a post-operative patient?
✔✔Fever, increased heart rate, redness, swelling, and discharge from the surgical site are
common symptoms of infection.
How can a nurse assess a patient's mental status?
4
