NCLEX-Style Test Bank
Chapter 1: Caring for Medical-Surgical
Patients
Unit 1: Medical-Surgical Nursing Settings
Based on: Medical-Surgical Nursing – Concepts and Practice
5th Edition by Holly K. Stromberg
✔ 50 Original NCLEX-Style Questions
✔ Detailed Rationales for Every Answer
✔ Based on 2025 NCLEX-PN® Test Plan
✔ Ideal for ATI, HESI, and Nursing School Prep
Released: 2025
, NCLEX Test Bank – Chapter 1: Caring for Medical-Surgical Patients | 50
Questions + Rationales | Stromberg 3rd & 5th Edition
1. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is preparing a patient for discharge. The patient says,
“I don’t understand these medications.” What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A. Ask the provider to change the medications
B. Provide medication teaching using simple language and assess understanding
C. Refer the patient to a pharmacist without further discussion
D. Document the concern and discharge the patient
Answer: B
Rationale: The LPN is responsible for reinforcing education. Providing clear instructions
and verifying understanding ensures safe discharge.
2. Which of the following statements reflects the nurse’s understanding of holistic care?
A. “We will only focus on managing your physical symptoms.”
B. “Your treatment is our only concern.”
C. “Can you tell me how your culture or beliefs affect your health decisions?”
D. “This hospital does not provide religious accommodations.”
Answer: C
Rationale: Holistic care includes consideration of cultural, emotional, and spiritual
needs, not just physical symptoms.
3. A patient tells the nurse, “I don’t want to be a burden on my family.” Which is the
most therapeutic response?
A. “Don’t worry about that; they love you.”
B. “You should stay positive.”
C. “Let’s talk about what kind of support you’ll need at home.”
D. “That’s not something to be concerned about.”
Answer: C
Rationale: This acknowledges the patient’s concern and initiates care planning focused
on their emotional and practical needs.
4. What is the primary purpose of the Nurse Practice Act (NPA)?
A. To certify health care facilities
B. To determine patient care hours per unit
C. To define legal scope of practice for nurses
D. To create national nursing licensure
2
, NCLEX Test Bank – Chapter 1: Caring for Medical-Surgical Patients | 50
Questions + Rationales | Stromberg 3rd & 5th Edition
Answer: C
Rationale: The NPA outlines what licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs) can
and cannot legally do in each state.
5. A low-income patient and without insurance asks the nurse about financial
assistance. Which option is the most appropriate?
A. Medicare Part A
B. Medicaid
C. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
D. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
Answer: B
Rationale: Medicaid is a federally and state-funded insurance program for individuals
and families with limited income.
6. A nurse is discussing cost containment strategies with a new staff member. Which
statement best explains Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs)?
A. “They increase the amount of reimbursement based on length of stay.”
B. “They allow unlimited billing for necessary services.”
C. “Hospitals receive a fixed payment per diagnosis regardless of actual care provided.”
D. “They only apply to private insurance plans.”
Answer: C
Rationale: DRGs are used to control costs by giving hospitals a predetermined
reimbursement amount based on diagnosis.
7. A patient enrolled in a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) needs to see a
cardiologist. What should the nurse explain?
A. “You can choose any specialist without approval.”
B. “A referral from your primary care provider is usually required.”
C. “You must pay the full amount for specialist visits.”
D. “HMO plans only cover emergency care.”
Answer: B
Rationale: HMOs require referrals for specialist visits to control costs and coordinate
care through primary providers.
3
Chapter 1: Caring for Medical-Surgical
Patients
Unit 1: Medical-Surgical Nursing Settings
Based on: Medical-Surgical Nursing – Concepts and Practice
5th Edition by Holly K. Stromberg
✔ 50 Original NCLEX-Style Questions
✔ Detailed Rationales for Every Answer
✔ Based on 2025 NCLEX-PN® Test Plan
✔ Ideal for ATI, HESI, and Nursing School Prep
Released: 2025
, NCLEX Test Bank – Chapter 1: Caring for Medical-Surgical Patients | 50
Questions + Rationales | Stromberg 3rd & 5th Edition
1. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) is preparing a patient for discharge. The patient says,
“I don’t understand these medications.” What is the most appropriate nursing action?
A. Ask the provider to change the medications
B. Provide medication teaching using simple language and assess understanding
C. Refer the patient to a pharmacist without further discussion
D. Document the concern and discharge the patient
Answer: B
Rationale: The LPN is responsible for reinforcing education. Providing clear instructions
and verifying understanding ensures safe discharge.
2. Which of the following statements reflects the nurse’s understanding of holistic care?
A. “We will only focus on managing your physical symptoms.”
B. “Your treatment is our only concern.”
C. “Can you tell me how your culture or beliefs affect your health decisions?”
D. “This hospital does not provide religious accommodations.”
Answer: C
Rationale: Holistic care includes consideration of cultural, emotional, and spiritual
needs, not just physical symptoms.
3. A patient tells the nurse, “I don’t want to be a burden on my family.” Which is the
most therapeutic response?
A. “Don’t worry about that; they love you.”
B. “You should stay positive.”
C. “Let’s talk about what kind of support you’ll need at home.”
D. “That’s not something to be concerned about.”
Answer: C
Rationale: This acknowledges the patient’s concern and initiates care planning focused
on their emotional and practical needs.
4. What is the primary purpose of the Nurse Practice Act (NPA)?
A. To certify health care facilities
B. To determine patient care hours per unit
C. To define legal scope of practice for nurses
D. To create national nursing licensure
2
, NCLEX Test Bank – Chapter 1: Caring for Medical-Surgical Patients | 50
Questions + Rationales | Stromberg 3rd & 5th Edition
Answer: C
Rationale: The NPA outlines what licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs) can
and cannot legally do in each state.
5. A low-income patient and without insurance asks the nurse about financial
assistance. Which option is the most appropriate?
A. Medicare Part A
B. Medicaid
C. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
D. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
Answer: B
Rationale: Medicaid is a federally and state-funded insurance program for individuals
and families with limited income.
6. A nurse is discussing cost containment strategies with a new staff member. Which
statement best explains Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs)?
A. “They increase the amount of reimbursement based on length of stay.”
B. “They allow unlimited billing for necessary services.”
C. “Hospitals receive a fixed payment per diagnosis regardless of actual care provided.”
D. “They only apply to private insurance plans.”
Answer: C
Rationale: DRGs are used to control costs by giving hospitals a predetermined
reimbursement amount based on diagnosis.
7. A patient enrolled in a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) needs to see a
cardiologist. What should the nurse explain?
A. “You can choose any specialist without approval.”
B. “A referral from your primary care provider is usually required.”
C. “You must pay the full amount for specialist visits.”
D. “HMO plans only cover emergency care.”
Answer: B
Rationale: HMOs require referrals for specialist visits to control costs and coordinate
care through primary providers.
3
