TESTBANK FOR LEWIS MEDICAL SURGICAL
NURSING 12TH EDITION BY HARDING ( ALL
CHAPTERS 1-68) Latest Updated
Examination Study Guide 2024 TOP RATED
EXAM STUDY GUIDE FOR DEFINATE
SUCCESS A+
Medical-Surgical Nursing: Original Practice Questions (1–20)
1. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to occur in a patient with prolonged
vomiting?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hyponatremia
Answer: B. Hypokalemia
Explanation: Vomiting leads to loss of gastric fluids, which are rich in potassium, resulting in
hypokalemia.
2. A patient with chronic heart failure develops pulmonary edema. Which nursing
intervention is priority?
A. Encourage fluid intake
B. Administer diuretics as ordered
C. Encourage ambulation
D. Apply a heating pad to the chest
Answer: B. Administer diuretics as ordered
Explanation: Pulmonary edema is life-threatening; diuretics reduce fluid overload and improve
oxygenation.
3. Which symptom is an early sign of hypoxia?
A. Cyanosis
,B. Restlessness
C. Bradycardia
D. Hypotension
Answer: B. Restlessness
Explanation: Restlessness is an early neurological sign of hypoxia, while cyanosis appears
later.
4. A patient with type 1 diabetes reports fruity-smelling breath. Which condition is most
likely developing?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Diabetic ketoacidosis
C. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
D. Lactic acidosis
Answer: B. Diabetic ketoacidosis
Explanation: Fruity breath is caused by ketone accumulation, a hallmark of DKA.
5. Which lab value indicates a patient is at risk for bleeding?
A. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
B. Platelet count 50,000/µL
C. WBC 6,000/µL
D. Sodium 140 mmol/L
Answer: B. Platelet count 50,000/µL
Explanation: Normal platelet count is 150,000–400,000/µL; low platelets increase bleeding
risk.
6. A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which food should the nurse advise limiting?
A. Bananas
B. Leafy green vegetables
C. Chicken
D. Apples
Answer: B. Leafy green vegetables
Explanation: Foods high in vitamin K (like spinach) can reduce warfarin effectiveness.
, 7. What is the most appropriate nursing action for a patient with a new colostomy?
A. Clean the stoma with alcohol
B. Empty the pouch when it is one-third full
C. Apply adhesive pastes only at night
D. Change the pouch once a week regardless of fullness
Answer: B. Empty the pouch when it is one-third full
Explanation: Prevents leakage and skin irritation around the stoma.
8. Which vital sign change is most concerning in a patient receiving IV potassium?
A. HR 88 bpm
B. BP 120/80 mmHg
C. HR 120 bpm with peaked T waves
D. Respiratory rate 18/min
Answer: C. HR 120 bpm with peaked T waves
Explanation: Peaked T waves indicate hyperkalemia, which can cause life-threatening
arrhythmias.
9. A patient with COPD is using accessory muscles to breathe. What does this indicate?
A. Normal breathing
B. Respiratory distress
C. Anxiety only
D. Sleep apnea
Answer: B. Respiratory distress
Explanation: Use of accessory muscles shows increased work of breathing and potential
hypoxia.
10. Which intervention helps prevent pressure ulcers in immobile patients?
A. Elevate the head of the bed 90 degrees
B. Reposition every 2 hours
C. Apply lotion once a week
D. Restrict fluid intake
Answer: B. Reposition every 2 hours
Explanation: Frequent repositioning reduces pressure and prevents tissue breakdown.
NURSING 12TH EDITION BY HARDING ( ALL
CHAPTERS 1-68) Latest Updated
Examination Study Guide 2024 TOP RATED
EXAM STUDY GUIDE FOR DEFINATE
SUCCESS A+
Medical-Surgical Nursing: Original Practice Questions (1–20)
1. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely to occur in a patient with prolonged
vomiting?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hyponatremia
Answer: B. Hypokalemia
Explanation: Vomiting leads to loss of gastric fluids, which are rich in potassium, resulting in
hypokalemia.
2. A patient with chronic heart failure develops pulmonary edema. Which nursing
intervention is priority?
A. Encourage fluid intake
B. Administer diuretics as ordered
C. Encourage ambulation
D. Apply a heating pad to the chest
Answer: B. Administer diuretics as ordered
Explanation: Pulmonary edema is life-threatening; diuretics reduce fluid overload and improve
oxygenation.
3. Which symptom is an early sign of hypoxia?
A. Cyanosis
,B. Restlessness
C. Bradycardia
D. Hypotension
Answer: B. Restlessness
Explanation: Restlessness is an early neurological sign of hypoxia, while cyanosis appears
later.
4. A patient with type 1 diabetes reports fruity-smelling breath. Which condition is most
likely developing?
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Diabetic ketoacidosis
C. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state
D. Lactic acidosis
Answer: B. Diabetic ketoacidosis
Explanation: Fruity breath is caused by ketone accumulation, a hallmark of DKA.
5. Which lab value indicates a patient is at risk for bleeding?
A. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
B. Platelet count 50,000/µL
C. WBC 6,000/µL
D. Sodium 140 mmol/L
Answer: B. Platelet count 50,000/µL
Explanation: Normal platelet count is 150,000–400,000/µL; low platelets increase bleeding
risk.
6. A patient is prescribed warfarin. Which food should the nurse advise limiting?
A. Bananas
B. Leafy green vegetables
C. Chicken
D. Apples
Answer: B. Leafy green vegetables
Explanation: Foods high in vitamin K (like spinach) can reduce warfarin effectiveness.
, 7. What is the most appropriate nursing action for a patient with a new colostomy?
A. Clean the stoma with alcohol
B. Empty the pouch when it is one-third full
C. Apply adhesive pastes only at night
D. Change the pouch once a week regardless of fullness
Answer: B. Empty the pouch when it is one-third full
Explanation: Prevents leakage and skin irritation around the stoma.
8. Which vital sign change is most concerning in a patient receiving IV potassium?
A. HR 88 bpm
B. BP 120/80 mmHg
C. HR 120 bpm with peaked T waves
D. Respiratory rate 18/min
Answer: C. HR 120 bpm with peaked T waves
Explanation: Peaked T waves indicate hyperkalemia, which can cause life-threatening
arrhythmias.
9. A patient with COPD is using accessory muscles to breathe. What does this indicate?
A. Normal breathing
B. Respiratory distress
C. Anxiety only
D. Sleep apnea
Answer: B. Respiratory distress
Explanation: Use of accessory muscles shows increased work of breathing and potential
hypoxia.
10. Which intervention helps prevent pressure ulcers in immobile patients?
A. Elevate the head of the bed 90 degrees
B. Reposition every 2 hours
C. Apply lotion once a week
D. Restrict fluid intake
Answer: B. Reposition every 2 hours
Explanation: Frequent repositioning reduces pressure and prevents tissue breakdown.
