NU142
Medical Surgical Nursing I
Final Exam Prep
(With Solutions)
2025
1
,Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
A patient with acute pancreatitis develops hypocalcemia. Which clinical
sign should the nurse monitor for?
a) Chvostek's sign
b) Cullen's sign
c) Murphy's sign
d) Brudzinski's sign
Answer: a) Chvostek's sign
Rationale: Chvostek's sign indicates neuromuscular excitability due to
hypocalcemia, common in acute pancreatitis because of fat
saponification.
In managing a client post-thyroidectomy, what is the nurse’s priority
assessment?
a) Respiratory distress
b) Blood pressure levels
c) Urinary output
d) Peripheral edema
Answer: a) Respiratory distress
Rationale: Post-thyroidectomy edema or hematoma can compromise the
airway, necessitating immediate assessment of respiratory status.
A patient with congestive heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which
electrolyte imbalance is most critical for the nurse to monitor?
a) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypokalemia
c) Hypernatremia
d) Hyponatremia
Answer: b) Hypokalemia
Rationale: Loop diuretics like furosemide cause potassium loss, risking
hypokalemia which can cause arrhythmias.
Which lab value is the most reliable indicator of renal function in a
patient with chronic kidney disease?
2
, a) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
b) Serum creatinine
c) Serum potassium
d) Urine specific gravity
Answer: b) Serum creatinine
Rationale: Serum creatinine reflects glomerular filtration rate more
accurately than BUN.
A client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis is admitted with worsening
muscle weakness. What medication administration timing is crucial to
improve muscle strength?
a) Before meals
b) After meals
c) Before bedtime
d) Midday
Answer: a) Before meals
Rationale: Anticholinesterase drugs should be given prior to eating to
improve swallowing muscle strength and prevent aspiration.
True/False Questions
True or False: In compartment syndrome, the nurse should elevate the
affected limb above heart level to reduce swelling.
Answer: False
Rationale: Elevating the limb above heart level can decrease arterial
perfusion; limb should be kept at heart level.
True or False: A low platelet count increases the risk of hemorrhage in
patients with hematologic disorders.
Answer: True
Rationale: Thrombocytopenia impairs clot formation, increasing bleeding
risk.
True or False: Postoperative patients should perform incentive
spirometry every two hours to prevent atelectasis.
Answer: True
3
Medical Surgical Nursing I
Final Exam Prep
(With Solutions)
2025
1
,Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
A patient with acute pancreatitis develops hypocalcemia. Which clinical
sign should the nurse monitor for?
a) Chvostek's sign
b) Cullen's sign
c) Murphy's sign
d) Brudzinski's sign
Answer: a) Chvostek's sign
Rationale: Chvostek's sign indicates neuromuscular excitability due to
hypocalcemia, common in acute pancreatitis because of fat
saponification.
In managing a client post-thyroidectomy, what is the nurse’s priority
assessment?
a) Respiratory distress
b) Blood pressure levels
c) Urinary output
d) Peripheral edema
Answer: a) Respiratory distress
Rationale: Post-thyroidectomy edema or hematoma can compromise the
airway, necessitating immediate assessment of respiratory status.
A patient with congestive heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which
electrolyte imbalance is most critical for the nurse to monitor?
a) Hyperkalemia
b) Hypokalemia
c) Hypernatremia
d) Hyponatremia
Answer: b) Hypokalemia
Rationale: Loop diuretics like furosemide cause potassium loss, risking
hypokalemia which can cause arrhythmias.
Which lab value is the most reliable indicator of renal function in a
patient with chronic kidney disease?
2
, a) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
b) Serum creatinine
c) Serum potassium
d) Urine specific gravity
Answer: b) Serum creatinine
Rationale: Serum creatinine reflects glomerular filtration rate more
accurately than BUN.
A client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis is admitted with worsening
muscle weakness. What medication administration timing is crucial to
improve muscle strength?
a) Before meals
b) After meals
c) Before bedtime
d) Midday
Answer: a) Before meals
Rationale: Anticholinesterase drugs should be given prior to eating to
improve swallowing muscle strength and prevent aspiration.
True/False Questions
True or False: In compartment syndrome, the nurse should elevate the
affected limb above heart level to reduce swelling.
Answer: False
Rationale: Elevating the limb above heart level can decrease arterial
perfusion; limb should be kept at heart level.
True or False: A low platelet count increases the risk of hemorrhage in
patients with hematologic disorders.
Answer: True
Rationale: Thrombocytopenia impairs clot formation, increasing bleeding
risk.
True or False: Postoperative patients should perform incentive
spirometry every two hours to prevent atelectasis.
Answer: True
3
