MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING CONCEPTS

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. The nurse is teaching a client about factors that can cause external otitis. Which of these factors would the nurse emphasize as the highest risk? a. Excess cerumen b. Swimming c. Sinus congestion d. Meniere disease ANS: B External otitis is often called “swimmer’s ear” because it is most often caused by swimming in lakes, ponds, and untreated pools. DIF: Remembering TOP: Integrated Process: Assessment KEY: Ear and hearing problems, Assessment MSC: ...

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. A client who is nearly blind is admitted to the hospital. What action by the nurse is most important? a. Allow the client to feel his or her way around. b. Let the client arrange objects on the bedside table. c. Orient the client to the room using a focal point. d. Speak loudly and slowing when talking to the client. ANS: C Using a focal point, orient the client to the room by giving descriptions of items as they relate to the focal point. Letting the client a...

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. After teaching a patient who is scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the nurse assesses the client’s understanding. Which statement indicates client understanding of the teaching? a. “I must increase my fluids because of the dye used for the MRI.” b. “My urine will be radioactive so I should not share a bathroom.” c. “My gag reflex will be tested before I can eat or drink anything.” d. “I can return to my usual activities immediately after...

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. A client has been admitted after sustaining a humerus fracture that occurred when picking up the family cat. What test result would the nurse correlate to this condition? a. Bence-Jones protein in urine b. Epstein-Barr virus: positive c. Hemoglobin: 18 mg/dL (180 mmol/L) d. Red blood cell count: 8.2 million/mcL (8.2 1012/L) ANS: A This client has possible multiple myeloma. A positive Bence-Jones protein finding would correlate with this condition. The Ep...

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. A nurse cares for a client with a spinal cord injury. With which interprofessional health team member would the nurse collaborate to assist the client with activities of daily living? a. Social worker b. Physical therapist c. Occupational therapist d. Case manager ANS: C The occupational therapist instructs the patient in the correct use of all adaptive equipment. In collaboration with the therapist, the nurse instructs family members or the caregiver about tr...

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. The nurse assesses a client who has a history of migraines. Which symptom would the nurse identify as an early sign of a migraine with aura? a. Vertigo b. Lethargy c. Visual disturbances d. Numbness of the tongue ANS: C Early warning of impending migraine with aura usually consists of visual changes, flashing lights, or diplopia. The other symptoms are not associated with an impending migraine with aura. DIF: Remembering TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing P...

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. A client is receiving norepinephrine for shock. What assessment finding best indicates a therapeutic effect from this drug? a. Alert and oriented, answering questions b. Client denies chest pain or chest pressure c. IV site without redness or swelling d. Urine output of 30 mL/hr for 2 hours ANS: A Normal cognitive function is a good indicator that the client is receiving the benefits of norepinephrine. The brain is very sensitive to changes in oxygenation and ...

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. What is the nurse’s priority when caring for a client who just completed a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy? a. Teach the client to avoid activity for 24 to 48 hours to prevent infection. b. Administer a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to promote comfort. c. Check the pressure dressing frequently for signs of excessive or active bleeding. d. Report the laboratory results to the primary health care provider. ANS: C The client having a bone marrow...

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. A client with coronary artery disease (CAD) asks the nurse about taking fish oil supplements. What response by the nurse is best? a. “Fish oil is contraindicated with most drugs for CAD.” b. “The best source is fish, but pills have benefits too.” c. “There is no evidence to support fish oil use with CAD.” d. “You can reverse CAD totally with diet and supplements.” ANS: B Omega-3 fatty acids have shown benefit in reducing lipid levels, in reduci...

MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. A nurse teaches a client who experiences occasional premature atrial contractions (PACs) accompanied by palpitations that resolve spontaneously without treatment. Which statement would the nurse include in this client’s teaching? a. “Minimize or abstain from caffeine.” b. “Lie on your side until the attack subsides.” c. “Use your oxygen when you experience PACs.” d. “Take amiodarone daily to prevent PACs.” ANS: A PACs usually have no hemodyna...