Sure! Here is a sample set of 20 multiple-choice questions for an introductory exam in Medical-Surgical Nursing I. These questions cover various foundational topics that are typically included in a medical-surgical nursing curriculum.
Sample Exam Questions
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Which of the following is the primary role of a medical-surgical nurse? A) Performing surgical procedures
B) Offering rehabilitation services
C) Providing care to patients with medical and surgical conditions
D) Conducting research studies -
What is the standard assessment tool used to evaluate a patient's pain level? A) Glasgow Coma Scale
B) Visual Analog Scale
C) Apgar Score
D) Braden Scale -
You are caring for a patient who is post-operative day 1 after an abdominal surgery. Which of the following assessments should you prioritize? A) Wound assessment
B) Electrolyte levels
C) Chest X-ray
D) Cognitive status -
Which of the following signs might indicate hypovolemic shock? A) Bradycardia
B) Hypertension
C) Tachycardia
D) Hyperglycemia -
The nurse is monitoring a patient who has undergone a total knee replacement. What is the most important assessment the nurse should perform? A) Assessing for deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
B) Monitoring blood glucose levels
C) Evaluating for allergic reactions
D) Determining the patient’s nutrition status -
What is the most appropriate nursing intervention to prevent postoperative complications such as pneumonia? A) Administer IV fluids
B) Encourage coughing and deep breathing
C) Limit patient ambulation
D) Provide bed rest -
A patient presents with chest pain and shortness of breath. Which initial action should the nurse take? A) Administer oxygen
B) Obtain a 12-lead ECG
C) Call a code
D) Start an IV line -
Which vital sign change is most commonly associated with pain? A) Decreased heart rate
B) Increased blood pressure
C) Decreased respiration
D) Hypotension -
Which lab value is most indicative of impaired kidney function? A) Sodium
B) Potassium
C) Creatinine
D) Calcium -
What is the purpose of using a sequential compression device (SCD) in postoperative patients? A) To promote pulmonary function
B) To prevent skin breakdown
C) To prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE)
D) To manage pain -
Which approach is most effective in managing a patient's anxiety before surgery? A) Providing minimal information to avoid overwhelming the patient
B) Engaging the patient in conversation about their concerns
C) Immediately administering anxiolytics
D) Encouraging family members to stay away -
The nurse is teaching a patient about dietary modifications after a cholecystectomy. Which statement indicates a correct understanding? A) "I can go back to eating fatty foods right away."
B) "I should avoid heavy meals for a few weeks."
C) "I need to increase my carbohydrate intake significantly."
D) "I should eat more fried foods for better digestion." -
What is the primary purpose of following evidence-based practice in nursing? A) To ensure that all clinicians follow the same protocol
B) To enhance patient care and outcomes
C) To reduce nursing staff
D) To speed up hospital procedures -
Which patient condition requires the nurse to take immediate action regarding airway management? A) Pneumonia
B) Asthma exacerbation
C) Anaphylaxis
D) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) -
The nurse is caring for a patient with a newly placed nasogastric tube. Which action should the nurse take first? A) Check the tube placement
B) Administer the ordered feeding
C) Assess the patient’s bowel sounds
D) Document the procedure -
A patient who has just been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus asks about meal planning. What is the best initial response by the nurse? A) "You can eat whatever you want, just take insulin."
B) "Let me refer you to a dietitian."
C) "You need to follow a strict low-carb diet."
D) "You can have sweets in moderation." -
Which assessment finding would a nurse expect in a patient with heart failure? A) Weight gain
B) Increased energy
C) Clear lung sounds
D) Decreased peripheral edema -
If a nurse suspects a patient has a surgical site infection, which of the following signs would be most indicative? A) Redness and swelling at the incision site
B) Dry skin around the wound
C) Mild itching near the incision
D) Cool temperature at the site -
What should a nurse do if she finds a patient unresponsive and not breathing? A) Call for help and check the patient's pulse
B) Start CPR immediately
C) Assess the patient's vital signs
D) Place the patient in the recovery position -
In which situation should the nurse utilize sterile technique? A) Changing a dressing on a clean surgical wound
B) Inserting a peripheral IV catheter
C) Bathing a patient with diabetes
D) Providing oral care to a patient
Answer Key
- C
- B
- A
- C
- A
- B
- A
- B
- C
- C
- B
- B
- B
- C
- A
- B
- A
- A
- B
- B
Feel free to modify any questions or add specific topics to fit your curriculum better!