Medical Surgical Nursing Practice Questions

Medical Surgical Nursing Practice Questions Related

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A client presents with shortness of breath, pain in the lung area, and a recent history of starting birth control pills and smoking. Vital signs include a heart rate of 110/min, respiratory rate of 40/min, and blood pressure of 140/80 mm Hg. Arterial blood gases reveal pH 7.50, PaCO2 29 mm Hg, PaO2 60 mm Hg, HCO3 20 mEq/L, and SaO2 86%. What is the priority nursing intervention?

  • A. Prepare for mechanical ventilation.
  • B. Administer oxygen via face mask.
  • C. Prepare to administer a sedative.
  • D. Assess for indications of pulmonary embolism.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer oxygen via face mask. Given the client's symptoms and ABG results showing respiratory alkalosis and hypoxemia, the priority is to improve oxygenation. Administering oxygen via face mask will help increase the oxygenation levels and alleviate the hypoxemia. Mechanical ventilation (A) is not indicated as the client is able to maintain their own ventilation. Administering a sedative (C) is not appropriate without addressing the underlying respiratory issue. Assessing for pulmonary embolism (D) may be important but not the immediate priority in this case.

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A healthcare provider suspects anaphylaxis when caring for a client following the initial administration of an oral antibiotic. Which of the following should be the healthcare provider's priority intervention?

  • A. Insert an IV line
  • B. Count the respiratory rate
  • C. Administer oxygen
  • D. Prepare equipment for intubation
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Count the respiratory rate. This is the priority intervention because anaphylaxis can lead to severe respiratory distress due to airway swelling or bronchoconstriction. Counting the respiratory rate helps to quickly assess the client's breathing status and detect any signs of respiratory distress. Inserting an IV line (choice A) may be necessary for administering medications, but assessing the respiratory rate takes precedence. Administering oxygen (choice C) is important but should follow assessing the respiratory rate. Preparing equipment for intubation (choice D) is a later intervention if respiratory distress worsens.

What condition should the nurse anticipate that might occur during epidural and spinal anesthesia?

  • A. Spinal headache
  • B. Hypotension and bradycardia
  • C. Loss of consciousness and seizures
  • D. Downward extension of nerve block
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Epidural and spinal anesthesia commonly cause hypotension and bradycardia due to sympathetic blockade.

The most common cause of death in patients age 65 or older is:

  • A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • B. Breast cancer
  • C. Coronary artery disease
  • D. Alzheimer’s disease
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Coronary artery disease remains the leading cause of death in older adults due to its prevalence and associated complications such as heart attacks and heart failure.

A client has a newly inserted chest drainage system with a water seal. Which of the following actions should be taken?

  • A. Clamp the tube when the client is ambulating.
  • B. Keep the collection device below the level of the client's chest.
  • C. Carefully coil the tubes to prevent kinking.
  • D. Position the client flat to avoid leaks in the tubing.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Keep the collection device below the level of the client's chest. This is important to ensure proper drainage and prevent backflow or air from entering the pleural space. Placing the collection device below the chest allows gravity to assist in drainage. Clamping the tube while ambulating (choice A) can lead to increased pressure in the chest, risking complications. Coiling the tubes (choice C) may cause kinks, obstructing drainage. Positioning the client flat (choice D) can lead to leaks in the tubing due to elevated pressure.

Joan has osteoporosis. She has an increased risk for

  • A. Infection in the bone.
  • B. Peripheral blood clot formation.
  • C. Fracture formation.
  • D. Painful joint inflammation.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Osteoporosis weakens bones, increasing the risk of fractures.

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