Nursing textbooks medical-surgical practice questions, set 7
Nursing textbooks · medical-surgical
Nursing textbooks medical-surgical practice questionsset 7
You practice adult health stems across systems, then name the action that changes the outcome. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the Nursing textbooks exam guide or more Nursing textbooks practice questions.
Five medical-surgical questions with answers
Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.
Question 1
A patient is ordered to receive neomycin as part of the treatment plan for hepatic coma. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to assess before administering this drug? Select all that apply.
A. Ability to swallow
B. Level of consciousness
C. Baseline vital signs
D. Pulmonary function
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Ability to swallow
During the early stages of hepatic coma, various changes in the level of consciousness may be seen. At times, the patient may appear lethargic and respond poorly to commands. Because of these changes in the level of consciousness, the patient may have difficulty swallowing, and a danger of aspiration is present. If the patient appears to have difficulty taking an oral drug, the nurse should withhold the drug and contact the primary health care provider. Baseline vital signs are important but are not the priority when the patient has hepatic coma. The drug does not affect the patient's respiratory function. There is no infection; therefore, there is no need for culture and sensitivity testing.
Question 2
A patient is ordered to receive neomycin as part of the treatment plan for hepatic coma. Which of the following would be most important for the nurse to assess before administering this drug? Select all that apply.
A. Ability to swallow
B. Level of consciousness
C. Baseline vital signs
D. Pulmonary function
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — Ability to swallow
During the early stages of hepatic coma, various changes in the level of consciousness may be seen. At times, the patient may appear lethargic and respond poorly to commands. Because of these changes in the level of consciousness, the patient may have difficulty swallowing, and a danger of aspiration is present. If the patient appears to have difficulty taking an oral drug, the nurse should withhold the drug and contact the primary health care provider. Baseline vital signs are important but are not the priority when the patient has hepatic coma. The drug does not affect the patient's respiratory function. There is no infection; therefore, there is no need for culture and sensitivity testing.
Question 3
A 32-year-old pregnant woman has been prescribed an IV infusion of oxytocin to induce labor. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate for the nurse to implement before starting the IV infusion of oxytocin for the client?
A. Ask the client to drink plenty of water
B. Obtain an obstetric and general health history
C. Examine for signs of water intoxication
D. Place the client in an upright position
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Obtain an obstetric and general health history
Before starting an IV infusion of oxytocin to induce labor, the nurse should obtain a complete obstetric history (e.g., parity, gravidity, previous obstetric problems, type of labor, stillbirths, abortions, live-birth infant abnormalities) and a general health history. Clients should not have water before labor, as the oxytocin may lead to water intoxication. The nurse should examine for any signs of water intoxication or fluid overload as a sign of an adverse reaction to the drug and need not assess this before administration of the medication. Placing the client in an upright position is advised when oxytocin is administered intranasally to facilitate the letdown of milk for breastfeeding.
Question 4
A patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a diagnosis of Barretts esophagus with minor cell changes. Which of the following principles should be integrated into the patients subsequent care?
A. The patient will require an upper endoscopy every 6 months to detect malignant changes.
B. Liver enzymes must be checked regularly, as H2 receptor antagonists may cause hepatic damage.
C. Small amounts of blood are likely to be present in the stools and are not cause for concern.
D. Antacids may be discontinued when symptoms of heartburn subside.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: A — The patient will require an upper endoscopy every 6 months to detect malignant changes.
In the patient with Barretts esophagus, the cells lining the lower esophagus have undergone change and are no longer squamous cells. The altered cells are considered precancerous and are a precursor to esophageal cancer. In order to facilitate early detection of malignant cells, an upper endoscopy is recommended every 6 months. H2 receptor antagonists are commonly prescribed for patients with GERD; however, monitoring of liver enzymes is not routine. Stools that contain evidence of frank bleeding or that are tarry are not expected and should be reported immediately. When antacids are prescribed for patients with GERD, they should be taken as ordered whether or not the patient is symptomatic.
Question 5
A client has had a kidney transplant performed for end-stage kidney disease. What type of immune response that T-cell lymphocytes perform is related to this type of surgery?
A. Activation of the complement system
B. Stimulation of colony-stimulating factors
C. A cell-mediated response
D. Naturally acquired active immunity
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: C — A cell-mediated response
A cell-mediated response occurs when T cells survey proteins in the body, actively analyze the surface features, and respond to those that differ from the host by directly attacking the invading antigen. An example of a cell-mediated response is one that occurs when an organ is transplanted. The complement system cooperates with antibodies to attract phagocytes and coat antigens to make them more recognizable for phagocytosis and stimulate inflammation and is not related to the surgery. Colony-stimulating factors prompt the bone marrow to produce, mature, and promote the functions of blood cells. Naturally acquired active immunity is a direct result of infection by a specific microorganism.
Keep going past these 15 questions
Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.
Ten more Nursing textbooks medical-surgical questions
Stems and choices stay public so you can still reason. Correct answers and full rationales unlock with the rest of the bank.
Question 6
A patient with stage II breast cancer tells the nurse, 'I need to decide about what type of surgery to have, but I feel so overwhelmed that I cannot make any decisions yet! What23 do you think I should do?' Which of the following responses by the nurse is best?
A. I would have a lumpectomy, but you need to decide what is best for you.
B. Tell me what you understand about the surgical options that are available.
C. It would not be appropriate for me to make the decision about your health.
D. There is no need to make a decision rapidly, you have time to think about this.
Correct answer:
This response indicates the nurse's willingness to assist the patient with the decision-making process without imposing the nurse's values or opinions. It is not appropriate to say that it is not the nurse's decision to make as this would close the conversation and indicates that the nurse is not willing to help the patient with the decision about treatment. Because treatment decisions for breast cancer do need to be made relatively quickly, it is not alright to tell the patient that the decision does not need to be made rapidly. Since the nurse's values and situation are not the same as the patient's, imposing the nurse's opinions during this emotionally vulnerable time is not appropriate.
You are caring for a 71-year-old patient who is 4 days postoperative for bilateral inguinal hernias. The patient has a history of congestive heart failure and peptic ulcer disease. The patient is highly reluctant to ambulate and will not drink fluids except for hot tea with her meals. The nurses aide reports to you that this patients vital signs are slightly elevated and that she has a nonproductive cough. When you assess the patient, you auscultate crackles at the base of the lungs. What would you suspect is wrong with your patient?
A. Pulmonary embolism
B. Hypervolemia
C. Hypostatic pulmonary congestion
D. Malignant hyperthermia
Correct answer:
Hypostatic pulmonary congestion, caused by a weakened cardiovascular system that permits stagnation of secretions at lung bases, may develop; this condition occurs most frequently in elderly patients who are not mobilized effectively. The symptoms are often vague, with perhaps a slight elevation of temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate, as well as a cough. Physical examination reveals dullness and crackles at the base of the lungs. If the condition progresses, then the outcome may be fatal. A pulmonary embolism does not have this presentation and hypervolemia is unlikely due to the patients low fluid intake. Malignant hyperthermia occurs concurrent with the administration of anesthetic.
A client who is mentally disabled is working at an adult activity center. The client is unable to live independently, and the family member they are living with can no longer assist with supervised care. What option for living arrangements would be ideal for this person?
A. Congregate housing
B. Boarding home
C. Long-term acute care facility
D. Acute care facility
Correct answer:
Boarding homes usually are small homes with individual rooms where residents pay for room and board and minimal nursing services. Residents often share rooms, have a common dining area for all meals, and also oversee employment for disabled adults and provide a stable environment for those who cannot live independently. Congregate housing provides independent living for seniors or disabled adults who need minimal to no assistance. Long-term care facilities are for clients who require long-term wound care or ventilator support or who have other conditions that are potentially unstable but do not have rapid changes. Acute care facilities are for those clients who are of high illness acuity.
A client is cutting vegetable for dinner and accidently cuts a finger. What response is desirable to destroy foreign agents such as microorganisms to prevent infection from developing in the finger?
A. A cell-mediated response
B. The release of antibodies
C. The release of memory cells
D. Passive immunity
Correct answer:
Antibodies are chemical substances that destroy foreign agents such as microorganisms, which decrease the risk of infection at the site. A cell-mediated response occurs when T cells survey proteins in the body, actively analyze the surface features, and respond to those that differ from the host by directly attacking the invading antigen such as an organ transplant. Memory cells convert to plasma cells on reexposure to a specific antigen. When activated, B cells accumulate in lymphoid tissues and result in swollen lymph nodes. Passive immunity develops when ready-made antibodies are given to a susceptible person. They provide immediate but short-lived protection from an invading antigen.
The nurse is assessing a 6-year-old child in the emergency department (ED) who was brought in by the parent. The child was stung by a bee and is allergic to bee venom. The child is now having trouble breathing, and is vasodilated, hypotensive, and has broken out in hives. What does the nurse suspect is wrong with this child?
A. The child is having an allergic reaction and going into cardiogenic shock.
B. The child is having an allergic reaction and going into anaphylactic shock.
C. The child is having an allergic reaction and going into neurogenic shock.
D. The child is having an allergic reaction and going into obstructive shock.
Correct answer:
Anaphylactic shock is a severe allergic reaction that follows exposure to a substance to which a person is extremely sensitive (see Ch. 34). Common allergic substances include bee venom, latex, fish, nuts, and penicillin. The body's immune response to the allergic substance causes mast cells in the connective tissues, bronchi, and gastrointestinal tract to release histamine and other chemicals. The results are vasodilatation, increased capillary permeability accompanied by swelling of the airway and subcutaneous tissues, hypotension, and hives or an itchy rash. Cardiogenic shock, neurogenic shock, and obstructive shock would not begin with vasodilation, swelling of the airway, and hives.
What is the most appropriate response when a patient says, 'This doesn't look like my usual pill'?
A. This is the same pill your doctor has been ordering.'
B. It must be from a different manufacturer.'
C. It looks different? Are you sure?'
D. Let me double check with your doctor and the order.'
Correct answer:
If the patient makes any statement about the drug, the nurse needs to hold the drug and investigate the patient's statement, double checking the chart and the order and obtaining clarification and/or confirmation from the prescriber. It may be that the dosage or manufacturer has changed and that is what makes the pill look different. It is always important to err on the side of caution. Telling the patient that the pill is the same or that it is from a different manufacturer may be true, but the nurse needs to confirm that before giving it to the patient. Repeating the patient's statement and then asking him if he is sure is inappropriate because it implies that the patient is incorrect.
Findings from a health history indicate that the patient takes daily supplements of the antioxidants beta carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E. This health practice reflects which of the following theories of biological aging?
A. Free radicals
B. Crosslinking
C. Somatic mutation
D. Telomere-telomerase depletion
Correct answer:
Free radicals are natural by-products of many normal cellular processes and are also created under the influence of environmental factors such as smog, tobacco smoke, and radiation. Numerous natural protective mechanisms are in place to prevent oxidative damage. Recent research has focused on the roles of various antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, in slowing down the oxidative process and, ultimately, the aging process. The somatic mutation theory focuses on spontaneous mutations. The crosslinking theory is based upon lipids, proteins, CHO, and nucleic acid reactions. The telomere-telomerase depletion theory focuses on the loss of telomeres, repeated sequences at the ends of DNA.
The LPN is following a plan of care for a client who is being treated for hypovolemic anemia and is at risk for hypovolemic shock. The nurse assesses vital signs and O2 saturation and observes the saturation at 89% for 3 minutes. What should the first action by the nurse be?
A. Notify the charge nurse.
B. Prepare to assist with intubation.
C. Give oxygen per nasal cannula
D. Place the client in the supine position.
Correct answer:
An expected outcome for the client with hypovolemic anemia is to monitor to detect hypoxemia and manage and minimize inadequate oxygenation. The oxygen saturation should be monitored to measure the percentage of oxygen bound to hemoglobin. The nurse should report a sustained oxygen saturation value below 90%. Give oxygen per nasal cannula or simple mask to maintain oxygen saturation at or above 90%. It is important to administer the oxygen first and then contact the charge nurse to alert them. It is not necessary at this time if the client is not in respiratory distress to intubate the client. Placing the client in the supine position would decrease the oxygen saturation level further.
The nurse is caring for a patient with a new diagnosis of pneumonia and explains to the patient that together they will plan the patient's care and set goals for discharge. The patient asks: 'How is that different from what the doctor does?' Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A. The role of the nurse is to administer medications and other treatments prescribed by your doctor.
B. The nurse's job is to help the doctor by collecting data and communicating when there are problems.
C. Nurses perform many of the procedures done by physicians, but nurses are here in the hospital for a longer time than doctors.
D. In addition to caring for you while you are sick, the nurses will assist you to develop an individualized plan to maintain your health.
Correct answer:
This response is consistent with the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) definition of nursing. Registered nurses are self-regulated health care professionals who work autonomously and in collaboration with others. RNs enable individuals, families, groups, communities and populations to achieve their optimal level of health. RNs coordinate health care, deliver direct services, and support patients in their self-care decisions and actions in situations of health, illness, injury, and disability in all stages of life. The other responses describe some of the dependent and collaborative functions of the nursing role but do not accurately describe the nurse's role in the health care system.
A nurse assesses a client recovering from coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Which assessment should the nurse complete to evaluate the client's activity violence?
A. Vital signs before, during, and after activity
B. Body image and self-care abilities
C. Vital signs use and self-care device devices
D. Clients electrocardiography readings
Correct answer:
To see whether a client is tolerating activity, vital signs are measured before, during, and after the activity. If the client is not tolerating activity, heart rate may increase more than 20 beats/min, blood pressure may increase more than 20 mmHg, or the client may experience symptoms indicating intolerance. Body image assessment is not necessary before basic activities are performed. Self-care abilities and ability to use assistive or adaptive devices are important when planning rehabilitation activities but do not provide essential information about activity tolerance. Electrocardiography is not typically used to monitor clients in a rehabilitation setting for activity tolerance.
About these Nursing textbooks medical-surgical questions
Nursing textbooks medical-surgical practice questions, set 7 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the Nursing textbooks exam guide.
The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.
Keep going past these 15 questions
Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.