RN exams medical-surgical practice questions, set 24

RN exams · medical-surgical

RN exams medical-surgical practice questions set 24

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 RN exams exam guide or more RN exams 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 factory line worker has repetitive strain syndrome in the left elbow. The nurse will plan to teach the patient about

  1. A. surgical options.
  2. B. elbow injections.
  3. C. wearing a left wrist splint.
  4. D. modifying arm movements.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — modifying arm movements.

Correct Answer: D - Modifying arm movements Rationale: Modifying arm movements is crucial in managing repetitive strain syndrome to prevent further damage and alleviate symptoms. This approach focuses on changing the way the worker performs tasks to reduce strain on the affected area. By teaching the patient how to adjust their movements, the nurse can help prevent exacerbation of symptoms and promote healing. Summary: A: Surgical options are not typically the first-line treatment for repetitive strain syndrome and are usually considered only when conservative measures have failed. B: Elbow injections may provide temporary relief but do not address the root cause of the issue, which is repetitive strain from improper movements. C: Wearing a left wrist splint may provide support but does not address the root cause of the issue, which is the strain on the elbow from repetitive movements.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a patient who is experiencing conflicting emotions about a recent diagnosis. What therapeutic communication technique should the nurse use to help the patient explore their feelings?

  1. A. Offering advice on coping strategies
  2. B. Providing reassurance and false hope
  3. C. Reflecting the patient's feelings and expressions
  4. D. Redirecting the conversation to a different topic
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Reflecting the patient's feelings and expressions

Reflecting the patient's feelings and expressions is a therapeutic communication technique that involves mirroring back the patient's emotions and thoughts. By doing this, the nurse validates the patient's experiences and helps them explore their feelings further. This technique can enhance the patient's self-awareness and promote emotional expression, leading to a deeper understanding of their conflicting emotions. Offering advice (Option A) may not be as effective because the focus should be on helping the patient process their own emotions. Providing reassurance and false hope (Option B) can hinder the patient's emotional exploration and may lead to trust issues if the reality does not align with the false reassurance. Redirecting the conversation to a different topic (Option D) avoids addressing the patient's conflicting emotions, which is crucial for therapeutic communication and support.

Question 3

A postpartum client who had an episiotomy expresses concern about the appearance and healing of the incision site. What nursing intervention should be prioritized to promote optimal wound healing?

  1. A. Encouraging frequent perineal hygiene with soap and water
  2. B. Applying antibiotic ointment to the incision site after each void
  3. C. Providing perineal care using peri-bottles with warm water
  4. D. Instructing the client on proper peri-pad application to the incision
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Providing perineal care using peri-bottles with warm water

The priority nursing intervention to promote optimal wound healing in a client who had an episiotomy is providing perineal care using peri-bottles with warm water. Warm water helps to cleanse the area, reduce the risk of infection, and promote circulation, which aids in wound healing. Peri-bottles are especially gentle and effective in cleaning the perineal area without causing trauma to the incision site. Encouraging frequent perineal hygiene with soap and water may be too harsh on the incision site and could lead to irritation. Applying antibiotic ointment after each void is not necessary unless prescribed by the healthcare provider, as overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance. Instructing the client on proper peri-pad application is important for comfort and cleanliness but is not as crucial as gentle perineal care using peri-bottles with warm water for promoting optimal wound healing.

Question 4

The nurse and the nursing assistive personnel are assisting a postoperative patient to turn in bed. To assist in minimizing discomfort, which instruction should the nurse provide to the patient?

  1. A. "Close your eyes and think about something pleasant."
  2. B. "Hold your breath and count to three."
  3. C. "Grab my shoulders with your hands."
  4. D. "Place your hand over your incision."
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — "Place your hand over your incision."

The correct answer is D: "Place your hand over your incision." This instruction is correct because it encourages the patient to provide support and gentle pressure to the incision area while turning, which can help reduce discomfort and provide a sense of security. This action can also prevent accidental disruption of the incision site. A: "Close your eyes and think about something pleasant." This choice does not provide any physical support or guidance for the patient during the turning process. B: "Hold your breath and count to three." This instruction is incorrect as holding one's breath can increase intra-abdominal pressure and potentially cause discomfort during the turning maneuver. C: "Grab my shoulders with your hands." This choice does not address the specific need to provide support to the incision area and may not be the most effective way to minimize discomfort during turning.

Question 5

Which of the following structures is not an accessory component of the skin?

  1. A. nail
  2. B. subcutaneous tissue
  3. C. hair
  4. D. mammary glands
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — subcutaneous tissue

Accessory components of the skin are structures derived from the epidermis, enhancing its function. Nails, formed from keratinized epidermal cells at the nail matrix, protect fingertips. Hair, also epidermal, grows from follicles, aiding sensation and insulation. Mammary glands, modified sweat glands of epidermal origin, produce milk and are considered integumentary appendages. Subcutaneous tissue (hypodermis), however, is not an accessory structure; it's a connective tissue layer beneath the dermis, composed of adipose and areolar tissue, anchoring skin to underlying structures and storing fat. While integral to the integumentary system, it's mesoderm-derived, not an epidermal appendage like nails, hair, or glands. Anatomical definitions classify accessory structures as epidermis-derived, excluding the hypodermis, which supports rather than extends skin function, clarifying its distinct role.

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Question 6

Which of the following structures is not an accessory component of the skin?

  1. A. nail
  2. B. subcutaneous tissue
  3. C. hair
  4. D. mammary glands
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Question 7

Which of the following structures is not an accessory component of the skin?

  1. A. nail
  2. B. subcutaneous tissue
  3. C. hair
  4. D. mammary glands
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Question 8

A patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) demonstrates a positive antinuclear antibody (ANA) test and elevated levels of anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibodies. Which of the following mechanisms is most likely responsible for the production of these autoantibodies?

  1. A. Loss of self-tolerance
  2. B. Failure of innate immunity
  3. C. Defective T cell activation
  4. D. Impaired phagocytosis
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Question 9

While assessing a client, a nurse detects a bluish tinge to the client's palms, soles, and mucous membranes. Which action should the nurse take next?

  1. A. Ask the client about current medications he or she is taking.
  2. B. Use pulse oximetry to assess the client's oxygen saturation.
  3. C. Auscultate the client's lung fields for adventitious sounds.
  4. D. Palpate the client's bilateral radial and pedal pulses.
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Question 10

The skin has __ layers, in addition to the subcutaneous tissue layer

  1. A. One
  2. B. Two
  3. C. Three
  4. D. Four
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Question 11

The pharmacology instructor is explaining interleukins to the class. What would be the best definition of interleukins?

  1. A. They are substances naturally produced and released by human cells that have been invaded by viruses.
  2. B. They block the inflammatory reaction and decrease initial damage to cells.
  3. C. They are chemicals used to communicate between leukocytes and stimulate immunity.
  4. D. They attach to specific receptor sites and respond to very specific situations.
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Question 12

A client is undergoing fluid replacement after being burned on 20% of her body 12 hours ago. The nursing assessment reveals a blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg, a pulse rate of 110 beats/minute, and a urine output of 20 mL over the past hour. The nurse reports the findings to the health care provider (HCP) and anticipates which prescription?

  1. A. Transfusing 1 unit of packed red blood cells
  2. B. Administering a diuretic to increase urine output
  3. C. Increasing the amount of intravenous (IV) lactated Ringer's solution administered per hour
  4. D. Changing the IV lactated Ringer's solution to one that contains 5% dextrose in water
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Question 13

What antibody mediates Type I hypersensitivity?

  1. A. IgA
  2. B. IgE
  3. C. IgG
  4. D. IgM
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Question 14

Which of the following changes in aging skin best explains why an elderly person is at increased risk for a skin tear injury?

  1. A. increased epidermal migration
  2. B. increased secretion of sebum
  3. C. decreased size of rete ridges
  4. D. decreased dermal thickness over bony prominences
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Question 15

A 49-year-old female client arrives at the clinic for an annual exam and asks the nurse why she becomes excessively diaphoretic and feels warm during nighttime. What is the nurse's best response?

  1. A. Explain the effects of follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones.
  2. B. Discuss perimenopause and related comfort measures.
  3. C. Assess lung fields and check for a cough productive of blood-tinged mucus.
  4. D. Inquire if a fever above 101°F (38.3°C) has occurred in the last 24 hours.
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About these RN exams medical-surgical questions

RN exams medical-surgical practice questions, set 24 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

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