RN exams medical-surgical practice questions, set 25

RN exams · medical-surgical

RN exams medical-surgical practice questions set 25

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 patient presents with chest pain that occurs during emotional stress and resolves spontaneously. An electrocardiogram (ECG) may show transient ST-segment elevation. Which cardiovascular disorder is most likely responsible for these symptoms?

  1. A. Stable angina
  2. B. Unstable angina
  3. C. Acute myocardial infarction
  4. D. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Takotsubo cardiomyopathy

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or broken heart syndrome, presents with symptoms similar to acute coronary syndrome, such as chest pain and ECG changes. In Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, chest pain typically occurs during emotional stress and resolves spontaneously, similar to the scenario described in the question. The ECG may show transient ST-segment elevation. This condition is characterized by a reversible left ventricular dysfunction that can mimic a myocardial infarction. Unlike stable angina (Choice A) and unstable angina (Choice B), Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is not related to coronary artery disease. Acute myocardial infarction (Choice C) typically presents with persistent ST-segment elevation on ECG and is caused by atherosclerotic plaque rupture leading to myocardial infarction, which is not consistent with the transient ST-segment elevation seen in

Question 2

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
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — decreased size of rete ridges

Aging skin's fragility stems from structural shifts, with 'decreased size of rete ridges' best explaining skin tear risk. Rete ridges epidermal-dermal junctions flatten with age e.g., from 0.2 mm to 0.1 mm reducing adhesion, per Baranoski and Ayello (2004), so minor shear (e.g., tape removal) tears skin. , 'increased epidermal migration,' is false; it slows e.g., healing drops 50% not aiding tears. , 'increased sebum,' reverses; secretion falls e.g., 20% less oil drying skin but not tearing it. , 'decreased dermal thickness,' thins skin e.g., 0.5 mm over tibia vs. 1 mm young but pressure ulcers, not tears, rise here. An 80-year-old's paper-thin arm e.g., 70% tear incidence shows rete ridge loss trumps thickness for tears, a nurse's assessment key in geriatrics. Unlike pressure risk over bones, tears exploit epidermal detachment, per *Wound Care Essentials*, making the precise, primary cause.

Question 3

A nurse is evaluating a client's progress after receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for a chronic venous ulcer. Which outcome indicates that HBOT has been effective?

  1. A. The client reports reduced pain in the affected leg
  2. B. The client has increased oxygen saturation in the blood
  3. C. The client has decreased edema in the affected leg
  4. D. The client has increased granulation tissue in the ulcer
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — The client has increased granulation tissue in the ulcer

Increased granulation tissue in the ulcer is the correct outcome indicating hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) effectiveness for a chronic venous ulcer. HBOT delivers high-pressure oxygen to enhance tissue oxygenation, stimulating angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and fibroblast activity, which directly boost granulation tissue formation a hallmark of healing. Reduced pain may occur but isn't specific to HBOT, as analgesics or other factors could contribute, and pain isn't a reliable healing metric. Increased blood oxygen saturation reflects systemic levels, not local tissue oxygenation, which HBOT targets, making it less relevant. Decreased edema could result from compression or elevation, not uniquely HBOT, and isn't a direct healing indicator. Granulation tissue growth ties directly to HBOT's mechanism, providing clear evidence of improved wound bed vitality and progression toward closure.

Question 4

To families and individual in the community, which is the MOST important goal of health education?

  1. A. To study their life history
  2. B. To identify their weeknesses
  3. C. To totally change their lifestyle
  4. D. To motivate them to develop skills and literacy in healtth
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — To motivate them to develop skills and literacy in healtth

The correct answer is D because health education aims to empower individuals and families to develop skills and literacy in health. This enables them to make informed decisions and take control of their health. By improving their health literacy, they can better understand health information and navigate the healthcare system effectively. This goal aligns with promoting health behavior change and long-term wellness. A: Studying life history is not a primary goal of health education and does not directly contribute to improving health outcomes. B: Identifying weaknesses may be a part of health assessment, but the main goal is to empower individuals with skills and knowledge to improve their health. C: While lifestyle changes may be necessary for better health, the goal of health education is to provide individuals with the tools to make these changes, not to impose drastic transformations.

Question 5

A woman in active labor is experiencing a shoulder dystocia during delivery. What nursing intervention should be prioritized?

  1. A. Apply suprapubic pressure to dislodge the shoulder.
  2. B. Perform an episiotomy to facilitate delivery.
  3. C. Insert an oropharyngeal airway to maintain airway patency.
  4. D. Administer intravenous magnesium sulfate for uterine relaxation.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Apply suprapubic pressure to dislodge the shoulder.

Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency where one of the baby's shoulders becomes impacted behind the mother's pubic bone after the head delivers. This can lead to compression of the umbilical cord and compromise fetal oxygenation. The most critical nursing intervention in managing shoulder dystocia is applying suprapubic pressure to dislodge the impacted shoulder and allow for delivery of the baby. By gently pushing downwards on the mother's abdomen just above the pubic bone, the shoulder can be released, and the baby can be delivered successfully. This intervention should be prioritized to prevent potential complications for both the mother and the baby. Episiotomy may be considered if necessary, but it is secondary to addressing the shoulder dystocia. Oropharyngeal airway insertion and administering magnesium sulfate are not indicated in the immediate management of shoulder dystocia.

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Question 6

When a bird is transferred from 30ºC to 10ºC, its body temperature-

  1. A. Is maintained at original level due to increased dissipation of heat
  2. B. Declines due to increased dissipation of heat
  3. C. Rises above normal due to increased production and conservation of heat
  4. D. Remain at original constant level due to increased conservation and production of heat
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Question 7

A client with a surgical wound on the abdomen has a negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device attached to the wound. Which action should the nurse take when caring for this client?

  1. A. Change the dressing every 12 hours or as needed
  2. B. Irrigate the wound with normal saline before applying the dressing
  3. C. Ensure that the dressing is sealed and airtight around the wound
  4. D. Clamp the tubing when ambulating or repositioning the client
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Question 8

A postpartum client who experienced a vaginal delivery expresses concerns about resuming sexual activity. What information should the nurse provide to address the client's concerns?

  1. A. Discuss the potential use of barrier contraceptives for contraception.
  2. B. Educate the client about the normal changes in sexual desire and response.
  3. C. Recommend delaying sexual activity until the postpartum check-up.
  4. D. Encourage the client to use lubricants to alleviate discomfort.
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Question 9

What antibody mediates Type I hypersensitivity?

  1. A. IgA
  2. B. IgE
  3. C. IgG
  4. D. IgM
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Question 10

Identify the disease in which the person's immune system no longer recognizes its own tissues or organs.

  1. A. Allergies
  2. B. Immunodeficiencies
  3. C. Autoimmune diseases
  4. D. Delayed hypersensitivity
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Question 11

A nurse is preparing to assist with a bone marrow biopsy procedure for a patient. What action should the nurse prioritize to ensure patient comfort during the procedure?

  1. A. Administering intravenous sedation to the patient before the biopsy
  2. B. Providing distraction techniques such as music or relaxation exercises
  3. C. Applying a topical anesthetic cream to the biopsy site
  4. D. Allowing the patient to eat or drink up to one hour before the procedure
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Question 12

A patient expresses fear of needles before a scheduled blood draw. What is the nurse's best approach to address this fear?

  1. A. Dismiss the patient's fear and proceed with the blood draw.
  2. B. Provide the patient with information about relaxation techniques and distraction methods.
  3. C. Ignore the patient's fear and proceed with the blood draw quickly.
  4. D. Tell the patient that fear of needles is irrational and unfounded.
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Question 13

Which of the following early contributors to the development of immunology is paired up properly with his or her accomplishment?

  1. A. Louis Pasteur: demonstrated that cowpox vaccination can protect from smallpox
  2. B. Paul Ehrlich: identified lymphocytes as the cells mediating adaptive immunity
  3. C. MacFarlane Burnet: proposed the side-chain theory of antibodies which suggested that multiple antigen receptors are expressed on immune cells
  4. D. Robert Koch: developed techniques to grow pure bacterial cultures
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Question 14

Identify the disease in which the person's immune system no longer recognizes its own tissues or organs.

  1. A. Allergies
  2. B. Immunodeficiencies
  3. C. Autoimmune diseases
  4. D. Delayed hypersensitivity
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

Which of the following early contributors to the development of immunology is paired up properly with his or her accomplishment?

  1. A. Louis Pasteur: demonstrated that cowpox vaccination can protect from smallpox
  2. B. Paul Ehrlich: identified lymphocytes as the cells mediating adaptive immunity
  3. C. MacFarlane Burnet: proposed the side-chain theory of antibodies which suggested that multiple antigen receptors are expressed on immune cells
  4. D. Robert Koch: developed techniques to grow pure bacterial cultures
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

About these RN exams medical-surgical questions

RN exams medical-surgical practice questions, set 25 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 RN exams 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.

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