RN exams medical-surgical practice questions, set 36

RN exams · medical-surgical

RN exams medical-surgical practice questions set 36

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 54-yr-old woman who recently reached menopause and has a family history of osteoporosis is diagnosed with osteopenia following densitometry testing. In teaching the woman, the nurse explains that

  1. A. with a family history of osteoporosis, there is no way to prevent or slow bone resorption.
  2. B. estrogen replacement therapy must be started to prevent rapid progression to osteoporosis.
  3. C. continuous, low-dose corticosteroid treatment is effective in stopping the course of osteoporosis.
  4. D. calcium loss from bones can be slowed by increasing calcium intake and weight-bearing exercise.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — calcium loss from bones can be slowed by increasing calcium intake and weight-bearing exercise.

The correct answer is D. Increasing calcium intake and weight-bearing exercise can help slow calcium loss from bones, which is crucial in managing osteopenia and preventing progression to osteoporosis. Calcium is essential for bone health, and weight-bearing exercises help strengthen bones. A: Incorrect. Family history of osteoporosis does not mean it cannot be prevented or slowed down. Lifestyle modifications can help manage the condition. B: Incorrect. Estrogen replacement therapy is not the only option for managing osteopenia. It may have risks and benefits that should be discussed with a healthcare provider. C: Incorrect. Corticosteroid treatment is not typically recommended for osteopenia or osteoporosis management. It can have adverse effects on bone health.

Question 2

What is the priority action for a patient experiencing chest pain from acute coronary syndrome?

  1. A. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
  2. B. Administer aspirin
  3. C. Obtain IV access
  4. D. Check cardiac enzymes
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Administer sublingual nitroglycerin

The correct answer is to administer sublingual nitroglycerin. This medication helps to dilate the blood vessels, reduce the workload on the heart, and improve blood flow to the heart muscle, providing immediate relief for chest pain in acute coronary syndrome. Administering aspirin is also crucial in the early management of acute coronary syndrome to prevent further clot formation. However, in terms of immediate symptom relief, nitroglycerin takes precedence over aspirin. Obtaining IV access is important for administering medications and fluids but is not the priority over providing immediate relief for chest pain. Checking cardiac enzymes is essential for diagnosing acute coronary syndrome but is not the immediate priority when a patient is experiencing chest pain.

Question 3

An adult client is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of kidney stones. The healthcare provider prescribes IV fluids, x-rays, blood work, and a Foley catheter for the client. The nurse is caring for the client 3 days after admission and documents morning vital signs of 101°F, heart rate 92, respirations 25, and blood pressure 120/80. The urinary output has decreased, and the urine is cloudy and dark amber. Based on this data, which conclusion by the nurse is the most appropriate?

  1. A. The client has passed the kidney stones.
  2. B. The client is in acute renal failure.
  3. C. The client has developed a respiratory infection.
  4. D. The client has a probable urinary tract infection.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — The client has a probable urinary tract infection.

The correct answer is D: The client has a probable urinary tract infection. The rationale is as follows: 1. Cloudy and dark amber urine is indicative of possible infection in the urinary tract. 2. Decreased urinary output along with abnormal urine color suggests an issue with the urinary system. 3. Fever, elevated heart rate, and increased respiratory rate can indicate a systemic response to infection. 4. The combination of clinical findings points towards a urinary tract infection rather than kidney stones, renal failure, or respiratory infection. Summary: Options A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not align with the client's clinical presentation, which strongly suggests a urinary tract infection based on the combination of symptoms and signs observed.

Question 4

A patient presents with a displaced fracture of the distal radius and ulna after a fall. What is the preferred initial treatment for this injury?

  1. A. Closed reduction and splinting
  2. B. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)
  3. C. Closed reduction and external fixation (CREF)
  4. D. Cast immobilization without reduction
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Closed reduction and splinting

In the case of a displaced fracture of the distal radius and ulna, the preferred initial treatment is typically closed reduction and splinting. Closed reduction involves manually realigning the fractured bones without the need for surgery. Splinting is then utilized to immobilize the wrist and forearm to allow for proper healing of the fracture. This approach is often effective in realigning the bones and stabilizing the injury, allowing for adequate healing without the need for more invasive interventions like surgery. Following the initial management with closed reduction and splinting, the patient's progress will be monitored, and further interventions may be considered based on the specific characteristics of the fracture and the patient's response to treatment.

Question 5

Which assessment findings is INDICATIVE of the diagnosis of hypertension?

  1. A. Family members with high blood pressure
  2. B. Elevation of blood cholesterol level
  3. C. Stressful work environment
  4. D. Consistent evaluation of blood pressure
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Consistent evaluation of blood pressure

The assessment finding that is indicative of the diagnosis of hypertension is consistent evaluation of blood pressure. Hypertension is diagnosed based on repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Consistently high blood pressure readings, usually defined as systolic blood pressure consistently at or above 140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure consistently at or above 90 mmHg, are a key factor in diagnosing hypertension. Family history of high blood pressure (Choice A), elevation of blood cholesterol level (Choice B), and a stressful work environment (Choice C) may be risk factors for hypertension but are not diagnostic criteria. In order to diagnose hypertension, healthcare providers rely on consistent measurement and evaluation of blood pressure over time.

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Question 6

As a nurse, which of the following are the critical factors for successful integration of loss during the grieving process?

  1. A. The patient 's predictable and steady movement form one stage of the process to the next
  2. B. Accurate assessment and intervention by the nurse or helping person
  3. C. The nurse trustworthiness and healthy attitude about grief
  4. D. The patient's adequate perception, adequate support, and adequate coping
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Question 7

In comparison with the term infant, the preterm infant has

  1. A. more subcutaneous fat.
  2. B. well-developed flexor muNscleRs. I G
  3. C. few blood vessels visible through the skin.
  4. D. greater surface area in proportion to weight.
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Question 8

A nurse is caring for a patient with complex healthcare needs. What action by the nurse demonstrates effective care coordination?

  1. A. Working in isolation without consulting other healthcare providers
  2. B. Providing fragmented care without considering the patient's preferences
  3. C. Collaborating with interdisciplinary team members to develop a comprehensive care plan
  4. D. Focusing solely on completing tasks without addressing the patient's holistic needs
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Question 9

You are a Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center Nurse. During the assessment of a newly admitted Person Who Uses Drugs (PWUDs) named Korino, which of the following is the MOST APPROPRIATE question to ask?

  1. A. Ask Korino how long he thought that he could take drugs without someone finding it.
  2. B. Ask Korino why he started taking illegal drugs.
  3. C. Not ask any questions for fear Korino will deny and may become assaultive.
  4. D. Ask Korino about the amount of drug used and its effect and how long he had been using.
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Question 10

A patient presents with urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia. On physical examination, there is enlargement of the prostate gland with a smooth, firm consistency on digital rectal examination (DRE). Which of the following conditions is most likely?

  1. A. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
  2. B. Prostate cancer
  3. C. Prostatitis
  4. D. Urinary tract infection (UTI)
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Question 11

Which abnormality on the skin of an older patient is the priority to discuss immediately with the health care provider?

  1. A. Dry, scaly patches on the face
  2. B. Numerous varicosities on both legs
  3. C. Petechiae on the chest and abdomen
  4. D. Small dilated blood vessels on the face
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Question 12

What are the manifestations of increased intracranial pressure (IICP)?

  1. A. Restlessness, confusion, irritability
  2. B. Severe nausea and vomiting
  3. C. Elevated blood pressure and bradycardia
  4. D. Decreased heart rate and altered pupil response
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Question 13

What is a key concept of the evolutionary arms race between hosts and pathogens?

  1. A. Both evolve to outcompete the other
  2. B. Pathogens evolve faster due to slow host mutation rates
  3. C. Hosts rely on chemical barriers rather than evolution
  4. D. Pathogens only evolve when hosts fail to adapt
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Question 14

Superoxide dismutase is an enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of oxygen radicals to peroxides. Which groups of organisms do not have this enzyme?

  1. A. aerobes
  2. B. facultative anaerobes
  3. C. oxyduric anaerobes
  4. D. oxylabile anaerobes
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Question 15

The nurse is evaluating care provided to a client with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Which finding indicates care has been successful for this client?

  1. A. Heart rate 110 beats per minute
  2. B. Oxygen saturation level 86%
  3. C. Urine output 20 mL per hour
  4. D. No evidence of bleeding
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About these RN exams medical-surgical questions

RN exams medical-surgical practice questions, set 36 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.

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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.