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RN exams medical-surgical practice questions, set 40

RN exams · medical-surgical

RN exams medical-surgical practice questions set 40

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

The nurse is teaching a class on infection control. Which nursing measure is most appropriate in breaking a link in the chain of infection?

  1. A. Place contaminated linens in a paper bag.
  2. B. Use personal protective equipment (PPE).
  3. C. Cover one's cough by placing the mouth in the hand.
  4. D. Wear sterile gloves for client care.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Use personal protective equipment (PPE).

The correct answer is B: Use personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE helps prevent the spread of infectious agents by creating a barrier between the nurse and potentially infectious materials. By wearing PPE, the nurse can protect themselves and others from exposure to harmful pathogens, thus breaking the chain of infection. A: Placing contaminated linens in a paper bag does not directly address the prevention of transmission of infection. C: Covering a cough by placing the mouth in the hand is not an effective infection control measure as it can lead to the spread of germs through contact with surfaces. D: Wearing sterile gloves for client care is important but may not be the most appropriate measure to break the chain of infection in all situations.

Question 2

You should check the patient for suspect disturbed thought processes related to depressed metabolism and altered cardiovascular and respiratory status. What is the rationale for orienting the patient to time, place, date, and events?

  1. A. Shows improved cognitive functioning
  2. B. Provides reality orientation to patient
  3. C. Permits evaluation of effectiveness of treatment
  4. D. Let the patient identify the time, place, date, and events correctly
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — Provides reality orientation to patient

The correct answer is B: Provides reality orientation to patient. Orienting the patient to time, place, date, and events helps them stay connected to reality and improves their awareness of their surroundings. This is crucial in assessing their cognitive functioning and ensuring they are grounded in the present moment. By providing reality orientation, healthcare providers can better understand the patient's current mental state and address any potential confusion or disorientation. This approach aids in establishing a therapeutic environment and enhances the patient's overall well-being. Choices A, C, and D do not capture the essence of reality orientation and its significance in maintaining the patient's mental clarity and connection to the present moment.

Question 3

An infant delivered prematurely at 28 weeks' gestation weighs 1200 g. Based on this information the infant is classified as

  1. A. SG
  2. B. VLBW.
  3. C. ELBW.
  4. D. low birth weight at term.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — VLBW.

The correct answer is B: VLBW (Very Low Birth Weight). This classification is based on the infant weighing less than 1500 g at birth, which applies to this scenario as the infant weighs 1200 g. VLBW infants are at higher risk for complications due to their low weight and prematurity. A: SG (Small for Gestational Age) is incorrect because it refers to infants who are below the 10th percentile for weight at a specific gestational age, not based solely on weight. C: ELBW (Extremely Low Birth Weight) is incorrect as it typically refers to infants weighing less than 1000 g at birth, which is lower than the infant in this scenario. D: Low birth weight at term is incorrect as it does not accurately classify a premature infant like the one in the question.

Question 4

A client with nephrotic syndrome is being assessed by a nurse. For which clinical manifestations should the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.)

  1. A. Proteinuria
  2. B. Hypoalbuminemia
  3. C. Lipiduria
  4. D. All of the above
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — All of the above

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by glomerular damage, leading to proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine), hypoalbuminemia (low levels of albumin in the blood), and lipiduria (lipids in the urine). These manifestations are key indicators of nephrotic syndrome. Edema, often severe, is also common due to decreased plasma oncotic pressure from hypoalbuminemia. The correct answer is 'All of the above' because all three manifestations are associated with nephrotic syndrome. Dehydration is not a typical finding in nephrotic syndrome as it is more commonly associated with fluid retention and edema. Dysuria is a symptom of cystitis, not nephrotic syndrome. CVA tenderness is more indicative of inflammatory changes in the kidney rather than nephrotic syndrome.

Question 5

A postpartum client presents with persistent, severe abdominal pain, tenderness, and rigidity. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

  1. A. Administering analgesics for pain relief
  2. B. Assisting the client to a comfortable position
  3. C. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately
  4. D. Providing emotional support and reassurance
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Notifying the healthcare provider immediately

Persistent, severe abdominal pain, tenderness, and rigidity in a postpartum client can be indicative of serious conditions such as uterine rupture, hemorrhage, or infection, which require urgent medical attention. As a nurse, the priority action in this situation is to notify the healthcare provider immediately so that appropriate interventions can be initiated promptly to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. Administering analgesics or providing emotional support may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms and could potentially delay necessary medical treatment. Assisting the client to a comfortable position can be considered once the healthcare provider has been informed and appropriate assessments and interventions have been initiated.

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Ten more RN exams medical-surgical questions

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Question 6

Which enzyme catalyzes the following reaction? Gap 5' - G G-A-T-C-C—3' ⋮ ⋮ ⋮ ⋮ ⋮ 3' - C-C-T-A-G G—5' Gap 5' - G-G-A-T-C-C—3' ⋮ ⋮ ⋮ ⋮ ⋮ 3' - C-C-T-A-G-G—5'

  1. A. DNA ligase
  2. B. DNA endonuclease
  3. C. None of the options are correct
  4. D. DNA polymerase 1
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Question 7

A postpartum client exhibits signs of mastitis, including breast tenderness, erythema, and warmth. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

  1. A. Encouraging the client to continue breastfeeding
  2. B. Applying warm compresses to the affected breast
  3. C. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately
  4. D. Administering oral antibiotics as prescribed
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Question 8

The lectin and the classical pathway are similar because:

  1. A. The same component initiates the complement cascade
  2. B. The same enzyme cleaves C4 and C2
  3. C. They lead to the formation of the same C3 convertase
  4. D. They both involve recognition of an antigen/antibody complex as a trigger for complement activation
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Question 9

Which of the following statements are true regarding cystic hygromas?

  1. A. They arise from the carotid body lymph sac in the neck
  2. B. They consist of a unilocular cystic mass
  3. C. They are supremely transilluminable
  4. D. It is dangerous to treat them with injection of alcohol as a sclerosant
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Question 10

The lectin and the classical pathway are similar because:

  1. A. The same component initiates the complement cascade
  2. B. The same enzyme cleaves C4 and C2
  3. C. They lead to the formation of the same C3 convertase
  4. D. They both involve recognition of an antigen/antibody complex as a trigger for complement activation
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

The lectin and the classical pathway are similar because:

  1. A. The same component initiates the complement cascade
  2. B. The same enzyme cleaves C4 and C2
  3. C. They lead to the formation of the same C3 convertase
  4. D. They both involve recognition of an antigen/antibody complex as a trigger for complement activation
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 12

The nurse is caring for clients on the medical-surgical unit. What action by the nurse will help prevent a client from having a type II hypersensitivity reaction?

  1. A. Administering steroids for a positive TB test
  2. B. Correctly identifying the client prior to a blood transfusion
  3. C. Keeping the client free of the offending agent
  4. D. Providing a latex-free environment for the client
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Question 13

The highest concentration of merocrine sweat glands is found

  1. A. on the chest.
  2. B. on the palms of the hands.
  3. C. in the axillae.
  4. D. on the upper back.
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Question 14

The nurse is caring for clients on the medical-surgical unit. What action by the nurse will help prevent a client from having a type II hypersensitivity reaction?

  1. A. Administering steroids for a positive TB test
  2. B. Correctly identifying the client prior to a blood transfusion
  3. C. Keeping the client free of the offending agent
  4. D. Providing a latex-free environment for the client
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

What is the most common clinical manifestation of coronary artery disease?

  1. A. Chest pain
  2. B. Dyspnea
  3. C. Irritability
  4. D. Tachycardia
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About these RN exams medical-surgical questions

RN exams medical-surgical practice questions, set 40 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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