Nursier
Register
Log in Register Register

RN exams medical-surgical practice questions, set 6

RN exams · medical-surgical

RN exams medical-surgical practice questions set 6

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

Which of the following is not a function of the integument?

  1. A. prevention of body dehydration
  2. B. synthesis of vitamin A
  3. C. regulation of body fluids
  4. D. regulation of body temperature
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: B — synthesis of vitamin A

The integumentary system, primarily the skin, performs several critical physiological roles. It prevents dehydration by acting as a barrier, thanks to the waterproof keratin in the epidermis, which limits water loss. It regulates body fluids indirectly through sweat production and prevents excessive fluid loss. Temperature regulation occurs via sweating and blood vessel dilation or constriction in the dermis. However, the skin does not synthesize vitamin A. Instead, it synthesizes vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light, using cholesterol precursors in the epidermis. Vitamin A, essential for skin health and vision, is obtained from the diet (e.g., through beta-carotene) and not produced by the integument. This distinction is key: while the skin processes certain vitamins, its synthetic capacity is limited to vitamin D, not A. Misattributing vitamin A synthesis to the skin overlooks its actual metabolic role and dietary dependency, making this the function it does not perform among the listed options.

Question 2

A woman in active labor is diagnosed with uterine rupture. What is the priority nursing action?

  1. A. Preparing for immediate cesarean section
  2. B. Administering intravenous oxytocin to augment contractions
  3. C. Assisting the mother into a hands-and-knees position
  4. D. Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Preparing for immediate cesarean section

The priority nursing action for a woman diagnosed with uterine rupture during labor is to prepare for immediate cesarean section. Uterine rupture is a serious obstetric emergency that can lead to severe maternal and fetal complications, including hemorrhage, fetal distress, and injury to both mother and baby. A cesarean section is necessary to deliver the baby promptly and address any potential complications, such as controlling bleeding and ensuring the safety of both the mother and the baby. Time is critical in these situations, and prompt surgical intervention is essential to optimize outcomes. Administering intravenous oxytocin or assisting the mother into a hands-and-knees position would not address the immediate risks associated with uterine rupture. Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is only necessary if the mother's condition deteriorates to the point of cardiac or respiratory arrest, which may occur as a result of significant hemorrhage or other complications associated with uterine

Question 3

When assessing a new patient at the outpatient clinic, the nurse notes dry, scaly skin; thin hair; and thick, brittle nails. What is the nurse’s most important action?

  1. A. Instruct the patient about the importance of nutrition for skin health.
  2. B. Make a referral to a podiatrist so that the nails can be safely trimmed.
  3. C. Consult with the health care provider about the need for further diagnostic testing.
  4. D. Teach the patient about using moisturizing creams and lotions to decrease dry skin.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Consult with the health care provider about the need for further diagnostic testing.

The correct answer is C: Consult with the health care provider about the need for further diagnostic testing. The nurse's most important action is to investigate the underlying cause of the patient's symptoms, as dry, scaly skin; thin hair; and thick, brittle nails can be indicative of various underlying health conditions such as thyroid disorders, nutritional deficiencies, or skin disorders. By consulting with the health care provider for further diagnostic testing, the nurse can determine the root cause of the symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Choice A is incorrect because while nutrition is important for skin health, the patient's symptoms may be indicative of a more serious underlying health issue that needs to be addressed first. Choice B is incorrect as referring to a podiatrist for nail trimming does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms. Choice D is incorrect as using moisturizing creams may provide temporary relief but does not address the root cause of the issue.

Question 4

The provider requests the nurse to start an infusion of an inotropic agent on a client. How should the nurse explain the action of these drugs to the client and spouse?

  1. A. It constricts vessels, improving blood flow.
  2. B. It dilates vessels, which lessens the work of the heart.
  3. C. It increases the force of the heart's contractions.
  4. D. It slows the heart rate down for better filling.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — It increases the force of the heart's contractions.

The correct answer is C: It increases the force of the heart's contractions. Inotropic agents are medications that enhance the strength of the heart's contractions, improving cardiac output. This explanation is accurate because inotropic agents work by increasing the contractility of the heart muscle, leading to stronger contractions and improved pumping ability. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: It constricts vessels, improving blood flow - This is incorrect because inotropic agents primarily affect the heart's contractility, not vascular constriction. B: It dilates vessels, which lessens the work of the heart - This is incorrect because inotropic agents do not primarily dilate vessels; their main action is on the heart's contractility. D: It slows the heart rate down for better filling - This is incorrect because inotropic agents do not slow down the heart rate; they increase the force of contractions. In summary, choice C is correct as inotropic agents increase the force of

Question 5

While performing the admission assessment of a new client, the nurse observed that the client brought a bottle of over-the-counter pain medication to the hospital. The nurse failed to document this or remove the medication from the room. Subsequently, the client experienced a serious adverse drug reaction as a result of the interaction between this drug and one of the drugs that the client was prescribed in the hospital. This nurse may be guilty of what?

  1. A. Malpractice
  2. B. Failure of duty to warn
  3. C. Assault
  4. D. Incompetence
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Malpractice

The correct answer is A: Malpractice. The nurse's failure to document and remove the over-the-counter medication, which led to a serious adverse drug reaction, constitutes malpractice. Malpractice refers to negligence or failure to provide the standard of care expected in a professional setting. In this case, the nurse's actions directly resulted in harm to the client, which is a clear example of malpractice. Incorrect Choices: B: Failure of duty to warn - This choice implies that the nurse had a duty to warn the client about the potential drug interaction, which may not necessarily be the case. The primary issue here is the nurse's failure to document and remove the medication, not a failure to warn. C: Assault - Assault involves intentional harm or threat of harm, which is not applicable in this scenario where the harm was due to negligence. D: Incompetence - While the nurse's actions may demonstrate incompetence, the more specific legal term for this situation would be malpractice, as it directly

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.

Start studying See pricing

Ten more RN exams 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

The nurse is preparing a patient to receive immunosuppressant drugs on an outpatient basis. What is the priority for the nurse to arrange for this patient in the home environment?

  1. A. A caregiver who is skilled in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
  2. B. A caregiver who will provide adequate nutrition
  3. C. Supportive care and comfort measures
  4. D. Arrange for a home care nurse to administer injections
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 7

The type of immunological protection provided by plasma therapy is

  1. A. Natural active
  2. B. Natural passive
  3. C. Artificial active
  4. D. Artificial passive
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 8

The type of immunological protection provided by plasma therapy is

  1. A. Natural active
  2. B. Natural passive
  3. C. Artificial active
  4. D. Artificial passive
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 9

Which of the following is a characteristic of qualitative research?

  1. A. Deductive process
  2. B. Fixed research design
  3. C. Control over the context
  4. D. Inductive process
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 10

A client with a history of type 1 diabetes Mellitus (DM) and asthma is readmitted to the unit for the third time in two months with a current fasting blood sugar (FBS) of 325mg/dl (18mmol/L SI). The client describes to the nurse not understanding why the blood glucose level continues to be out of control. Which interventions should the nurse implement?

  1. A. Have the client describe a typical day at work, home, and social activities
  2. B. Determine if the client is using a new insulin needle for each administration
  3. C. Evaluate the client's asthma medications that can elevate blood glucose
  4. D. Have the client demonstrate the technique used to monitor blood glucose levels
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 11

What is the benefit of inducing mild hypothermia to a post-arrest patient who has a return of spontaneous circulation?

  1. A. Hypothermia reduces the body's need for stored energy (sugar) to maintain homeostasis
  2. B. Hypothermia increases blood flow to the brain and heart while reducing blood flow to the peripheral tissues
  3. C. It reduces intracranial pressure, the cerebral metabolic rate, and the brain's demand for oxygen
  4. D. It reduces the amount of oxygen and blood circulation needed to supply the tissues of the periphery
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 12

A nurse is caring for a client who has undergone a skin graft to cover a burn injury on the right arm. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care to promote graft adherence?

  1. A. Elevate the right arm above the level of the heart
  2. B. Apply negative pressure wound therapy to the graft site
  3. C. Immobilize the right arm with a splint or sling
  4. D. Irrigate the graft site with normal saline twice daily
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 13

After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

  1. A. Patient with a repaired mandibular fracture who is complaining of facial pain
  2. B. Patient with an unrepaired intracapsular left hip fracture whose leg is externally rotated
  3. C. Patient with an unrepaired Colles’ fracture who has right wrist swelling and deformity
  4. D. Patient with repaired right femoral shaft fracture who is complaining of tightness in the calf
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 14

Therapy for autoimmune diseases does NOT include

  1. A. Immuno-suppressive drugs such as cortisone
  2. B. Aspirin
  3. C. Anti-TNF therapy
  4. D. Anti-CD20
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 15

In a 46-year-old female client admitted for acute renal failure secondary to diabetes and hypertension, which test is the best indicator of adequate glomerular filtration?

  1. A. Serum creatinine.
  2. B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
  3. C. Sedimentation rate.
  4. D. Urine specific gravity.
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 6 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.

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.

Start studying See pricing