BKAT Med-Surg Exam (2026/2027) –
Basic Knowledge Assessment Tool for
Medical-Surgical Nursing | Questions
with Verified Answers
1. A patient with chest pain radiating to the left arm most likely indicates:
A. Angina pectoris
B. Myocardial infarction
C. Pericarditis
D. Aortic aneurysm
Answer: B
Rationale: Classic MI pain radiates to the left arm or jaw.
2. Which ECG finding is associated with acute myocardial infarction?
A. Peaked T waves
B. ST-segment elevation
C. Prolonged PR interval
D. Flat P waves
Answer: B
Rationale: ST elevation indicates myocardial injury.
,3. A patient with heart failure should be monitored closely for:
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Pulmonary edema
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Dehydration
Answer: B
Rationale: Fluid overload leads to pulmonary congestion.
4. Which medication reduces preload in heart failure?
A. Digoxin
B. Furosemide
C. Metoprolol
D. Amiodarone
Answer: B
Rationale: Diuretics decrease circulating volume and preload.
5. A BP of 88/50 mmHg in a septic patient indicates:
A. Hypertension
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Hypotension
,D. Bradycardia
Answer: C
Rationale: Systolic BP <90 mmHg is hypotension.
6. Which lab value is most concerning in a patient on digoxin?
A. Sodium 140
B. Potassium 3.0
C. Calcium 9.2
D. Magnesium 2.0
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases digoxin toxicity risk.
7. The priority assessment in a patient with suspected cardiac tamponade is:
A. Lung sounds
B. Blood pressure
C. Jugular venous distention
D. Urine output
Answer: C
Rationale: JVD is part of Beck’s triad.
, 8. Which rhythm requires immediate defibrillation?
A. Atrial fibrillation
B. Ventricular fibrillation
C. Sinus tachycardia
D. First-degree AV block
Answer: B
Rationale: VF is a lethal rhythm.
9. A patient with CHF should be instructed to:
A. Increase sodium intake
B. Weigh daily
C. Drink unlimited fluids
D. Avoid exercise
Answer: B
Rationale: Daily weights detect fluid retention early.
10. Which sign indicates left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Hepatomegaly
C. Pulmonary crackles
D. Ascites
Basic Knowledge Assessment Tool for
Medical-Surgical Nursing | Questions
with Verified Answers
1. A patient with chest pain radiating to the left arm most likely indicates:
A. Angina pectoris
B. Myocardial infarction
C. Pericarditis
D. Aortic aneurysm
Answer: B
Rationale: Classic MI pain radiates to the left arm or jaw.
2. Which ECG finding is associated with acute myocardial infarction?
A. Peaked T waves
B. ST-segment elevation
C. Prolonged PR interval
D. Flat P waves
Answer: B
Rationale: ST elevation indicates myocardial injury.
,3. A patient with heart failure should be monitored closely for:
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Pulmonary edema
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Dehydration
Answer: B
Rationale: Fluid overload leads to pulmonary congestion.
4. Which medication reduces preload in heart failure?
A. Digoxin
B. Furosemide
C. Metoprolol
D. Amiodarone
Answer: B
Rationale: Diuretics decrease circulating volume and preload.
5. A BP of 88/50 mmHg in a septic patient indicates:
A. Hypertension
B. Cardiogenic shock
C. Hypotension
,D. Bradycardia
Answer: C
Rationale: Systolic BP <90 mmHg is hypotension.
6. Which lab value is most concerning in a patient on digoxin?
A. Sodium 140
B. Potassium 3.0
C. Calcium 9.2
D. Magnesium 2.0
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypokalemia increases digoxin toxicity risk.
7. The priority assessment in a patient with suspected cardiac tamponade is:
A. Lung sounds
B. Blood pressure
C. Jugular venous distention
D. Urine output
Answer: C
Rationale: JVD is part of Beck’s triad.
, 8. Which rhythm requires immediate defibrillation?
A. Atrial fibrillation
B. Ventricular fibrillation
C. Sinus tachycardia
D. First-degree AV block
Answer: B
Rationale: VF is a lethal rhythm.
9. A patient with CHF should be instructed to:
A. Increase sodium intake
B. Weigh daily
C. Drink unlimited fluids
D. Avoid exercise
Answer: B
Rationale: Daily weights detect fluid retention early.
10. Which sign indicates left-sided heart failure?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Hepatomegaly
C. Pulmonary crackles
D. Ascites
