RN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Questions and Answers!!!! Page 1
RN Adult Medical Surgical Nursing
Practice Exam 2023 A (NGN) –
Clinical Scenario Questions with
Detailed Answers for NCLEX
Preparation
This document contains rewritten RN Adult Medical-Surgical practice questions based on NGN-style clinical scenarios and nursing
decision-making. The material covers key nursing topics including dialysis complications, pancreatitis, burn management, fluid imbalance,
postoperative care, infection control, and neurological conditions. It is designed as a structured study guide with questions, correct answers, and
brief explanations to help nursing students prepare for NCLEX and medical-surgical exams.
RN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Questions and
Answers
Question 1
A client receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) reports cloudy dialysate,
abdominal pain, and nausea. The peritoneal access site is red, warm, and draining purulent
fluid. What complication should the nurse suspect?
Answer: Peritonitis
Explanation:
Cloudy dialysate, abdominal pain, fever, and purulent drainage are classic signs of
peritonitis, a common complication of peritoneal dialysis caused by infection of the
peritoneal cavity.
Question 2
A postoperative client shows signs of restlessness, decreased urine output, and bright red
drainage from the surgical dressing. What condition should the nurse suspect?
Answer: Hypovolemia
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,RN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Questions and Answers!!!! Page 2
Explanation:
Signs of hypovolemia include low urine output, tachycardia, hypotension, and active
bleeding. Immediate interventions include initiating IV fluids and assessing blood pressure
and urine output.
Question 3
A client has a potassium level of 3 mEq/L. Which assessment finding should the nurse
expect?
Answer: Hypoactive bowel sounds
Explanation:
Low potassium (hypokalemia) slows gastrointestinal motility, causing hypoactive bowel
sounds, constipation, and muscle weakness.
Question 4
A client presents with severe upper left abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, and
vomiting. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
Answer: Pancreatitis
Explanation:
Pancreatitis is indicated by severe abdominal pain radiating to the back and elevated
amylase and lipase levels.
Question 5
During hemodialysis, a client becomes lightheaded, nauseated, and confused. Which
interventions are appropriate?
Answers:
● Place the client in Trendelenburg position
● Administer a 0.9% sodium chloride IV bolus
● Apply oxygen
● Notify the provider
Explanation:
These symptoms suggest hypotension during dialysis, which requires fluid replacement
and supportive measures.
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, RN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Questions and Answers!!!! Page 3
Question 6
A client with severe burns develops hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and wheezing. What
complications should the nurse anticipate?
Answer:
● Hypovolemia
● Respiratory failure
Explanation:
Burn patients often experience fluid loss leading to hypovolemia and airway injury
causing respiratory compromise.
Question 7
A client participating in a research study receives a placebo. What must occur before the
medication is given?
Answer: The client must sign informed consent.
Explanation:
Ethical research standards require informed consent before participation, including
receiving placebos.
Question 8
A client reports vomiting and diarrhea for three days. Which finding indicates fluid volume
deficit?
Answer: Heart rate of 110/min
Explanation:
Tachycardia occurs as the body compensates for decreased circulating fluid volume.
Question 9
A client undergoing chemotherapy has neutropenia. What nursing intervention is essential?
Answer: Monitor temperature every 4 hours.
Explanation:
Neutropenic clients have a high risk of infection, and fever may be the earliest sign.
3/11/2026 3/11/2026 3/11/2026
RN Adult Medical Surgical Nursing
Practice Exam 2023 A (NGN) –
Clinical Scenario Questions with
Detailed Answers for NCLEX
Preparation
This document contains rewritten RN Adult Medical-Surgical practice questions based on NGN-style clinical scenarios and nursing
decision-making. The material covers key nursing topics including dialysis complications, pancreatitis, burn management, fluid imbalance,
postoperative care, infection control, and neurological conditions. It is designed as a structured study guide with questions, correct answers, and
brief explanations to help nursing students prepare for NCLEX and medical-surgical exams.
RN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Questions and
Answers
Question 1
A client receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) reports cloudy dialysate,
abdominal pain, and nausea. The peritoneal access site is red, warm, and draining purulent
fluid. What complication should the nurse suspect?
Answer: Peritonitis
Explanation:
Cloudy dialysate, abdominal pain, fever, and purulent drainage are classic signs of
peritonitis, a common complication of peritoneal dialysis caused by infection of the
peritoneal cavity.
Question 2
A postoperative client shows signs of restlessness, decreased urine output, and bright red
drainage from the surgical dressing. What condition should the nurse suspect?
Answer: Hypovolemia
3/11/2026 3/11/2026 3/11/2026
,RN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Questions and Answers!!!! Page 2
Explanation:
Signs of hypovolemia include low urine output, tachycardia, hypotension, and active
bleeding. Immediate interventions include initiating IV fluids and assessing blood pressure
and urine output.
Question 3
A client has a potassium level of 3 mEq/L. Which assessment finding should the nurse
expect?
Answer: Hypoactive bowel sounds
Explanation:
Low potassium (hypokalemia) slows gastrointestinal motility, causing hypoactive bowel
sounds, constipation, and muscle weakness.
Question 4
A client presents with severe upper left abdominal pain radiating to the back, nausea, and
vomiting. Which condition should the nurse suspect?
Answer: Pancreatitis
Explanation:
Pancreatitis is indicated by severe abdominal pain radiating to the back and elevated
amylase and lipase levels.
Question 5
During hemodialysis, a client becomes lightheaded, nauseated, and confused. Which
interventions are appropriate?
Answers:
● Place the client in Trendelenburg position
● Administer a 0.9% sodium chloride IV bolus
● Apply oxygen
● Notify the provider
Explanation:
These symptoms suggest hypotension during dialysis, which requires fluid replacement
and supportive measures.
3/11/2026 3/11/2026 3/11/2026
, RN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Questions and Answers!!!! Page 3
Question 6
A client with severe burns develops hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and wheezing. What
complications should the nurse anticipate?
Answer:
● Hypovolemia
● Respiratory failure
Explanation:
Burn patients often experience fluid loss leading to hypovolemia and airway injury
causing respiratory compromise.
Question 7
A client participating in a research study receives a placebo. What must occur before the
medication is given?
Answer: The client must sign informed consent.
Explanation:
Ethical research standards require informed consent before participation, including
receiving placebos.
Question 8
A client reports vomiting and diarrhea for three days. Which finding indicates fluid volume
deficit?
Answer: Heart rate of 110/min
Explanation:
Tachycardia occurs as the body compensates for decreased circulating fluid volume.
Question 9
A client undergoing chemotherapy has neutropenia. What nursing intervention is essential?
Answer: Monitor temperature every 4 hours.
Explanation:
Neutropenic clients have a high risk of infection, and fever may be the earliest sign.
3/11/2026 3/11/2026 3/11/2026
