MED SURG EXAM 1
240+ (Fully Updated 2026) Exam Questions + Verified & Rationalized
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📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 243 Qs
This document, "Med Surg Exam 1," covers various topics in medical-surgical nursing, including alcohol
withdrawal, emergent vs. elective surgery, preoperative care, informed consent, surgical complications, and
oncology nursing. The document provides 243 questions with correct answers, including detailed
explanations and rationales, allowing students to review and understand key concepts. Students can use
this document to study and review material, gaining a deeper understanding of medical-surgical nursing
principles and preparing for exams.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
When a client with a history of chronic alcoholism is admitted to the hospital for surgery, the nurse
anticipates that the client may show signs of alcohol withdrawal delirium during which time period?
CORRECT ANSWER
Up to 72 hours after alcohol withdrawal
RATIONALE: The time frame of up to 72 hours is significant because it encompasses the peak period for alcohol withdrawal
symptoms, which typically begin within 6-24 hours after the last drink and may reach their climax between 24-72 hours.
The risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, including delirium, is highest during this period, making it crucial for the nurse to
closely monitor the client for signs of distress.
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, QUESTION 2
A fractured skull would be classified under which category of surgery based on urgency?
CORRECT ANSWER
Emergent
Emergent surgery occurs when the client requires immediate attention. An elective surgery is classified as a
surgery that the client should have. A required surgery means that the client needs to have surgery. An
urgent surgery occurs when the client requires prompt attention.
RATIONALE: A fractured skull requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications and potential death,
making it a situation that demands prompt action. This urgent need for treatment aligns with the definition of an urgent
surgery, as it necessitates rapid intervention to address a life-threatening condition.
QUESTION 3
For the client who is taking aspirin, it is important to stop taking this medication at least how many
day(s) before surgery?
CORRECT ANSWER
7
RATIONALE: The correct answer is 7 because this is the recommended timeframe to stop taking aspirin before surgery to
minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during and after the procedure, as aspirin acts as a blood thinner and disrupts
platelet function. This timeframe allows the body to gradually reverse the effects of aspirin, reducing the risk of bleeding
complications during surgery.
QUESTION 4
Which health care profession has the ultimate responsibility to provide appropriate information
regarding a nonemergent surgery?
CORRECT ANSWER
Physician
RATIONALE: A physician is the correct choice because they possess the necessary medical knowledge and training to
evaluate a patient's condition and make informed decisions about their care, including providing accurate information about
nonemergent surgery. Additionally, as a medical professional, a physician is ultimately accountable for the diagnosis,
treatment, and overall well-being of their patients, making them the primary source of information regarding surgical
procedures.
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, QUESTION 5
The nurse discovers that the client did not sign the operative consent before receiving the preoperative
medication. The appropriate nursing action is:
CORRECT ANSWER
To notify the surgeon
RATIONALE: The nurse should notify the surgeon because the client's informed consent, a critical aspect of surgical
procedures, has not been obtained prior to administering preoperative medication, which undermines the client's autonomy
and right to make informed decisions about their care. Notifying the surgeon allows for the operative consent to be
obtained before proceeding with the surgery, ensuring that the client's rights and safety are prioritized.
QUESTION 6
The nurse expects informed consent to be obtained for insertion of:
CORRECT ANSWER
A gastrostomy tube
RATIONALE: Informed consent is required for invasive medical procedures that involve significant risks or consequences,
such as a gastrostomy tube, which is a permanent, surgical insertion of a feeding tube directly into the stomach. The
insertion of a gastrostomy tube has potential complications and long-term implications, making it a procedure that
necessitates informed consent from the patient or their representative.
QUESTION 7
You are the nurse working in an ambulatory surgery center. A teenage son of your clients ask you why so
many people have surgery. What would be your best reply?
CORRECT ANSWER
"Many people have diagnostic or short therapeutic surgical procedures."
RATIONALE: This response is the correct answer because it directly addresses the son's question by highlighting the
commonality of surgical procedures, implying that they are relatively routine, which is often the case in ambulatory surgery
centers. By focusing on the frequency and non-invasive nature of these procedures, the nurse provides a reassuring and
straightforward answer that puts the son at ease.
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, QUESTION 8
A client is scheduled for a surgical procedure. When planning the client's care, the nurse should consider
that which of the following conditions will increase the client's risk of complications after surgery?
CORRECT ANSWER
A history of diabetes
RATIONALE: A history of diabetes increases the client's risk of complications after surgery because individuals with diabetes
often have compromised blood sugar regulation, which can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infections,
particularly in the surgical site. Additionally, diabetes can lead to cardiovascular and neurological complications, further
elevating the risk of post-operative complications.
QUESTION 9
At what point does the preoperative period end?
CORRECT ANSWER
When the client is transferred onto the operating table
The preoperative phase begins when the decision to proceed with surgical intervention is made and ends
with the transfer of the client onto the OR table. The intraoperative phase begins when the client is
transferred onto the operating table and ends with admission to the PACU.
RATIONALE: The preoperative phase ends when the client is transferred onto the operating table because this marks a
significant transition from preparation for surgery to the actual performance of the surgical procedure. This transfer to the
operating table signifies the client's active engagement with the surgical process, signifying the end of preoperative
preparation and the beginning of the intraoperative phase.
QUESTION 10
A client is being prepared for a same-day surgical procedure and is discussing with the nurse what
potential ramifications this type of surgery has. Which of the following would the nurse correctly
identify? Select all that apply.
CORRECT ANSWER
Need for teaching is increased.
The client will leave the hospital sooner than in the past.
The client must be prepared to take on more self-care than he or she may have done in the past.
RATIONALE: With same-day surgical procedures, patients typically spend less time in the hospital, resulting in a shorter
recovery period and less time for nurses to provide direct care. As a result, the need for teaching increases to equip the
patient with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage their own care and recovery at home.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 4 of 80
240+ (Fully Updated 2026) Exam Questions + Verified & Rationalized
Answers | A+ Graded
100% Guarantee Pass
📋 DOCUMENT OVERVIEW 243 Qs
This document, "Med Surg Exam 1," covers various topics in medical-surgical nursing, including alcohol
withdrawal, emergent vs. elective surgery, preoperative care, informed consent, surgical complications, and
oncology nursing. The document provides 243 questions with correct answers, including detailed
explanations and rationales, allowing students to review and understand key concepts. Students can use
this document to study and review material, gaining a deeper understanding of medical-surgical nursing
principles and preparing for exams.
✓ Verified Answers ✓ Exam Ready ✓ Study Guide
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide
EXAM QUESTIONS
QUESTION 1
When a client with a history of chronic alcoholism is admitted to the hospital for surgery, the nurse
anticipates that the client may show signs of alcohol withdrawal delirium during which time period?
CORRECT ANSWER
Up to 72 hours after alcohol withdrawal
RATIONALE: The time frame of up to 72 hours is significant because it encompasses the peak period for alcohol withdrawal
symptoms, which typically begin within 6-24 hours after the last drink and may reach their climax between 24-72 hours.
The risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, including delirium, is highest during this period, making it crucial for the nurse to
closely monitor the client for signs of distress.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 1 of 80
, QUESTION 2
A fractured skull would be classified under which category of surgery based on urgency?
CORRECT ANSWER
Emergent
Emergent surgery occurs when the client requires immediate attention. An elective surgery is classified as a
surgery that the client should have. A required surgery means that the client needs to have surgery. An
urgent surgery occurs when the client requires prompt attention.
RATIONALE: A fractured skull requires immediate medical attention to prevent further complications and potential death,
making it a situation that demands prompt action. This urgent need for treatment aligns with the definition of an urgent
surgery, as it necessitates rapid intervention to address a life-threatening condition.
QUESTION 3
For the client who is taking aspirin, it is important to stop taking this medication at least how many
day(s) before surgery?
CORRECT ANSWER
7
RATIONALE: The correct answer is 7 because this is the recommended timeframe to stop taking aspirin before surgery to
minimize the risk of excessive bleeding during and after the procedure, as aspirin acts as a blood thinner and disrupts
platelet function. This timeframe allows the body to gradually reverse the effects of aspirin, reducing the risk of bleeding
complications during surgery.
QUESTION 4
Which health care profession has the ultimate responsibility to provide appropriate information
regarding a nonemergent surgery?
CORRECT ANSWER
Physician
RATIONALE: A physician is the correct choice because they possess the necessary medical knowledge and training to
evaluate a patient's condition and make informed decisions about their care, including providing accurate information about
nonemergent surgery. Additionally, as a medical professional, a physician is ultimately accountable for the diagnosis,
treatment, and overall well-being of their patients, making them the primary source of information regarding surgical
procedures.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 2 of 80
, QUESTION 5
The nurse discovers that the client did not sign the operative consent before receiving the preoperative
medication. The appropriate nursing action is:
CORRECT ANSWER
To notify the surgeon
RATIONALE: The nurse should notify the surgeon because the client's informed consent, a critical aspect of surgical
procedures, has not been obtained prior to administering preoperative medication, which undermines the client's autonomy
and right to make informed decisions about their care. Notifying the surgeon allows for the operative consent to be
obtained before proceeding with the surgery, ensuring that the client's rights and safety are prioritized.
QUESTION 6
The nurse expects informed consent to be obtained for insertion of:
CORRECT ANSWER
A gastrostomy tube
RATIONALE: Informed consent is required for invasive medical procedures that involve significant risks or consequences,
such as a gastrostomy tube, which is a permanent, surgical insertion of a feeding tube directly into the stomach. The
insertion of a gastrostomy tube has potential complications and long-term implications, making it a procedure that
necessitates informed consent from the patient or their representative.
QUESTION 7
You are the nurse working in an ambulatory surgery center. A teenage son of your clients ask you why so
many people have surgery. What would be your best reply?
CORRECT ANSWER
"Many people have diagnostic or short therapeutic surgical procedures."
RATIONALE: This response is the correct answer because it directly addresses the son's question by highlighting the
commonality of surgical procedures, implying that they are relatively routine, which is often the case in ambulatory surgery
centers. By focusing on the frequency and non-invasive nature of these procedures, the nurse provides a reassuring and
straightforward answer that puts the son at ease.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 3 of 80
, QUESTION 8
A client is scheduled for a surgical procedure. When planning the client's care, the nurse should consider
that which of the following conditions will increase the client's risk of complications after surgery?
CORRECT ANSWER
A history of diabetes
RATIONALE: A history of diabetes increases the client's risk of complications after surgery because individuals with diabetes
often have compromised blood sugar regulation, which can impair wound healing and increase the risk of infections,
particularly in the surgical site. Additionally, diabetes can lead to cardiovascular and neurological complications, further
elevating the risk of post-operative complications.
QUESTION 9
At what point does the preoperative period end?
CORRECT ANSWER
When the client is transferred onto the operating table
The preoperative phase begins when the decision to proceed with surgical intervention is made and ends
with the transfer of the client onto the OR table. The intraoperative phase begins when the client is
transferred onto the operating table and ends with admission to the PACU.
RATIONALE: The preoperative phase ends when the client is transferred onto the operating table because this marks a
significant transition from preparation for surgery to the actual performance of the surgical procedure. This transfer to the
operating table signifies the client's active engagement with the surgical process, signifying the end of preoperative
preparation and the beginning of the intraoperative phase.
QUESTION 10
A client is being prepared for a same-day surgical procedure and is discussing with the nurse what
potential ramifications this type of surgery has. Which of the following would the nurse correctly
identify? Select all that apply.
CORRECT ANSWER
Need for teaching is increased.
The client will leave the hospital sooner than in the past.
The client must be prepared to take on more self-care than he or she may have done in the past.
RATIONALE: With same-day surgical procedures, patients typically spend less time in the hospital, resulting in a shorter
recovery period and less time for nurses to provide direct care. As a result, the need for teaching increases to equip the
patient with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage their own care and recovery at home.
Trusted by thousands of students and professionals worldwide Page 4 of 80
