RELIAS MEDICAL-SURGICAL EXAM LATEST 2026
UPDATE 100 QUESTIONS AND DETAILED VERIFIED
ANSWERS FROM ACTUAL EXAMS TEST GRADE A+
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which lab value should
the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Glucose
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Loop diuretics like furosemide cause potassium loss, increasing risk of
hypokalemia and dysrhythmias.
2. Which finding is most concerning in a patient receiving morphine?
A. Constipation
B. Respiratory rate 8/min
C. Nausea
D. Itching
Answer: B. Respiratory rate 8/min
Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect of opioids.
3. A post-op patient suddenly reports chest pain and dyspnea. What is the
nurse’s first action?
,A. Obtain an ECG
B. Elevate head of bed and apply oxygen
C. Notify the provider
D. Check vital signs
Answer: B. Elevate head of bed and apply oxygen
Rationale: ABCs—airway and oxygenation are immediate priorities.
4. Which sign is most indicative of hypoglycemia?
A. Fruity breath
B. Tremors and diaphoresis
C. Deep rapid respirations
D. Slow pulse
Answer: B. Tremors and diaphoresis
Rationale: Hypoglycemia stimulates sympathetic nervous system causing
shakiness and sweating.
5. A patient with COPD should receive oxygen at what target saturation?
A. 100%
B. 98–100%
C. 88–92%
D. 70–80%
Answer: C. 88–92%
Rationale: COPD patients are at risk of CO₂ retention; oxygen is titrated carefully.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is associated with peaked T waves on ECG?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
, Answer: B. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Elevated potassium alters cardiac conduction producing peaked T
waves.
7. Priority intervention for a patient in shock?
A. Give antibiotics
B. Monitor urine output
C. Restore tissue perfusion
D. Administer steroids
Answer: C. Restore tissue perfusion
Rationale: Shock is defined by inadequate perfusion; circulation is priority.
8. Which symptom suggests internal bleeding after surgery?
A. Hypertension
B. Bradycardia
C. Tachycardia and hypotension
D. Warm, dry skin
Answer: C. Tachycardia and hypotension
Rationale: These are early signs of hypovolemic shock.
9. Which insulin has the fastest onset?
A. NPH
B. Regular
C. Lispro
D. Glargine
Answer: C. Lispro
Rationale: Rapid-acting insulin works within 15 minutes.
UPDATE 100 QUESTIONS AND DETAILED VERIFIED
ANSWERS FROM ACTUAL EXAMS TEST GRADE A+
1. A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which lab value should
the nurse monitor most closely?
A. Sodium
B. Potassium
C. Calcium
D. Glucose
Answer: B. Potassium
Rationale: Loop diuretics like furosemide cause potassium loss, increasing risk of
hypokalemia and dysrhythmias.
2. Which finding is most concerning in a patient receiving morphine?
A. Constipation
B. Respiratory rate 8/min
C. Nausea
D. Itching
Answer: B. Respiratory rate 8/min
Rationale: Respiratory depression is the most serious adverse effect of opioids.
3. A post-op patient suddenly reports chest pain and dyspnea. What is the
nurse’s first action?
,A. Obtain an ECG
B. Elevate head of bed and apply oxygen
C. Notify the provider
D. Check vital signs
Answer: B. Elevate head of bed and apply oxygen
Rationale: ABCs—airway and oxygenation are immediate priorities.
4. Which sign is most indicative of hypoglycemia?
A. Fruity breath
B. Tremors and diaphoresis
C. Deep rapid respirations
D. Slow pulse
Answer: B. Tremors and diaphoresis
Rationale: Hypoglycemia stimulates sympathetic nervous system causing
shakiness and sweating.
5. A patient with COPD should receive oxygen at what target saturation?
A. 100%
B. 98–100%
C. 88–92%
D. 70–80%
Answer: C. 88–92%
Rationale: COPD patients are at risk of CO₂ retention; oxygen is titrated carefully.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is associated with peaked T waves on ECG?
A. Hypokalemia
B. Hyperkalemia
C. Hypocalcemia
D. Hypernatremia
, Answer: B. Hyperkalemia
Rationale: Elevated potassium alters cardiac conduction producing peaked T
waves.
7. Priority intervention for a patient in shock?
A. Give antibiotics
B. Monitor urine output
C. Restore tissue perfusion
D. Administer steroids
Answer: C. Restore tissue perfusion
Rationale: Shock is defined by inadequate perfusion; circulation is priority.
8. Which symptom suggests internal bleeding after surgery?
A. Hypertension
B. Bradycardia
C. Tachycardia and hypotension
D. Warm, dry skin
Answer: C. Tachycardia and hypotension
Rationale: These are early signs of hypovolemic shock.
9. Which insulin has the fastest onset?
A. NPH
B. Regular
C. Lispro
D. Glargine
Answer: C. Lispro
Rationale: Rapid-acting insulin works within 15 minutes.
