Med-Surg NCLEX Practice Exam | Medical-Surgical Nursing Questions | 80 Med-Surg Multiple Choice Questions with Answers | Med-Surg Nursing Practice Test for NCLEX-RN

Med-Surg NCLEX Practice Exam |
Medical-Surgical Nursing Questions | 80
Med-Surg Multiple Choice Questions with
Answers | Med-Surg Nursing Practice Test for
NCLEX-RN

■ 80 Questions | ■ 4 Answer Choices Each | ■ NCLEX-RN Med-Surg Practice | ✔ Correct
Answers Marked



Question 1.
A nurse is assessing a post-op patient and notes a blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg, heart rate of 120 bpm,
and urine output of 20 mL/hr. Which condition does this presentation most likely indicate?

A. Fluid volume excess

B. Hypertensive crisis

■ C. Hypovolemic shock

D. Pulmonary embolism

✔ Correct Answer: C. Hypovolemic shock



Question 2.
Which assessment finding is the EARLIEST sign of increased intracranial pressure (ICP)?

A. Bradycardia

B. Widened pulse pressure

■ C. Change in level of consciousness

D. Papilledema

✔ Correct Answer: C. Change in level of consciousness



Question 3.
A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. The nurse should first:

A. Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate)

■ B. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor

, C. Restrict all oral fluid intake

D. Prepare the patient for dialysis

✔ Correct Answer: B. Place the patient on a cardiac monitor



Question 4.
A nurse is caring for a patient on a ventilator. The high-pressure alarm is sounding. What is the PRIORITY
nursing action?

A. Silence the alarm and document it

B. Increase the FiO2

■ C. Assess the patient and ventilator circuit

D. Suction the patient immediately

✔ Correct Answer: C. Assess the patient and ventilator circuit



Question 5.
Which finding in a patient with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) requires immediate intervention?

A. Unilateral leg swelling and warmth

■ B. Sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea

C. Low-grade fever and mild tachycardia

D. Positive Homans sign

✔ Correct Answer: B. Sudden onset of chest pain and dyspnea



Question 6.
A patient with type 1 diabetes presents with Kussmaul respirations, blood glucose of 480 mg/dL, and fruity
breath. The nurse anticipates which diagnosis?

A. Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)

B. Hypoglycemia

■ C. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

D. Syndrome of inappropriate ADH (SIADH)

✔ Correct Answer: C. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)



Question 7.
The nurse is administering IV potassium chloride. Which action is MOST important?

, A. Administer IV push over 2 minutes

■ B. Infuse no faster than 10 mEq/hr peripherally

C. Mix with normal saline only

D. Warm the solution before administration

✔ Correct Answer: B. Infuse no faster than 10 mEq/hr peripherally



Question 8.
Which intervention is the PRIORITY for a patient experiencing status epilepticus?

A. Prepare for lumbar puncture

■ B. Establish IV access and administer a benzodiazepine

C. Place the patient in restraints

D. Obtain a CT scan of the head

✔ Correct Answer: B. Establish IV access and administer a benzodiazepine



Question 9.
A patient with heart failure has crackles bilaterally, oxygen saturation of 88%, and is anxious. The nurse
should FIRST:

A. Administer furosemide IV

B. Notify the physician

■ C. Elevate the head of the bed and apply oxygen

D. Insert a urinary catheter

✔ Correct Answer: C. Elevate the head of the bed and apply oxygen



Question 10.
A patient is receiving heparin therapy. The nurse notes petechiae, epistaxis, and a platelet count of
48,000/mm³. The nurse should suspect:

■ A. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)

B. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

C. Vitamin K deficiency

D. Von Willebrand disease

✔ Correct Answer: A. Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)