NURS 121L-A | Introduction to Medical-Surgical Nursing Practicum |
Week 13 Quiz 2026 |WCU
1. A patient who underwent a total hip replacement 4 hours ago is complaining
of sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. Which action should the nurse
take first?
A. Administer the prescribed PRN morphine for pain.
B. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position and apply oxygen.
C. Check the surgical site for signs of bleeding.
D. Perform an EKG to rule out myocardial infarction.
Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden chest pain and shortness of breath post-orthopedic surgery are classic
signs of pulmonary embolism. The nurse’s priority is to stabilize the patient’s respiratory
status by elevating the head of the bed and providing oxygen.
2. When assessing a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L, which finding
is most critical for the nurse to report immediately?
A. Paresthesia in the fingers and toes.
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds.
C. Muscle weakness in the lower extremities.
D. Tall, peaked T waves on the EKG.
Answer: D
Rationale: A potassium level of 6.2 represents hyperkalemia. The most life-threatening
complication is cardiac dysrhythmia, evidenced by peaked T waves, which can progress to
cardiac arrest.
,3. A nurse is caring for a post-operative patient who has not voided for 8 hours.
What is the initial nursing intervention?
A. Notify the surgeon immediately.
B. Increase the rate of IV fluids.
C. Insert a straight catheter using sterile technique.
D. Perform a bladder scan at the bedside.
Answer: D
Rationale: A bladder scan is a non-invasive assessment tool used to determine the volume
of urine in the bladder and confirm urinary retention before proceeding to invasive
measures like catheterization.
4. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious and diaphoretic. What
should be the nurse’s first action?
A. Administer Glucagon or 50% Dextrose IV.
B. Administer 15g of simple carbohydrates orally.
C. Call the lab for a STAT glucose level.
D. Check the patient’s pupils and neurological response.
Answer: A
Rationale: In an unconscious patient with suspected hypoglycemia, oral intake is unsafe
due to aspiration risk. IV Dextrose or IM/SubQ Glucagon is the standard emergency
treatment.
5. During a change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse prioritize to
see first?
A. A patient with a BP of 150/92 who is requesting pain medication.
B. A post-op patient with a temperature of 100.2 F.
C. A patient with pneumonia who has an oxygen saturation of 89% on room air.
D. A patient with a scheduled dose of insulin due in 15 minutes.
Answer: C
, Rationale: Oxygen saturation of 89% indicates hypoxia, which is an immediate threat to
the ‘Airway, Breathing, Circulation’ (ABC) priority framework.
6. Which assessment finding indicates a patient is experiencing the early stages
of hypovolemic shock?
A. Bradycardia and hypertension.
B. Polyuria and increased thirst.
C. Decreased respiratory rate and lethargy.
D. Tachycardia and cool, clammy skin.
Answer: D
Rationale: Early signs of hypovolemic shock include compensatory tachycardia as the
heart tries to maintain cardiac output, and peripheral vasoconstriction leading to cool,
clammy skin.
7. The nurse is preparing to administer Warfarin. Which lab value must be
checked prior to administration?
A. aPTT
B. Hemoglobin
C. Platelet count
D. INR
Answer: D
Rationale: INR (International Normalized Ratio) is the standard monitoring parameter for
Warfarin therapy to ensure it is within the therapeutic range.
Week 13 Quiz 2026 |WCU
1. A patient who underwent a total hip replacement 4 hours ago is complaining
of sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. Which action should the nurse
take first?
A. Administer the prescribed PRN morphine for pain.
B. Place the patient in a high-Fowler’s position and apply oxygen.
C. Check the surgical site for signs of bleeding.
D. Perform an EKG to rule out myocardial infarction.
Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden chest pain and shortness of breath post-orthopedic surgery are classic
signs of pulmonary embolism. The nurse’s priority is to stabilize the patient’s respiratory
status by elevating the head of the bed and providing oxygen.
2. When assessing a patient with a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L, which finding
is most critical for the nurse to report immediately?
A. Paresthesia in the fingers and toes.
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds.
C. Muscle weakness in the lower extremities.
D. Tall, peaked T waves on the EKG.
Answer: D
Rationale: A potassium level of 6.2 represents hyperkalemia. The most life-threatening
complication is cardiac dysrhythmia, evidenced by peaked T waves, which can progress to
cardiac arrest.
,3. A nurse is caring for a post-operative patient who has not voided for 8 hours.
What is the initial nursing intervention?
A. Notify the surgeon immediately.
B. Increase the rate of IV fluids.
C. Insert a straight catheter using sterile technique.
D. Perform a bladder scan at the bedside.
Answer: D
Rationale: A bladder scan is a non-invasive assessment tool used to determine the volume
of urine in the bladder and confirm urinary retention before proceeding to invasive
measures like catheterization.
4. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes is found unconscious and diaphoretic. What
should be the nurse’s first action?
A. Administer Glucagon or 50% Dextrose IV.
B. Administer 15g of simple carbohydrates orally.
C. Call the lab for a STAT glucose level.
D. Check the patient’s pupils and neurological response.
Answer: A
Rationale: In an unconscious patient with suspected hypoglycemia, oral intake is unsafe
due to aspiration risk. IV Dextrose or IM/SubQ Glucagon is the standard emergency
treatment.
5. During a change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse prioritize to
see first?
A. A patient with a BP of 150/92 who is requesting pain medication.
B. A post-op patient with a temperature of 100.2 F.
C. A patient with pneumonia who has an oxygen saturation of 89% on room air.
D. A patient with a scheduled dose of insulin due in 15 minutes.
Answer: C
, Rationale: Oxygen saturation of 89% indicates hypoxia, which is an immediate threat to
the ‘Airway, Breathing, Circulation’ (ABC) priority framework.
6. Which assessment finding indicates a patient is experiencing the early stages
of hypovolemic shock?
A. Bradycardia and hypertension.
B. Polyuria and increased thirst.
C. Decreased respiratory rate and lethargy.
D. Tachycardia and cool, clammy skin.
Answer: D
Rationale: Early signs of hypovolemic shock include compensatory tachycardia as the
heart tries to maintain cardiac output, and peripheral vasoconstriction leading to cool,
clammy skin.
7. The nurse is preparing to administer Warfarin. Which lab value must be
checked prior to administration?
A. aPTT
B. Hemoglobin
C. Platelet count
D. INR
Answer: D
Rationale: INR (International Normalized Ratio) is the standard monitoring parameter for
Warfarin therapy to ensure it is within the therapeutic range.
