MEDSURG-BC Certification Exam 2026
Proctored Exam Questions & 100%
Correct Verified Answers — Pass
First Attempt, No Retakes!
Question 1
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which
electrolyte imbalance is most important to monitor?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and
chloride reabsorption in the ascending loop of Henle, leading to
increased potassium excretion. Hypokalemia (low serum
potassium) is a common and potentially dangerous adverse effect
that can precipitate cardiac arrhythmias, especially in patients
taking digoxin. Hyperkalemia is associated with potassium-
sparing diuretics, not loop diuretics. Furosemide may cause
hyponatremia, not hypernatremia. Calcium levels are not directly
affected by loop diuretics.
,Question 2
Which assessment finding indicates worsening respiratory status
in a COPD patient?
A. Barrel chest
B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Chronic cough
D. Clubbing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Accessory muscle use (sternocleidomastoid, scalene,
trapezius, and intercostal muscles) indicates increased work of
breathing and signals acute deterioration or impending
respiratory failure, requiring immediate intervention. Barrel chest
results from chronic hyperinflation and air trapping due to long-
standing COPD. Chronic cough is a hallmark symptom of COPD
but does not indicate acute worsening. Clubbing develops
gradually with chronic hypoxemia over months to years.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a patient with atrial fibrillation. Which
medication reduces stroke risk?
A. Metoprolol
B. Digoxin
,C. Warfarin
D. Amiodarone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that reduces the risk of
thromboembolic events, including stroke, in patients with atrial
fibrillation by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.
Metoprolol and digoxin are rate-control agents that do not
prevent thrombus formation. Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic
used for rhythm control but has no anticoagulant properties.
Question 4
Which laboratory value is most concerning in a patient receiving
heparin?
A. Platelets 90,000/mm³
B. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
C. Sodium 138 mEq/L
D. Glucose 100 mg/dL
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A platelet count of 90,000/mm³ in a patient receiving
heparin is concerning for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
(HIT), an immune-mediated adverse reaction that paradoxically
increases thrombosis risk despite low platelets. Heparin should be
discontinued immediately. The other values are within normal
limits.
, Question 5
A patient with diabetes reports shakiness and sweating. What is
the priority action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Check blood glucose
C. Give glucagon
D. Provide IV fluids
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Symptoms (shakiness, sweating) suggest
hypoglycemia. Blood glucose must be checked immediately to
confirm before treatment, as symptoms can also occur with other
conditions. Administration of insulin would be harmful. Glucagon
is reserved for severe hypoglycemia when the patient is
unconscious or unable to swallow. IV fluids do not address the
underlying issue.
Question 6
A patient with anemia will likely experience which manifestation?
A. Hypertension
B. Fatigue
C. Bradycardia
D. Weight gain
Proctored Exam Questions & 100%
Correct Verified Answers — Pass
First Attempt, No Retakes!
Question 1
A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide. Which
electrolyte imbalance is most important to monitor?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hypernatremia
D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and
chloride reabsorption in the ascending loop of Henle, leading to
increased potassium excretion. Hypokalemia (low serum
potassium) is a common and potentially dangerous adverse effect
that can precipitate cardiac arrhythmias, especially in patients
taking digoxin. Hyperkalemia is associated with potassium-
sparing diuretics, not loop diuretics. Furosemide may cause
hyponatremia, not hypernatremia. Calcium levels are not directly
affected by loop diuretics.
,Question 2
Which assessment finding indicates worsening respiratory status
in a COPD patient?
A. Barrel chest
B. Use of accessory muscles
C. Chronic cough
D. Clubbing
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Accessory muscle use (sternocleidomastoid, scalene,
trapezius, and intercostal muscles) indicates increased work of
breathing and signals acute deterioration or impending
respiratory failure, requiring immediate intervention. Barrel chest
results from chronic hyperinflation and air trapping due to long-
standing COPD. Chronic cough is a hallmark symptom of COPD
but does not indicate acute worsening. Clubbing develops
gradually with chronic hypoxemia over months to years.
Question 3
A nurse is caring for a patient with atrial fibrillation. Which
medication reduces stroke risk?
A. Metoprolol
B. Digoxin
,C. Warfarin
D. Amiodarone
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Warfarin is an anticoagulant that reduces the risk of
thromboembolic events, including stroke, in patients with atrial
fibrillation by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.
Metoprolol and digoxin are rate-control agents that do not
prevent thrombus formation. Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic
used for rhythm control but has no anticoagulant properties.
Question 4
Which laboratory value is most concerning in a patient receiving
heparin?
A. Platelets 90,000/mm³
B. Hemoglobin 14 g/dL
C. Sodium 138 mEq/L
D. Glucose 100 mg/dL
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A platelet count of 90,000/mm³ in a patient receiving
heparin is concerning for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
(HIT), an immune-mediated adverse reaction that paradoxically
increases thrombosis risk despite low platelets. Heparin should be
discontinued immediately. The other values are within normal
limits.
, Question 5
A patient with diabetes reports shakiness and sweating. What is
the priority action?
A. Administer insulin
B. Check blood glucose
C. Give glucagon
D. Provide IV fluids
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Symptoms (shakiness, sweating) suggest
hypoglycemia. Blood glucose must be checked immediately to
confirm before treatment, as symptoms can also occur with other
conditions. Administration of insulin would be harmful. Glucagon
is reserved for severe hypoglycemia when the patient is
unconscious or unable to swallow. IV fluids do not address the
underlying issue.
Question 6
A patient with anemia will likely experience which manifestation?
A. Hypertension
B. Fatigue
C. Bradycardia
D. Weight gain
