Herzing University Med-Surg Exam 2026 Questions & Verified Answers
Medical-Surgical Nursing Review.
🩺 Respiratory Disorders (COPD, Pneumonia, Oxygenation)
1. A client with COPD asks the nurse, "Why do I need to use the inhaler every day
even when I feel fine?" What is the best response?
A) "The inhaler opens your airways and helps prevent future flare-ups."
B) "You only need to use it when you feel short of breath."
C) "The inhaler will cure your COPD over time."
D) "You can stop the inhaler if you are not having symptoms."
Answer: A
Rationale: Daily use of maintenance inhalers helps manage chronic inflammation
and prevent exacerbations. Clients with COPD need daily controller medications
even when asymptomatic .
,2. The nurse is teaching pursed-lip breathing to a client with COPD. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding?
A) "I will breathe in through my mouth and out through my nose."
B) "I will breathe in through my nose and out slowly through pursed lips."
C) "I will hold my breath for 10 seconds between each breath."
D) "I will breathe as fast as I can to get more oxygen."
Answer: B
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing (inhale through nose, exhale slowly through
pursed lips) creates back pressure to keep airways open longer, reducing air
trapping and improving gas exchange .
3. A client with left-sided heart failure is experiencing dyspnea and has crackles in
the lung bases. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Increase IV fluids
,B) Place the client in high Fowler's position
C) Encourage ambulation
D) Administer antacids
Answer: B
Rationale: High Fowler's position facilitates lung expansion by decreasing venous
return (preload) and allowing the diaphragm to descend fully, redistributing
pulmonary congestion and improving oxygenation .
❤️ Cardiovascular Disorders (Heart Failure, Dysrhythmias, Medications)
4. A client with heart failure has crackles in both lungs, jugular venous distention,
and 3+ pitting edema. Which priority medication does the nurse expect to
administer?
A) Digoxin
B) Furosemide
, C) Metoprolol
D) Spironolactone
Answer: B
Rationale: These signs indicate fluid overload. Loop diuretics like furosemide
rapidly reduce preload and remove excess fluid. Digoxin improves contractility but
does not provide immediate fluid removal .
5. Based on the analysis of a client's atrial fibrillation, the nurse should prepare
the client for which treatment protocol?
A) Diuretic therapy
B) Pacemaker implantation
C) Anticoagulation therapy
D) Cardiac catheterization
Medical-Surgical Nursing Review.
🩺 Respiratory Disorders (COPD, Pneumonia, Oxygenation)
1. A client with COPD asks the nurse, "Why do I need to use the inhaler every day
even when I feel fine?" What is the best response?
A) "The inhaler opens your airways and helps prevent future flare-ups."
B) "You only need to use it when you feel short of breath."
C) "The inhaler will cure your COPD over time."
D) "You can stop the inhaler if you are not having symptoms."
Answer: A
Rationale: Daily use of maintenance inhalers helps manage chronic inflammation
and prevent exacerbations. Clients with COPD need daily controller medications
even when asymptomatic .
,2. The nurse is teaching pursed-lip breathing to a client with COPD. Which
statement by the client indicates understanding?
A) "I will breathe in through my mouth and out through my nose."
B) "I will breathe in through my nose and out slowly through pursed lips."
C) "I will hold my breath for 10 seconds between each breath."
D) "I will breathe as fast as I can to get more oxygen."
Answer: B
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing (inhale through nose, exhale slowly through
pursed lips) creates back pressure to keep airways open longer, reducing air
trapping and improving gas exchange .
3. A client with left-sided heart failure is experiencing dyspnea and has crackles in
the lung bases. What is the priority nursing action?
A) Increase IV fluids
,B) Place the client in high Fowler's position
C) Encourage ambulation
D) Administer antacids
Answer: B
Rationale: High Fowler's position facilitates lung expansion by decreasing venous
return (preload) and allowing the diaphragm to descend fully, redistributing
pulmonary congestion and improving oxygenation .
❤️ Cardiovascular Disorders (Heart Failure, Dysrhythmias, Medications)
4. A client with heart failure has crackles in both lungs, jugular venous distention,
and 3+ pitting edema. Which priority medication does the nurse expect to
administer?
A) Digoxin
B) Furosemide
, C) Metoprolol
D) Spironolactone
Answer: B
Rationale: These signs indicate fluid overload. Loop diuretics like furosemide
rapidly reduce preload and remove excess fluid. Digoxin improves contractility but
does not provide immediate fluid removal .
5. Based on the analysis of a client's atrial fibrillation, the nurse should prepare
the client for which treatment protocol?
A) Diuretic therapy
B) Pacemaker implantation
C) Anticoagulation therapy
D) Cardiac catheterization
