Surgical Nursing
16th Edition
• Author(s)Janice L. Hinkle; Kerry H.
Cheever; Kristen J. Overbaugh; Carolyn E.
Bradley
TEST BANK
Question 1
A nurse is explaining the purpose of professional nursing
practice to a group of newly hired graduate nurses. Which
statement best reflects the primary focus of nursing practice?
A. Diagnosing and prescribing treatment for acute illnesses
B. Promoting, restoring, and maintaining health while assisting
patients to achieve optimal functioning
C. Performing medical procedures independently to reduce
physician workload
D. Managing hospital finances and organizational operations
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale:
Professional nursing practice focuses on promoting health,
preventing illness, restoring health, and assisting patients in
achieving the highest possible level of wellness and functioning.
Nursing care addresses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual
needs. Option A describes the primary role of the physician.
Option C inaccurately describes nursing responsibilities. Option
D relates to administrative functions rather than the core
purpose of nursing.
Source:
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
16th Edition – Unit 1: Principles of Nursing Practice, Chapter 1
Question 2
A nurse caring for a hospitalized patient incorporates evidence-
based practice into care planning. Which action best
demonstrates evidence-based nursing practice?
A. Following interventions based only on personal experience
B. Implementing nursing actions supported by current research,
clinical expertise, and patient preferences
C. Using only physician recommendations to guide patient care
D. Applying interventions that have been used historically on
the unit
Correct Answer: B
,Rationale:
Evidence-based practice integrates current best evidence,
clinical expertise, and patient preferences to improve patient
outcomes and safety. Option A excludes scientific evidence.
Option C limits nursing judgment. Option D may not reflect
current best practices.
Source:
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
16th Edition – Unit 1: Principles of Nursing Practice, Chapter 1
Question 3
The nurse is caring for four patients. Which patient should the
nurse assess first?
A. A patient requesting assistance with discharge instructions
B. A postoperative patient reporting sudden shortness of
breath and chest pain
C. A patient scheduled for routine dressing change
D. A patient asking for assistance with ambulation to the
bathroom
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Sudden shortness of breath and chest pain may indicate a life-
threatening complication such as pulmonary embolism and
require immediate assessment using ABC priorities. The other
situations are important but not immediately life-threatening.
, Source:
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
16th Edition – Unit 1: Principles of Nursing Practice, Chapter 1
Question 4
A nurse is discussing factors that influence health with a
patient. Which factor is considered a social determinant of
health?
A. Blood type
B. Employment status
C. Genetic mutation
D. Age-related changes
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Social determinants of health include economic stability,
education, employment, social support, and access to health
care. Employment status significantly affects access to
resources and overall health outcomes. Options A, C, and D are
biologic factors rather than social determinants.
Source:
Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing,
16th Edition – Unit 1: Principles of Nursing Practice, Chapter 1
Question 5