Medical-Surgical Nursing Exam 2 Practice
Test
125 Questions with Complete Rationales
(2025/2026 Edition)
SECTION A: ADVANCED CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS
(Questions 1-20)
1. A patient with acute decompensated heart failure is
receiving IV furosemide. Which assessment finding
indicates the medication is having the desired effect?
A. Increased blood pressure
B. Decreased urine output
C. Weight loss and decreased crackles
D. Increased heart rate
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes fluid
excretion. Desired effects include weight loss, decreased
peripheral edema, decreased crackles (pulmonary congestion),
and improved oxygenation. Blood pressure and heart rate
should decrease as fluid overload resolves.
2. A patient with a permanent pacemaker is being
discharged. Which statement by the patient indicates a
need for further teaching?
A. "I should avoid standing near microwave ovens."
B. "I need to carry my pacemaker identification card."
C. "I can use a cellular phone on the opposite ear."
D. "I should report any dizziness or palpitations."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Modern pacemakers are shielded from microwave
interference. Patients should maintain distance from strong
magnetic fields, but microwave ovens are safe for patients with
pacemakers. The other statements are correct.
,3. The nurse is assessing a patient with pericarditis. Which
finding is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Pleuritic chest pain that worsens when lying flat
B. Substernal chest pain that radiates to the left arm
C. Chest pain that improves with deep inspiration
D. Sharp chest pain that is relieved by aspirin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pericarditis is characterized by pleuritic chest pain
that worsens with lying flat, deep inspiration, and coughing. The
pain often improves when the patient sits up and leans forward.
The pain of pericarditis is typically relieved by NSAIDs such as
aspirin.
4. A patient is receiving amiodarone for ventricular
dysrhythmias. Which adverse effect requires immediate
monitoring?
, A. Blue-gray skin discoloration
B. Pulmonary toxicity (cough, dyspnea, fever)
C. Corneal microdeposits
D. Photosensitivity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Amiodarone can cause pulmonary toxicity, which is
potentially fatal. Signs include cough, dyspnea, and fever. The
nurse should monitor for these symptoms and report them
immediately. The other effects are also concerns but are not
immediately life-threatening.
5. A patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) reports leg
pain when walking that resolves with rest. How should the
nurse document this finding?
A. Claudication
B. Neuropathy
C. Rest pain
D. Paresthesia
Correct Answer: A
Test
125 Questions with Complete Rationales
(2025/2026 Edition)
SECTION A: ADVANCED CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS
(Questions 1-20)
1. A patient with acute decompensated heart failure is
receiving IV furosemide. Which assessment finding
indicates the medication is having the desired effect?
A. Increased blood pressure
B. Decreased urine output
C. Weight loss and decreased crackles
D. Increased heart rate
Correct Answer: C
,Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes fluid
excretion. Desired effects include weight loss, decreased
peripheral edema, decreased crackles (pulmonary congestion),
and improved oxygenation. Blood pressure and heart rate
should decrease as fluid overload resolves.
2. A patient with a permanent pacemaker is being
discharged. Which statement by the patient indicates a
need for further teaching?
A. "I should avoid standing near microwave ovens."
B. "I need to carry my pacemaker identification card."
C. "I can use a cellular phone on the opposite ear."
D. "I should report any dizziness or palpitations."
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Modern pacemakers are shielded from microwave
interference. Patients should maintain distance from strong
magnetic fields, but microwave ovens are safe for patients with
pacemakers. The other statements are correct.
,3. The nurse is assessing a patient with pericarditis. Which
finding is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Pleuritic chest pain that worsens when lying flat
B. Substernal chest pain that radiates to the left arm
C. Chest pain that improves with deep inspiration
D. Sharp chest pain that is relieved by aspirin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pericarditis is characterized by pleuritic chest pain
that worsens with lying flat, deep inspiration, and coughing. The
pain often improves when the patient sits up and leans forward.
The pain of pericarditis is typically relieved by NSAIDs such as
aspirin.
4. A patient is receiving amiodarone for ventricular
dysrhythmias. Which adverse effect requires immediate
monitoring?
, A. Blue-gray skin discoloration
B. Pulmonary toxicity (cough, dyspnea, fever)
C. Corneal microdeposits
D. Photosensitivity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Amiodarone can cause pulmonary toxicity, which is
potentially fatal. Signs include cough, dyspnea, and fever. The
nurse should monitor for these symptoms and report them
immediately. The other effects are also concerns but are not
immediately life-threatening.
5. A patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) reports leg
pain when walking that resolves with rest. How should the
nurse document this finding?
A. Claudication
B. Neuropathy
C. Rest pain
D. Paresthesia
Correct Answer: A
