Below are 30 sample revision test questions modeled after key
concepts typically covered in Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of
Medical-Surgical Nursing (15th Edition). Each question is followed by
the correct answer and a detailed rationale to help clarify the
concepts and guide your revision.
Question 1: Cardiovascular System
A 65-year-old patient with a history of hypertension and coronary artery disease presents with chest
pain and shortness of breath. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial nursing
intervention?
A. Administering a beta-blocker immediately.
B. Placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position.
C. Administering oxygen and preparing for possible nitroglycerin administration.
D. Initiating a high-calorie diet.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
For a patient with suspected cardiac ischemia, the priority is to improve oxygenation and reduce
myocardial oxygen demand. Administering oxygen and preparing for nitroglycerin helps relieve chest
pain by dilating coronary vessels and reducing preload. Beta-blockers may be used later after evaluation,
but they are not the first-line immediate intervention. The Trendelenburg position is contraindicated in
this scenario, and a high-calorie diet is not relevant to the acute management of chest pain.
Question 2: Respiratory System
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with increased shortness of
breath and productive cough. Which nursing intervention should be prioritized?
A. Encourage deep breathing and effective coughing.
B. Administer sedative medications to help the patient rest.
C. Place the patient in a supine position.
D. Limit fluid intake to reduce mucus production.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Encouraging deep breathing and effective coughing helps mobilize secretions and improve ventilation in
, patients with COPD. Sedatives may depress the respiratory drive, and the supine position can worsen
dyspnea. Adequate hydration is important to help thin secretions, so limiting fluids would be
counterproductive.
Question 3: Endocrine System
A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents with signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which
laboratory value is most indicative of DKA?
A. Low blood glucose level.
B. Elevated blood pH.
C. High serum ketone levels.
D. Low serum potassium.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and elevated serum ketone levels. While
potassium levels may be abnormal, they are often elevated initially due to a shift of potassium out of
cells, even if total body potassium is depleted. A high serum ketone level is the key laboratory indicator
confirming the diagnosis of DKA.
Question 4: Neurological System
When caring for a patient with an acute stroke, what is the primary rationale behind maintaining the
head of the bed elevated 30°?
A. To increase cerebral perfusion pressure.
B. To decrease intracranial pressure.
C. To improve venous return from the lower extremities.
D. To enhance oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Elevating the head of the bed to approximately 30° helps to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP) by
promoting venous drainage from the brain. This positioning is a common intervention for patients with
cerebral edema or increased ICP following a stroke.
Question 5: Renal System
concepts typically covered in Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of
Medical-Surgical Nursing (15th Edition). Each question is followed by
the correct answer and a detailed rationale to help clarify the
concepts and guide your revision.
Question 1: Cardiovascular System
A 65-year-old patient with a history of hypertension and coronary artery disease presents with chest
pain and shortness of breath. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial nursing
intervention?
A. Administering a beta-blocker immediately.
B. Placing the patient in the Trendelenburg position.
C. Administering oxygen and preparing for possible nitroglycerin administration.
D. Initiating a high-calorie diet.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
For a patient with suspected cardiac ischemia, the priority is to improve oxygenation and reduce
myocardial oxygen demand. Administering oxygen and preparing for nitroglycerin helps relieve chest
pain by dilating coronary vessels and reducing preload. Beta-blockers may be used later after evaluation,
but they are not the first-line immediate intervention. The Trendelenburg position is contraindicated in
this scenario, and a high-calorie diet is not relevant to the acute management of chest pain.
Question 2: Respiratory System
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with increased shortness of
breath and productive cough. Which nursing intervention should be prioritized?
A. Encourage deep breathing and effective coughing.
B. Administer sedative medications to help the patient rest.
C. Place the patient in a supine position.
D. Limit fluid intake to reduce mucus production.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Encouraging deep breathing and effective coughing helps mobilize secretions and improve ventilation in
, patients with COPD. Sedatives may depress the respiratory drive, and the supine position can worsen
dyspnea. Adequate hydration is important to help thin secretions, so limiting fluids would be
counterproductive.
Question 3: Endocrine System
A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents with signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which
laboratory value is most indicative of DKA?
A. Low blood glucose level.
B. Elevated blood pH.
C. High serum ketone levels.
D. Low serum potassium.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and elevated serum ketone levels. While
potassium levels may be abnormal, they are often elevated initially due to a shift of potassium out of
cells, even if total body potassium is depleted. A high serum ketone level is the key laboratory indicator
confirming the diagnosis of DKA.
Question 4: Neurological System
When caring for a patient with an acute stroke, what is the primary rationale behind maintaining the
head of the bed elevated 30°?
A. To increase cerebral perfusion pressure.
B. To decrease intracranial pressure.
C. To improve venous return from the lower extremities.
D. To enhance oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Elevating the head of the bed to approximately 30° helps to decrease intracranial pressure (ICP) by
promoting venous drainage from the brain. This positioning is a common intervention for patients with
cerebral edema or increased ICP following a stroke.
Question 5: Renal System
