MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING MCQS, ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS
1. What is the primary goal of pharmacological interventions for patients with heart failure?
a) To improve kidney function
b) To increase blood pressure
c) To reduce cardiac workload
d) To stimulate sympathetic response
Correct Answer: c) To reduce cardiac workload
Explanation: The primary goal of pharmacological interventions in heart failure is to
reduce cardiac workload by improving contractility or reducing preload and afterload.
2. A patient with cirrhosis is at risk for developing hepatic encephalopathy. Which nursing
intervention is essential for this patient?
a) Administering IV iron supplements
b) Monitoring daily weight
c) Restricting fluid intake
d) Monitoring ammonia levels
Correct Answer: d) Monitoring ammonia levels
Explanation: Monitoring ammonia levels is essential because elevated ammonia levels are
associated with hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.
3. A postoperative patient develops a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which nursing action
should be prioritized?
a) Elevating the affected leg
b) Applying warm compresses to the affected area
c) Administering pain medication
d) Initiating anticoagulant therapy
Correct Answer: d) Initiating anticoagulant therapy
Explanation: Initiating anticoagulant therapy is the priority to prevent the DVT from
worsening or leading to pulmonary embolism.
, 4. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing acute
respiratory distress. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
a) Administering bronchodilators
b) Providing supplemental oxygen
c) Encouraging deep breathing exercises
d) Administering antibiotics
Correct Answer: b) Providing supplemental oxygen
Explanation: In acute respiratory distress, the primary goal is to ensure adequate
oxygenation, so providing supplemental oxygen is the priority.
5. A patient with diabetes mellitus is scheduled for surgery. What should the nurse instruct
the patient regarding insulin administration on the day of surgery?
a) Continue with regular insulin doses
b) Skip all insulin doses
c) Only take half of the usual insulin dose
d) Administer an increased dose of insulin
Correct Answer: a) Continue with regular insulin doses
Explanation: It's important for the patient to continue with regular insulin doses on the
day of surgery to maintain blood glucose control.
6. A patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease complains of sudden, severe abdominal
pain. Which assessment finding is concerning for a perforated ulcer?
a) Hematemesis
b) Melena
c) Rebound tenderness
d) Hyperactive bowel sounds
Correct Answer: c) Rebound tenderness
Explanation: Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritonitis, which can occur in cases of
perforated ulcers and is concerning.
1. What is the primary goal of pharmacological interventions for patients with heart failure?
a) To improve kidney function
b) To increase blood pressure
c) To reduce cardiac workload
d) To stimulate sympathetic response
Correct Answer: c) To reduce cardiac workload
Explanation: The primary goal of pharmacological interventions in heart failure is to
reduce cardiac workload by improving contractility or reducing preload and afterload.
2. A patient with cirrhosis is at risk for developing hepatic encephalopathy. Which nursing
intervention is essential for this patient?
a) Administering IV iron supplements
b) Monitoring daily weight
c) Restricting fluid intake
d) Monitoring ammonia levels
Correct Answer: d) Monitoring ammonia levels
Explanation: Monitoring ammonia levels is essential because elevated ammonia levels are
associated with hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis.
3. A postoperative patient develops a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which nursing action
should be prioritized?
a) Elevating the affected leg
b) Applying warm compresses to the affected area
c) Administering pain medication
d) Initiating anticoagulant therapy
Correct Answer: d) Initiating anticoagulant therapy
Explanation: Initiating anticoagulant therapy is the priority to prevent the DVT from
worsening or leading to pulmonary embolism.
, 4. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing acute
respiratory distress. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
a) Administering bronchodilators
b) Providing supplemental oxygen
c) Encouraging deep breathing exercises
d) Administering antibiotics
Correct Answer: b) Providing supplemental oxygen
Explanation: In acute respiratory distress, the primary goal is to ensure adequate
oxygenation, so providing supplemental oxygen is the priority.
5. A patient with diabetes mellitus is scheduled for surgery. What should the nurse instruct
the patient regarding insulin administration on the day of surgery?
a) Continue with regular insulin doses
b) Skip all insulin doses
c) Only take half of the usual insulin dose
d) Administer an increased dose of insulin
Correct Answer: a) Continue with regular insulin doses
Explanation: It's important for the patient to continue with regular insulin doses on the
day of surgery to maintain blood glucose control.
6. A patient with a history of peptic ulcer disease complains of sudden, severe abdominal
pain. Which assessment finding is concerning for a perforated ulcer?
a) Hematemesis
b) Melena
c) Rebound tenderness
d) Hyperactive bowel sounds
Correct Answer: c) Rebound tenderness
Explanation: Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritonitis, which can occur in cases of
perforated ulcers and is concerning.
