PN Adult Medical Surgical Study EXAM QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS (VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS)
LATEST UPDATE 2025/2026
Why should the nurse reduce the temperature in the room of a client
with hyperthyroidism?
Because clients with hyperthyroidism have heat intolerance and
need a cooler environment.
Why should the nurse limit visitors for a client with
hyperthyroidism?
To reduce external stimuli, as clients with hyperthyroidism are
sensitive to overstimulation.
What vital sign should the nurse monitor closely in a client with
hyperthyroidism?
Temperature, as an increase may indicate a developing thyroid
storm
Why should the nurse monitor the weight of a client with
hyperthyroidism daily?
To track for weight loss, which is a common symptom of
hyperthyroidism.
Why should the nurse minimize the time the head of the bed is
elevated in a client at risk for pressure injuries?
To reduce pressure on the sacral area and help prevent further
tissue breakdown.
Should the nurse apply a sterile gauze dressing to a stage 1 pressure
injury?
,No. The nurse should collect further data first. Gauze is not
appropriate for stage 1. Use a skin prep, hydrocolloid, or
transparent dressing instead.
Can the nurse massage or apply moisturizing lotion to a reddened
area showing signs of skin breakdown?
No. Massage or lotion can worsen tissue damage and should be
avoided.
Should a donut-shaped cushion be placed under the sacral area to
relieve pressure?
No. Donut-shaped cushions can actually increase pressure and risk
for pressure injuries.
What is a major adverse effect the nurse should monitor for after an
abdominal paracentesis?
Decreased blood pressure, which may indicate hypovolemia due to
excessive fluid removal.
Why is decreased urinary output concerning after an abdominal
paracentesis?
It may indicate hypovolemia, a potential complication from too
much fluid being removed.
Are changes in sputum an expected adverse effect after an
abdominal paracentesis?
No. Changes in sputum are typically monitored after a bronchoscopy,
not a paracentesis.
Are changes in neurological status expected after a paracentesis?
No. Changes in neurological status are monitored after a lumbar
puncture, not a paracentesis.
,When should a nurse monitor for changes in neurological status
following a procedure?
After a lumbar puncture, to detect complications such as increased
intracranial pressure or cerebral herniation.
After which procedure should a nurse monitor for changes in
sputum?
After a bronchoscopy, since respiratory status and airway
complications are the primary concerns.
When is increased urinary output an expected finding after a
procedure?
Increased urinary output is not expected after an abdominal
paracentesis—decreased output may signal hypovolemia
What is the priority nursing intervention for a client 3 hours post-
stroke?
Keep the client in a side-lying position to reduce the risk of aspiration by
allowing secretions to drain from the mouth.
Why is maintaining proper body alignment important for stroke
patients?
It helps preserve joint function and prevents skin breakdown, but
this comes after addressing airway and aspiration risks.
What is an expected outcome of sumatriptan administration?
Diminished headache, as it is used to relieve migraines and cluster
headaches.
Is reduced cough an expected outcome of sumatriptan?
, No. Sumatriptan can actually cause nasal and throat discomfort, not
reduce cough.
What musculoskeletal effects should a nurse monitor for in a client
taking sumatriptan?
The nurse should monitor for muscle pain and stiffness, which are
possible adverse effects—not muscle relaxation.
What should the nurse expect if there is decreased output from a
urethral catheter following a TURP?
A prescription to irrigate the urethral catheter with 0.9% sodium
chloride to clear any blood clots or tissue obstructing the flow.
Why should a nurse avoid clamping the urethral catheter in a client
receiving bladder irrigation?
Clamping the catheter prevents drainage, increasing the risk
for bladder distention and trauma.
Why should the catheter drainage bag not be placed at the client's
heart level?
Positioning the bag too high can impede urine flow and increase the
risk of urinary tract infection.
What is the risk of slowing the bladder irrigation flow rate after a
TURP?
It increases the risk for clot formation in the tubing and may
obstruct irrigation output.
What statement by a client taking levothyroxine indicates correct
understanding of how to take the medication?
ANSWERS (VERIFIED AND WELL DETAILED ANSWERS)
LATEST UPDATE 2025/2026
Why should the nurse reduce the temperature in the room of a client
with hyperthyroidism?
Because clients with hyperthyroidism have heat intolerance and
need a cooler environment.
Why should the nurse limit visitors for a client with
hyperthyroidism?
To reduce external stimuli, as clients with hyperthyroidism are
sensitive to overstimulation.
What vital sign should the nurse monitor closely in a client with
hyperthyroidism?
Temperature, as an increase may indicate a developing thyroid
storm
Why should the nurse monitor the weight of a client with
hyperthyroidism daily?
To track for weight loss, which is a common symptom of
hyperthyroidism.
Why should the nurse minimize the time the head of the bed is
elevated in a client at risk for pressure injuries?
To reduce pressure on the sacral area and help prevent further
tissue breakdown.
Should the nurse apply a sterile gauze dressing to a stage 1 pressure
injury?
,No. The nurse should collect further data first. Gauze is not
appropriate for stage 1. Use a skin prep, hydrocolloid, or
transparent dressing instead.
Can the nurse massage or apply moisturizing lotion to a reddened
area showing signs of skin breakdown?
No. Massage or lotion can worsen tissue damage and should be
avoided.
Should a donut-shaped cushion be placed under the sacral area to
relieve pressure?
No. Donut-shaped cushions can actually increase pressure and risk
for pressure injuries.
What is a major adverse effect the nurse should monitor for after an
abdominal paracentesis?
Decreased blood pressure, which may indicate hypovolemia due to
excessive fluid removal.
Why is decreased urinary output concerning after an abdominal
paracentesis?
It may indicate hypovolemia, a potential complication from too
much fluid being removed.
Are changes in sputum an expected adverse effect after an
abdominal paracentesis?
No. Changes in sputum are typically monitored after a bronchoscopy,
not a paracentesis.
Are changes in neurological status expected after a paracentesis?
No. Changes in neurological status are monitored after a lumbar
puncture, not a paracentesis.
,When should a nurse monitor for changes in neurological status
following a procedure?
After a lumbar puncture, to detect complications such as increased
intracranial pressure or cerebral herniation.
After which procedure should a nurse monitor for changes in
sputum?
After a bronchoscopy, since respiratory status and airway
complications are the primary concerns.
When is increased urinary output an expected finding after a
procedure?
Increased urinary output is not expected after an abdominal
paracentesis—decreased output may signal hypovolemia
What is the priority nursing intervention for a client 3 hours post-
stroke?
Keep the client in a side-lying position to reduce the risk of aspiration by
allowing secretions to drain from the mouth.
Why is maintaining proper body alignment important for stroke
patients?
It helps preserve joint function and prevents skin breakdown, but
this comes after addressing airway and aspiration risks.
What is an expected outcome of sumatriptan administration?
Diminished headache, as it is used to relieve migraines and cluster
headaches.
Is reduced cough an expected outcome of sumatriptan?
, No. Sumatriptan can actually cause nasal and throat discomfort, not
reduce cough.
What musculoskeletal effects should a nurse monitor for in a client
taking sumatriptan?
The nurse should monitor for muscle pain and stiffness, which are
possible adverse effects—not muscle relaxation.
What should the nurse expect if there is decreased output from a
urethral catheter following a TURP?
A prescription to irrigate the urethral catheter with 0.9% sodium
chloride to clear any blood clots or tissue obstructing the flow.
Why should a nurse avoid clamping the urethral catheter in a client
receiving bladder irrigation?
Clamping the catheter prevents drainage, increasing the risk
for bladder distention and trauma.
Why should the catheter drainage bag not be placed at the client's
heart level?
Positioning the bag too high can impede urine flow and increase the
risk of urinary tract infection.
What is the risk of slowing the bladder irrigation flow rate after a
TURP?
It increases the risk for clot formation in the tubing and may
obstruct irrigation output.
What statement by a client taking levothyroxine indicates correct
understanding of how to take the medication?
