Medical-Surgical Nursing: Focus on Clinical Judgment 3rd Edition Linda Honan 2023 Test Bank | Updated 2025–2026

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Question 1
Which concept best describes the primary focus of medical-surgical nursing?
A. Child development
B. Acute and chronic adult care
C. Obstetric management
D. Pediatric growth patterns
Answer: B. Acute and chronic adult care
Rationale: Medical-surgical nursing emphasizes the care of adults with acute or
chronic illnesses in various settings.


Question 2
What is the nurse’s primary role in promoting health?
A. Administering medications
B. Performing diagnostic procedures
C. Educating patients on lifestyle modifications
D. Scheduling follow-up visits
Answer: C. Educating patients on lifestyle modifications
Rationale: Nurses empower patients through education, which promotes
prevention and long-term health maintenance.


Question 3
Which patient requires the most immediate nursing intervention?
A. A post-op patient rating pain at 8/10
B. A patient with new-onset shortness of breath
C. A patient requesting assistance to ambulate
D. A patient awaiting discharge instructions
Answer: B. A patient with new-onset shortness of breath
Rationale: Airway and breathing take priority according to the ABCs of nursing
care.


Question 4
Which of the following is an example of secondary prevention?

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A. Immunization
B. Routine mammogram screening
C. Cardiac rehabilitation program
D. Teaching hand hygiene in schools
Answer: B. Routine mammogram screening
Rationale: Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and intervention.


Question 5
The nurse recognizes which factor as a social determinant of health?
A. Genetic disorders
B. Employment status
C. Immune response
D. Wound healing ability
Answer: B. Employment status
Rationale: Social determinants include socioeconomic and environmental factors
that influence health.


Question 6
What is the priority nursing action when caring for a patient immediately post-
anesthesia?
A. Monitor airway and breathing
B. Assess pain level
C. Reorient patient to time and place
D. Provide oral fluids
Answer: A. Monitor airway and breathing
Rationale: Airway and ventilation take priority after anesthesia.


Question 7
Which principle is essential in evidence-based practice?
A. Reliance on tradition
B. Use of current best evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values
C. Preference for physician orders over guidelines

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D. Avoiding new research until widely accepted
Answer: B. Use of current best evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values
Rationale: Evidence-based practice integrates research, professional judgment,
and patient preference.


Question 8
What is the best initial nursing intervention for a patient with suspected
hypovolemic shock?
A. Start oxygen therapy
B. Prepare for discharge
C. Provide reassurance
D. Apply heat packs
Answer: A. Start oxygen therapy
Rationale: Oxygenation is the first priority to support perfusion.


Question 9
Which statement best defines clinical judgment?
A. Performing nursing procedures correctly
B. Applying knowledge and critical thinking to patient care decisions
C. Following physician orders exactly
D. Memorizing disease processes
Answer: B. Applying knowledge and critical thinking to patient care decisions
Rationale: Clinical judgment requires synthesis of knowledge, assessment, and
decision-making.


Question 10
A patient asks about strategies to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease. Which is
most appropriate?
A. Encouraging high sodium diet
B. Limiting physical activity
C. Promoting smoking cessation and regular exercise
D. Recommending daily alcohol use