Benchmark I Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

These questions are part of the practice quiz. Start practicing

• In planning preoperative teaching to promote health and reduce complications, which information should the nurse discuss?
• Which nutritional intervention is emphasized to support wound healing in surgical patients?
• Which of the following is a hallmark of early cardiogenic shock requiring prompt action?
• An elderly patient with pneumonia and a sulfa allergy presents with urinary symptoms. Which finding would be most concerning for a concurrent urinary tract infection?
• What is the mechanism of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy and what nursing considerations accompany its use?
• When titrating IV nitroglycerin for chest pain in heart failure, which of the following BP readings indicates the rate may be too rapid and should be decreased?
• What laboratory findings indicate hepatocellular injury and how should nursing care respond?
• A client on anti-tuberculosis therapy has mildly elevated liver enzymes. What is the most appropriate plan?
• How can delirium be prevented in hospitalized older adults?
• What are common signs of a GI bleed and the initial nursing priorities?
• In ostomy care, after removing the old ostomy bag, what is the next step?
• A client with suspected contact dermatitis. What is the priority nursing action?
• Which statement correctly describes ARDS ventilation strategy?
• A patient with a history of chronic steroid use recently missed several days of medications and now presents with weakness, nausea, dry mucous membranes, hypotension, and electrolyte abnormalities consistent with an adrenal crisis. Which action should the nurse take first?
• Which measure should the nurse implement to decrease infection risk for a client with a clean wound?
• A client with venous thromboembolism is being treated. Which finding would indicate improvement in the affected leg?
• In managing a client with chlamydia, which actions are appropriate?
• Which ABG interpretation best differentiates metabolic acidosis from metabolic alkalosis?
• How should a patient experiencing anaphylaxis be treated and monitored?
• In ostomy care, which is the final step in changing the ostomy appliance?
• In a skilled nursing facility, when reviewing urinary tract infection surveillance data, which action best aligns with reducing UTIs?
• In a patient with benign prostatic hyperplasia and urinary retention, which parameter should be monitored most closely?
• What are the main steps in the initial management of diabetic ketoacidosis?
• Which statement indicates a need for further teaching about decongestant use in a patient with asthma and hypertension who is taking albuterol and montelukast?
• A client with HIV and Pneumocystis pneumonia is being treated. Which intervention is appropriate?
• Which urinalysis finding is most consistent with a urinary tract infection?
• In a facility where the RN receives new orders and delegates tasks, which action best reflects the RN's role?
• In STEMI, what is the target door-to-balloon time for PCI?
• In hepatic encephalopathy, which mechanism does lactulose primarily employ?
• During a post-bariatric surgery clinic visit, which statement indicates a potential pregnancy plan?
• A large pneumothorax is suspected when a patient presents with which findings, and what is the primary nursing action?
• When witnessing a seizure, which action is most appropriate?
• A client suspected of sleep-disordered breathing has several findings. Which assessment would be most concerning?
• Which finding best indicates a tension pneumothorax requiring urgent management?
• During a seizure, which action should the nurse perform that protects the client from injury?
• What are typical signs of liver failure and how do you manage hepatic encephalopathy?
• How do STEMI and NSTEMI differ in urgency and reperfusion strategies?
• Which initial management steps are included in MONA for suspected acute coronary syndrome?
• What are typical signs of left-sided heart failure?
• In counseling a client diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, which statement is most accurate?
• What are early signs of cardiogenic shock and what nursing actions are essential?
• A patient with a subdural hematoma is being treated. Which statement would be accurate regarding early treatment response?
• Which instruction should be included when teaching hand hygiene for staff members?
• What is the Glasgow Coma Scale and how does it guide nursing actions?
• Which route and dose is appropriate for initial treatment of a suspected anaphylactic reaction to an IV infusion?
• In COPD management, maintaining an oxygen saturation of 90-92% is primarily to prevent which complication?
• During an interview about alcohol and other substances, which statement indicates a safety concern?
• Which clinical finding is most important to monitor to assess intracranial pressure in a brain-injured patient?
• How should spinal precautions be applied in a trauma patient?
• Which action is NOT appropriate for suspected appendicitis?
• What is the first step the LPN/LVN should take when performing ostomy care?
• A client tests positive for Hepatitis A. Which precaution should be included in discharge teaching?
• What are potential adverse effects of ACE inhibitors besides hyperkalemia?
• Which intervention is not typically part of acute management for a client with sickle cell disease in crisis?
• When assessing a client for hemodialysis, which information is most important in determining the amount of ultrafiltration?
• A patient is prescribed amoxicillin suspension 750 mg by mouth every 8 hours. The suspension concentration is 125 mg per 5 mL. How many milliliters are required for each dose?
• How do macrocytic and microcytic anemias differ and what nursing actions apply?
• In atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, what should be assessed regarding anticoagulation?
• Based on a telemetry strip showing a stable rhythm, what is the most appropriate nursing action?
• After shift report, which patient should the nurse see first?
• Which condition is not a contraindication to kidney transplantation?
• For a patient with an Allow Natural Death (AND) order, which medication order would be appropriate to manage nausea?
• What is the first step in managing a suspected spinal injury in trauma?
• A patient presents with mid-epigastric pain radiating to the back, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and hematemesis. Which condition is most likely?
• List the key nursing priorities in acute pancreatitis.
• A patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease who had open anti-reflux surgery should receive which essential nursing intervention?
• How is hepatic encephalopathy diagnosed and managed in the hospital setting?
• A client with suspected colon cancer presents with pain and diarrhea on palpation and a palpable mass. What is the most likely location of the cancer?
• Which tuberculosis medication is commonly associated with liver enzyme elevation?
• How do you prevent and stage pressure ulcers and what is nursing care?
• When providing discharge instructions for a client prescribed albuterol and montelukast, which directive is appropriate?
• In planning care for an older adult at end of life, which action best supports the patient's psychosocial needs?
• MRSA wound care for a patient with an infected decubitus ulcer emphasizes which precaution?
• A 67-year-old male presents to the ED with urinary symptoms. Which condition is a potential diagnosis?
• A patient is at risk for fluid volume overload. Which nursing action best supports monitoring fluid status?
• What is the primary nursing focus when caring for a patient with meningitis?
• What is a common adverse effect of oral iron therapy that patients should be educated about?
• Which goals should be included when planning a diabetes self-management workshop?
• When educating a client starting active tuberculosis treatment, which adverse effects should be reported to the health care provider?
• A nurse caring for a client with coronary artery disease in suspected myocardial infarction discusses an order with the provider. Which order should be discussed before implementing?
• A client with a decubitus ulcer infected with MRSA has a laboratory value of glucose 250 mg/dL. This finding most likely indicates what?
• Which statement about myocardial infarction and troponin elevation is correct?
• Which intervention should the nurse anticipate implementing for a client with sickle cell disease experiencing an acute pain episode?
• A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is admitted with respiratory acidosis. What is the target oxygen saturation for this client?
• How should you manage hypoglycemia in a patient with diabetes who is awake vs unconscious?
• Which statement best reflects management of a patient with asthma and hypertension who is prescribed albuterol and montelukast?
• After total knee replacement, pain management includes celecoxib and hydrocodone. Which observation most strongly indicates effective analgesia during rehabilitation?
• Which measurement is used to determine the ultrafiltration target in hemodialysis?
• In suspected bacterial meningitis, when should dexamethasone be given relative to antibiotics?
• A client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) due to pneumonia presents with coma, glucose 500 mg/dL, blood pressure 90/50, heart rate 120, fever 102.0°F, and dry mucous membranes. After evaluation, which prescription should the nurse implement first?
• Why is initiating broad-spectrum antibiotics within the first hour critical in sepsis management?
• Which of the following are important considerations for patients on warfarin?
• In patients on warfarin, INR monitoring primarily helps assess what?
• Which urinalysis result best supports a urinary tract infection diagnosis?
• Which statement best defines ARDS and its key nursing management strategies?
• Following a provider's order for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole to complete the full course of therapy, the nurse should:
• Which strategies constitute key prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients?
• For a client receiving radiation therapy, which task would be most appropriate to delegate to a UAP?
• What are common signs of DKA and HHNK and the corresponding nursing priorities?
• Which statement best describes endoscopy readiness in a patient with GI bleeding?
• In a UTIs prevention plan, which population should be the focus due to higher risk?
• A Native American client in preoperative teaching says, 'I'm afraid the surgery will not go well unless my shaman is there to keep me well.' What is the nurse's best action?
• A patient requires 3 mg IV morphine. If the morphine solution is 25 mg/mL, how many milliliters should be administered?
• In preoperative teaching, which step helps reduce risk of postoperative complications?
• In suspected bacterial meningitis, which intervention should the nurse implement first to maintain safety and improve outcome?
• Which of the following is an expected side effect of rifampin used in tuberculosis therapy?
• During diabetic ketoacidosis treatment, which electrolyte is most closely monitored for rapid shifts after starting insulin therapy?
• What are best practices for opioid analgesia safety in postoperative patients?
• Why is confirming NPO status important in preoperative assessment?
• What are typical ECG changes in hypokalemia and nursing interventions?
• Imaging of an embolic stroke shows an embolism in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). Which signs are most likely to be present?
• For best infection control in a client with an inflamed right eye and copious purulent drainage, which measure is most appropriate?
• Which statement indicates a good understanding of hypertension?
• A newly admitted patient presents with acute pyelonephritis. Which initial diagnostic test should be obtained?
• For meningitis precautions, which isolation is typically implemented?
• In the ostomy care sequence, which step is not part of the standard procedure?
• Which statement best distinguishes HHNK from DKA?
• When reviewing a facility policy on perineal hygiene, which action is appropriate to include?
• Which symptom would be least expected in a patient with acute pyelonephritis?
• A 25-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis is started on leflunomide. Which precaution is essential before therapy and counseling?
• How is a hypertensive emergency managed in-hospital?
• Which statement correctly describes oxygen management in COPD to avoid CO2 retention?
• What ECG changes are seen with hyperkalemia and what is the emergent treatment?
• When interpreting arterial blood gas results, what is the first step to identify the primary disturbance and compensation?
• What are typical signs of right-sided heart failure?
• What are typical treatments for iron deficiency anemia and nursing focus?
• In suspected colon cancer, diarrhea is a symptom along with a palpable mass. The cancer is most likely located in which segment of the colon?
• What is the correct sequence of actions when a suspected blood transfusion reaction occurs?
• The nurse reviews the intake and output for a patient with a feeding tube. Which action is the best initial step?
• A client with severe hyperkalemia (potassium 7.0 mEq/L) has been treated with sodium polystyrene. Which data would best indicate the client's condition has improved?
• In a client with severe traumatic brain injury, which posturing indicates worsening intracranial pressure?
• Pneumocystis pneumonia most commonly occurs in which patient population?
• To prevent aspiration in a patient with a nasogastric feeding tube who has pneumonia, the head of the bed should be elevated to what degree?
• Which statement best aligns with appropriate urinary catheter use in a facility policy?
• Post-mastectomy, which health promotion need should be addressed?
• Why is knowing the CKD stage important for drug dosing?
• What are the indications and contraindications for thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke?
• Which action best supports meeting a patient’s spiritual needs in end-of-life care?
• Which antibiotic should be avoided in a patient with a sulfa allergy when treating a urinary tract infection?
• How do you differentiate type 1 from type 2 diabetes and what are key nursing considerations?
• For a client with suspected appendicitis, which action best supports the plan for optimal imaging and assessment?
• Which dysrhythmias are considered life-threatening after myocardial infarction?
• After initiating an IV antibiotic 20 minutes ago, a client develops wheezing and itching all over. What is the most appropriate initial action?
• Which lab value is most appropriate to monitor to assess hepatic encephalopathy therapy effectiveness when using lactulose?
• In the ICU after a myocardial infarction, which finding would be most concerning?
• After completing prescribed antibiotics for a UTI, which signs indicate improvement?
• In adrenal crisis with volume depletion, which IV fluid is typically given first?
• A client with a small-bowel obstruction is restless and in pain. The client is at highest risk for which complication?
• For NSTEMI, how is management typically approached?
• In a client with adrenal crisis and suspected hyperkalemia, which ECG finding would you expect to see?
• A client with a chronic decubitus ulcer infection has a glucose level of 250 mg/dL. This finding most likely indicates what about glycemic control?
• A client with spina bifida is suspected of having a latex allergy. Which action should be the priority?
• What infection risks do leukemia patients face during chemotherapy and how can nurses mitigate?
• Which clinical features characterize pneumonia and what should be nursing priorities on presentation?
• A client with ulcerative colitis should receive which dietary intervention during a flare?
• Which of the following is a correction for ulcerative colitis nonpharmacologic management (stress-related)?
• Which factors increase delirium risk in older hospitalized patients?
• What hand hygiene instruction should be included when teaching unlicensed assistive personnel?
• Which statement best describes the rationale for prone positioning in ARDS?
• How do isolation precautions work and why are they important in infection control?
• What is the recommended approach to address constipation risk in elderly postoperative patients?
• In COPD, what SpO2 target is appropriate and what risks affect oxygen therapy?
• Which medication order would be appropriate to manage pain in a patient with an AND order?
• Which assessment finding is most indicative of hepatitis?
• Which diagnosis is most consistent with the described adrenal crisis scenario?
• Which steps are essential in preoperative assessment and consent considerations?
• Which is not a recommended component of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis for hospitalized patients?
• Which statement correctly identifies a common cause of constipation in postoperative patients and its management?
• Which is a potential side effect of opioid analgesics used after knee replacement?
• How can you clinically distinguish stable angina from unstable angina?
• What are the initial steps in sepsis management and the rationale for early antibiotics?
• During initial fluid resuscitation in diabetic ketoacidosis, which monitoring parameter is most critical?
• What are key considerations for ACE inhibitors regarding kidney function and potassium?
• How do troponin levels behave after myocardial infarction?
• After administering morphine sulfate to a client with severe burns and severe pain, which indicator best reflects that the pain is under control?
• In a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis, dehydration is suspected. Which finding would best indicate dehydration?
• What is the initial treatment for atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response in acute care?
• For macrocytic anemia due to B12 or folate deficiency, what nursing focus is most appropriate?
• Which of the following indicates hyponatremia symptoms and the safe correction approach?