10 exam-style questions with answers and explanations. Tap an answer to check yourself. When you're ready, take the scored version in the free practice test.
The MEDSURG-BC exam has 150 questions and runs 3 hours.
These 10 free MEDSURG-BC questions are organized by exam domain, so you can see how each part of the Medical-Surgical Nursing (MEDSURG-BC) blueprint is tested. Reveal the answer and explanation under each question.
A patient with chronic kidney disease has a serum potassium of 6.8 mEq/L, and the cardiac monitor shows peaked T waves. Which prescribed intervention should the nurse administer FIRST?
Correct answer: B - Administer intravenous calcium gluconate
A patient who has been vomiting for three days has arterial blood gas results of pH 7.50, PaCO2 40 mmHg, and HCO3 30 mEq/L. The nurse interprets these findings as:
Correct answer: D - Metabolic alkalosis
Six hours after a cast is applied for a tibial fracture, a patient reports deep, throbbing pain that is unrelieved by opioids and intensifies with passive movement of the toes. Which action should the nurse take FIRST?
Correct answer: A - Notify the surgeon about the patient's symptoms
An older adult who was alert and oriented on admission develops acute confusion and agitation on the second postoperative night, and the symptoms wax and wane through the night. These findings are MOST consistent with:
Correct answer: B - Delirium
On the fourth postoperative day, a patient coughs forcefully, then reports that something 'gave way' in the abdominal incision. The nurse finds a loop of bowel protruding through the wound. Which action should the nurse take FIRST?
Correct answer: C - Cover the wound with sterile saline-moistened gauze
A patient is placed on contact precautions for a Clostridioides difficile infection. Which action by the nurse reflects correct infection-control practice?
Correct answer: B - Wash hands with soap and water after patient care
A nurse is evaluating discharge teaching for a patient with heart failure. Which statement by the patient indicates that FURTHER teaching is needed?
Correct answer: A - I can season my food freely with a potassium salt substitute.
Fifteen minutes into a transfusion of packed red blood cells, a patient develops chills, fever, and flank pain and appears anxious. Which action should the nurse take FIRST?
Correct answer: D - Stop the transfusion and keep the vein open with saline
A registered nurse is assigning tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP). Which task is appropriate for the nurse to delegate?
Correct answer: D - Measuring and recording vital signs for a stable patient
A patient scheduled for surgery tells the nurse, 'I'm terrified I won't wake up from the anesthesia.' Which response by the nurse is MOST therapeutic?
Correct answer: C - Tell me more about what is frightening you about the surgery.
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