NCLEX RN Medical Surgical Practice Questions

Home / Nursing & Allied Health Certifications / NCLEX RN / RN Medical Surgical Nursing

Question 1 of 5.

During the preoperative interview, the nurse obtains information about the client's medication history. Which of the following is not necessary to record about the client?

A. Current use of medications, herbs, and vitamins.

B. Over-the-counter medication use in the last 6 weeks.

C. Steroid use in the last year.

D. Use of all drugs taken in the last 18 months.

Explanation: Recording all drugs taken in the last 18 months is excessive, as many may no longer be relevant to surgical risks. Current medications, recent over-the-counter drugs, and steroid use are critical due to their potential impact on surgery.

Question 2 of 5.

A client with chest pain is prescribed intravenous nitroglycerin (Tridil). Which assessment is of greatest concern for the nurse initiating the nitroglycerin drip?

A. Serum potassium is 3.5 mEq/L.

B. Blood pressure is 88/46.

C. ST elevation is present on the electrocardiogram.

D. Heart rate is 61.

Explanation: Nitroglycerin causes vasodilation, which can lower blood pressure. A blood pressure of 88/46 indicates hypotension, a significant concern as it may compromise perfusion, making it the priority assessment.

Question 3 of 5.

The nurse is assessing a client who has had a myocardial infarction. The nurse notes the cardiac rhythm shown on the electrocardiogram strip below. The nurse identifies this rhythm as which of the following?

A. Atrial fibrillation.

B. Ventricular tachycardia.

C. Premature ventricular contractions.

D. Sinus tachycardia.

Explanation: Sinus tachycardia is a fast but regular rhythm originating from the sinoatrial node, typically occurring in response to factors like pain, fever, anxiety, or myocardial infarction.

Question 4 of 5.

A 68-year-old female client on day 2 after hip surgery has no cardiac history but reports having chest heaviness. The first nursing action should be to:

A. Inquire about the onset, duration, severity, and precipitating factors of the heaviness.

B. Administer oxygen via nasal cannula.

C. Offer pain medication for the chest heaviness.

D. Inform the physician of the chest heaviness.

Explanation: Assessing the characteristics of chest heaviness clarifies whether it is cardiac (e.g., angina) or non-cardiac, guiding further actions like oxygen or physician notification.

Question 5 of 5.

A client has a history of heart failure and has been taking several medications, including furosemide (Lasix), digoxin (Lanoxin) and potassium chloride. The client has nausea, blurred vision, headache, and weakness. The nurse notes that the client is confused. The telemetry strip shows first-degree atrioventricular block. The nurse should assess the client for signs of which condition?

A. Hyperkalemia.

B. Digoxin toxicity.

C. Fluid deficit.

D. Pulmonary edema.

Explanation: Nausea, blurred vision, confusion, and AV block are classic signs of digoxin toxicity, especially in a client taking digoxin, requiring immediate assessment.