NCLEX RN Questions Medical Surgical Nursing
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Question 1 of 5.
The nurse is planning care for a client who had surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair 2 days ago. The pain medication and the use of relaxation and imagery techniques are not relieving the client's pain and the client refuses to get out of bed to ambulate as ordered. The nurse contacts the physician, explains the situation, and provides information about drug dose, frequency of administration, the client's vital signs, and the client's score on the pain scale. The physician tells the nurse that the current order for pain medication is sufficient and the client will be fine in a few days. The nurse should next:
A. Explain to the physician that the current pain medication and other strategies are not helping the client and it is making it difficult for the client to ambulate as ordered
B. Ask the hospitalist to write an order for a stronger pain medication
C. Wait until the next shift and ask the nurse on that shift to contact the physician
D. Report the incident to the team leader
Explanation: The nurse should advocate for the client by reiterating to the physician that the current pain management is ineffective, preventing ambulation, which is critical for recovery post-AAA repair. This aligns with ethical and professional standards. Asking another provider, waiting, or reporting to the team leader delays care.
Question 2 of 5.
A client has chest pain rated at 8 on a 10 point visual analog scale. The 12-lead electrocardiogram reveals ST elevation in the inferior leads and Troponin levels are elevated. What is the highest priority for nursing management of this client at this time?
A. Monitor daily weights and urine output.
B. Permit unrestricted visitation by family and friends.
C. Provide client education on medications and diet.
D. Reduce pain and myocardial oxygen demand.
Explanation: The client is experiencing an acute myocardial infarction, indicated by ST elevation and elevated troponin. Reducing pain and myocardial oxygen demand is critical to minimize further cardiac damage.
Question 3 of 5.
When teaching the client with myocardial infarction (MI), the nurse explains that the pain associated with MI is caused by:
A. Left ventricular overload.
B. Impending circulatory collapse.
C. Extracellular electrolyte imbalances.
D. Insufficient oxygen reaching the heart muscle.
Explanation: MI pain results from myocardial ischemia due to insufficient oxygen delivery to the heart muscle, caused by coronary artery occlusion.
Question 4 of 5.
Crackles heard on lung auscultation indicate which of the following?
A. Cyanosis.
B. Bronchospasm.
C. Airway narrowing.
D. Fluid-filled alveoli.
Explanation: Crackles indicate fluid in the alveoli, often due to pulmonary edema in heart failure or post-MI, reflecting left ventricular dysfunction.
Question 5 of 5.
A client with chronic heart failure has atrial fibrillation and a left ventricular ejection fraction of 15%. The client is taking warfarin (Coumadin). The expected outcome of this drug is to:
A. Decrease circulatory overload.
B. Improve the myocardial workload.
C. Prevent thrombus formation.
D. Regulate cardiac rhythm.
Explanation: Warfarin prevents thrombus formation, critical in atrial fibrillation and low ejection fraction, which increase clot risk due to stasis.
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