Medical-Surgical Nursing MCQ Flashcards
7 cards from real CMSRN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Medical-Surgical Nursing MCQ flashcards as text
A patient with chronic kidney disease has a serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L. Which assessment finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
Answer: Peaked T-waves on ECG
Peaked T-waves on ECG indicate cardiac toxicity from hyperkalemia and require immediate intervention to prevent life-threatening dysrhythmias.
A nurse is caring for a post-operative patient who received general anesthesia 2 hours ago. Which respiratory assessment finding is most concerning?
Answer: Oxygen saturation of 88% on 2L nasal cannula
SpO2 of 88% despite supplemental oxygen indicates inadequate oxygenation and potential respiratory compromise requiring immediate intervention.
A patient with type 2 diabetes is scheduled for a CT scan with contrast. Which pre-procedure action is most important?
Answer: Hold metformin 48 hours before the procedure
Metformin must be held before contrast administration because contrast-induced nephropathy can impair metformin excretion, leading to lactic acidosis.
Which intervention is highest priority when a patient reports sudden-onset severe chest pain radiating to the left arm with diaphoresis?
Answer: Obtain a 12-lead ECG
Obtaining a 12-lead ECG is the first priority to identify ST changes and determine if the patient is experiencing an acute MI requiring emergent intervention.
A patient receiving IV vancomycin develops flushing, erythema, and hypotension during the infusion. What is the most likely cause?
Answer: Red man syndrome
Red man syndrome is a rate-related reaction to rapid vancomycin infusion causing flushing, erythema, and hypotension due to histamine release.
A patient with COPD is admitted with an acute exacerbation. Which oxygen delivery method is most appropriate?
Answer: Venturi mask at 24-28% FiO2
A Venturi mask delivers precise, controlled FiO2 (24-28%) to avoid suppressing the hypoxic drive that COPD patients may rely on for respiratory stimulation.
A nurse is caring for a patient with a thrombotic stroke who is receiving tPA. Which assessment finding requires immediate cessation of the infusion?
Answer: New onset severe headache
New severe headache during tPA infusion may indicate intracranial hemorrhage, a life-threatening complication requiring immediate cessation of the drug.