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Medical-Surgical Nursing Flashcards

6 cards from real BSN practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 6 Medical-Surgical Nursing flashcards as text

  1. A patient returns from a left-sided cardiac catheterization via the femoral artery. Which assessment finding requires immediate nursing intervention?

    Answer: Absence of dorsalis pedis pulse in the left foot

    Loss of the pulse distal to the puncture site indicates arterial occlusion or hematoma compression, requiring immediate notification of the provider.

  2. A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has a potassium level of 6.4 mEq/L. Which assessment finding is most concerning?

    Answer: Tall peaked T waves on the ECG

    Peaked T waves are an early ECG sign of hyperkalemia, which can progress to life-threatening dysrhythmias if not treated.

  3. A patient with a history of COPD is admitted with an acute exacerbation. The nurse notes an SpO2 of 85% and respiratory rate of 28 breaths/min. What is the priority nursing action?

    Answer: Apply supplemental oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula and reassess

    COPD patients depend on hypoxic drive; low-flow oxygen (1–2 L/min) corrects dangerous hypoxemia without suppressing respiratory drive.

  4. A postoperative patient who had abdominal surgery 2 days ago reports sudden onset of severe shortness of breath, chest pain, and apprehension. The nurse suspects pulmonary embolism. Which action takes priority?

    Answer: Administer oxygen and notify the provider immediately

    Suspected pulmonary embolism is a medical emergency; administering oxygen to treat hypoxemia and immediately notifying the provider are the priority actions.

  5. A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus develops Kussmaul respirations, fruity breath, and blood glucose of 480 mg/dL. These findings are consistent with:

    Answer: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

    DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, acidosis, Kussmaul respirations, and fruity (acetone) breath in type 1 diabetes.

  6. A patient with a fractured pelvis is at greatest risk for which complication?

    Answer: Hemorrhage

    The pelvic region is highly vascular; pelvic fractures can cause massive internal hemorrhage that is rapidly life-threatening.