CMSRN Medical-Surgical Nursing MCQ 5

Question 1

A patient with heart failure is ordered furosemide 40 mg IV. Which laboratory value must be checked before administration?

Accepted Answer

Serum potassium

Answer

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes potassium wasting; baseline potassium must be checked because hypokalemia increases the risk of fatal cardiac dysrhythmias.

Question 2

A patient who underwent thyroidectomy 8 hours ago complains of tingling around the mouth and muscle cramps. Which complication does the nurse suspect?

Accepted Answer

Hypocalcemia from parathyroid damage

Answer

Perioral tingling and carpopedal spasm (Trousseau's sign) after thyroidectomy indicate hypocalcemia from inadvertent parathyroid gland removal or injury.

Question 3

A patient is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a central line. The TPN bag runs out before a replacement bag arrives. Which action should the nurse take?

Accepted Answer

Infuse 10% dextrose in water at the same rate

Answer

Infusing 10% dextrose prevents rebound hypoglycemia that can occur when high-concentration glucose infusion is abruptly stopped, as insulin secretion continues momentarily.

Question 4

Which assessment technique is most effective for detecting early compartment syndrome in a patient with a long-bone fracture?

Accepted Answer

Assessing pain with passive stretch of muscles in the compartment

Answer

Pain that is out of proportion to the injury and worsened by passive stretch is the earliest and most sensitive indicator of compartment syndrome before vascular compromise occurs.

Question 5

A patient with a stage 3 pressure injury has a wound that appears yellow with slough. Which wound care intervention is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Use a hydrocolloid dressing to promote autolytic debridement

Answer

Hydrocolloid dressings create a moist wound environment that facilitates autolytic debridement, removing slough and promoting granulation tissue formation.

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN Medical-Surgical Nursing MCQ 5