CMSRN FREE CMSRN Medical-Surgical Nursing Guide Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

A patient with chronic kidney disease has a potassium level of 6.2 mEq/L. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?

Accepted Answer

Administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate as ordered

Answer

Sodium polystyrene sulfonate binds potassium in the GI tract to lower dangerously elevated serum potassium levels.

Question 2

Which assessment finding in a postoperative patient most strongly suggests the development of a pulmonary embolism?

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of dyspnea with pleuritic chest pain

Answer

Sudden dyspnea accompanied by pleuritic chest pain is the hallmark presentation of a pulmonary embolism.

Question 3

A nurse is caring for a patient receiving a blood transfusion who develops fever, flank pain, and dark urine. What is the priority nursing action?

Accepted Answer

Stop the transfusion immediately

Answer

These symptoms indicate an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction, requiring immediate cessation of the transfusion to prevent further harm.

Question 4

Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely in a patient receiving heparin therapy?

Accepted Answer

Platelet count and aPTT

Answer

Both aPTT for therapeutic effectiveness and platelet count for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia must be monitored during heparin therapy.

Question 5

A patient with heart failure is prescribed furosemide 40 mg IV. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse anticipate?

Accepted Answer

Hypokalemia

Answer

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes significant potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia.

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test