CMSRN FREE Medical-Surgical Nursing 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 implement first?

Accepted Answer

Place the patient on continuous cardiac monitoring

Answer

Hyperkalemia at this level poses an immediate risk for fatal cardiac dysrhythmias, making cardiac monitoring the priority intervention.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a patient 12 hours after a total hip arthroplasty. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

The affected leg appears shorter and externally rotated

Answer

A shortened and externally rotated leg after total hip arthroplasty indicates posterior hip dislocation, which requires emergent medical intervention.

Question 3

Which assessment finding in a patient receiving heparin therapy should prompt the nurse to notify the provider immediately?

Accepted Answer

A platelet count that dropped from 240,000 to 95,000 over 5 days

Answer

A greater than 50% drop in platelets during heparin therapy is a hallmark sign of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a potentially fatal complication.

Question 4

A patient with cirrhosis develops increasing abdominal girth and a fluid wave on examination. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor most closely?

Accepted Answer

Serum albumin

Answer

Low serum albumin reduces oncotic pressure, directly contributing to ascites formation in cirrhotic patients.

Question 5

A nurse is teaching a patient newly diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Which statement by the patient indicates correct understanding of the disease?

Accepted Answer

I need to plan activities early in the day when I have the most strength

Answer

Myasthenia gravis causes progressive muscle fatigue throughout the day, so patients typically have more strength in the morning and should schedule demanding activities accordingly.

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing Practice Test

CMSRN FREE Medical-Surgical Nursing Questions and Answers 2