TIA Medical-Surgical Nursing

Question 1

A patient with chronic kidney disease has a serum potassium of 6.2 mEq/L. Which ECG change does the nurse anticipate?

Accepted Answer

Peaked T waves

Answer

Hyperkalemia characteristically produces peaked (tall, narrow) T waves on the ECG.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a patient post-thyroidectomy. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

Accepted Answer

Positive Chvostek's sign

Answer

A positive Chvostek's sign indicates hypocalcemia, a life-threatening complication after thyroidectomy due to inadvertent parathyroid removal.

Question 3

Which intervention is most important for a patient with a new diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

Accepted Answer

Maintain bed rest and elevate the affected limb

Answer

Bed rest with limb elevation reduces venous pressure and minimizes risk of embolization in acute DVT.

Question 4

A patient with COPD is receiving supplemental oxygen. Which oxygen flow rate is safest to start with?

Accepted Answer

1–2 L/min via nasal cannula

Answer

Patients with COPD rely on hypoxic drive; high-flow oxygen can suppress respiratory drive, so low-flow 1–2 L/min is safest.

Question 5

A patient undergoes a colostomy. Which stool output description indicates the ostomy is functioning normally?

Accepted Answer

Soft, formed stool from a sigmoid colostomy

Answer

A sigmoid colostomy produces soft, formed stool similar to normal bowel movements because it is located in the distal colon.

TIA - Assessment Technologies Institute Practice Test