All Free Medical Surgical Nursing MCQs with Answers

• A. Avoid bending forward and lifting heavy objects
• B. Rub the operated eye gently when itching occurs
• C. Sleep on the operated side during the first night
• D. Remove the eye shield whenever walking outside

Explanation: Bending and straining can increase intraocular pressure and disturb the surgical site.

• A. Mild redness around the eyelids
• B. Severe eye pain with sudden visual change
• C. A small amount of watery eye discharge
• D. Difficulty reading small printed words

Explanation: Severe pain with sudden visual change suggests an acute rise in intraocular pressure, which can rapidly damage the optic nerve.

• A. Wash hands before and after applying the drops
• B. Touch the dropper tip to the lower eyelid
• C. Use the same towel for both eyes
• D. Share the prescribed drops with family members

Explanation: Hand hygiene before and after administration helps prevent spreading infection between the patient, the nurse and other surfaces.

• A. Apply a warm compress and reassess in one hour
• B. Encourage reading to test the affected eye
• C. Notify the ophthalmology team immediately
• D. Irrigate the eye with sterile normal saline

Explanation: Flashes, sudden floaters and a curtain-like shadow are warning signs of retinal detachment.

• A. Pull the pinna downward and forward
• B. Pull the pinna upward and backward
• C. Insert the dropper deeply into the canal
• D. Place the drops directly onto the tympanic membrane

Explanation: For an adult, the pinna is gently pulled upward and backward to straighten the ear canal.

• A. Damage to the auditory nerve from aging
• B. Difficulty transmitting sound through the outer or middle ear
• C. Permanent loss caused by cochlear hair-cell injury
• D. Hearing loss caused by damage to the vestibular nerve

Explanation: Conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is blocked in the outer or middle ear, such as by cerumen, otitis media or tympanic membrane…

• A. Ask the patient to walk independently to build confidence
• B. Place the patient safely in bed and institute fall precautions
• C. Encourage rapid head movements to improve balance
• D. Keep the room brightly lit and remove the call bell

Explanation: Safety is the immediate priority because vertigo greatly increases the risk of falling.

• A. I will use prescribed saline measures to help clear secretions
• B. I will insert cotton swabs deeply into each sinus opening
• C. I will stop all prescribed treatment when congestion improves
• D. I will restrict fluids to reduce mucus production

Explanation: Saline irrigation or spray, when prescribed and performed safely, can loosen secretions and improve drainage.

• A. Offer red-coloured juice to soothe the throat
• B. Inspect for bleeding and notify the surgeon promptly
• C. Encourage vigorous coughing to clear the throat
• D. Place the child flat and leave the room briefly

Explanation: Repeated swallowing and restlessness may indicate bleeding after tonsillectomy, which can threaten the airway and circulation.

• A. Offer solid food to maintain energy
• B. Place the patient upright and call for urgent airway support
• C. Ask the patient to lie flat for a complete examination
• D. Delay assessment until the prescribed analgesic takes effect

Explanation: Noisy breathing and increased effort suggest airway obstruction, so airway and breathing take priority.

• A. The patient reads the smallest line from six metres
• B. The patient identifies colours using a handheld card
• C. The patient reads newsprint from a fixed distance
• D. The patient follows a moving light with both eyes

Explanation: A Snellen chart measures distance visual acuity, usually with the patient standing six metres from the chart.

• A. Seasonal allergic rhinitis
• B. Chronic bronchial asthma
• C. Controlled hypothyroidism
• D. Previous cataract surgery

Explanation: Timolol is a topical beta blocker that may be absorbed systemically and cause bronchospasm.

• A. Place a thin ribbon inside the lower conjunctival sac
• B. Apply the ointment directly onto the cornea
• C. Rub the ointment over the closed upper eyelid
• D. Press the tube tip against the lower eyelid

Explanation: The ointment is placed as a thin ribbon in the lower conjunctival sac without touching the tube tip to the eye.

• A. I can fly in an aircraft if my vision feels clear
• B. I should tell every healthcare worker about the eye gas bubble
• C. I can rub the eye when the dressing is removed
• D. I should stop wearing the prescribed eye shield at night

Explanation: A gas bubble can expand at reduced atmospheric pressure and cause a dangerous rise in intraocular pressure, so air travel may be unsafe.

• A. Insert a cotton swab deeply to remove drainage
• B. Complete the prescribed antibiotic course if symptoms improve
• C. Keep the ear canal moist to loosen infected material
• D. Use leftover ear drops from a previous infection

Explanation: Completing the prescribed antibiotic course helps prevent treatment failure and complications.

• A. The patient hears speech more clearly in a noisy room
• B. The patient has reduced hearing with damage to the inner ear
• C. The patient has impacted cerumen blocking the ear canal
• D. The patient reports a feeling of pressure behind the eardrum

Explanation: Sensorineural hearing loss results from damage to the cochlea, auditory nerve or central auditory pathways.

• A. Whisper a series of numbers behind the patient
• B. Shout each word directly into the better ear
• C. Place the tuning fork on the forehead only
• D. Ask the patient to repeat words while reading lips

Explanation: The whisper test is a simple bedside screen when performed with the patient unable to see the nurse's mouth.

• A. Fewer episodes of vertigo and ear fullness
• B. Complete removal of impacted ear wax
• C. Immediate return of lost hearing after one dose
• D. Permanent prevention of all ear infections

Explanation: Betahistine is used to reduce the frequency or severity of vertigo associated with Ménière disease and may improve aural fullness.

• A. Mild throat pain after taking fluids
• B. Unilateral swelling with the uvula displaced
• C. A temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius
• D. Tender cervical lymph nodes on both sides

Explanation: Unilateral swelling with deviation of the uvula suggests a peritonsillar abscess, which can obstruct the airway and requires urgent…

• A. I will cover the stoma loosely with a clean cloth
• B. I will breathe through my nose during dusty activities
• C. I will pour water into the stoma to loosen mucus
• D. I will use powder around the stoma to absorb moisture

Explanation: A loose, clean covering helps filter dust and humidify inspired air while allowing airflow.