All Free Medical Surgical Nursing MCQs with Answers

• A. A proton pump inhibitor such as omeprazole
• B. An antacid alone such as magnesium hydroxide
• C. A bulk-forming laxative such as psyllium
• D. An antidiarrhoeal such as loperamide

Explanation: A proton pump inhibitor suppresses gastric acid and is combined with prescribed antibiotics to eradicate H. pylori.

• A. I will take frequent small sips of oral rehydration solution
• B. I will drink only plain water until the diarrhoea stops
• C. I will avoid fluids for several hours after each loose stool
• D. I will use concentrated fruit juice to replace lost fluid

Explanation: Frequent small amounts of oral rehydration solution replace water and electrolytes and are usually better tolerated than large volumes.

• A. Toxic megacolon
• B. Paralytic ileus
• C. Acute appendicitis
• D. Simple constipation

Explanation: Fever, abdominal distension, tenderness and systemic toxicity in ulcerative colitis suggest toxic megacolon, a life-threatening dilation…

• A. Measure and document the drainage regularly
• B. Clamp the tube after every episode of nausea
• C. Flush the tube routinely with a large volume of water
• D. Place the patient flat to improve abdominal drainage

Explanation: The nurse measures drainage, assesses its colour and amount, and monitors fluid and electrolyte losses.

• A. Through infected blood and sexual contact
• B. Through sharing cooked food with an infected person
• C. Through mosquito bites in a crowded area
• D. Through inhaling droplets from a coughing patient

Explanation: Hepatitis B spreads through infected blood and body fluids, including sexual exposure and contaminated needles or instruments.

• A. Measure body weight at the same time each day
• B. Limit all oral fluids without a prescription
• C. Massage swollen legs vigorously every shift
• D. Use urine colour alone to estimate fluid balance

Explanation: Daily weight taken under consistent conditions is a sensitive measure of changes in total body fluid.

• A. Check the apical pulse and blood pressure
• B. Check the pupil reaction and visual acuity
• C. Check bowel sounds and abdominal girth
• D. Check skin turgor and oral temperature

Explanation: Propranolol lowers heart rate and blood pressure, so the nurse checks the pulse and blood pressure and follows the prescribed hold…

• A. Fresh fruit with unsalted rice
• B. Canned soup with salted crackers
• C. Pickled vegetables with processed meat
• D. Instant noodles with a seasoning packet

Explanation: Fresh fruit and unsalted rice are naturally low in sodium and fit a sodium-restricted diet.

• A. Assess blood pressure, pulse and mental status
• B. Offer a high-fibre meal to prevent constipation
• C. Administer an oral iron tablet with juice
• D. Encourage walking to stimulate bowel activity

Explanation: Black tarry stool may indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, so circulation and neurological status must be assessed first.

• A. Semi-Fowler position with the legs supported
• B. Supine position with the legs kept flat
• C. Prone position with the abdomen unsupported
• D. Trendelenburg position with the head lowered

Explanation: Semi-Fowler positioning improves lung expansion and supporting the legs may reduce dependent oedema while the patient is assessed.

• A. Stop ibuprofen and discuss safer analgesia with the prescriber
• B. Take ibuprofen with milk to prevent all gastric irritation
• C. Use ibuprofen only at bedtime to reduce ulcer symptoms
• D. Crush ibuprofen and take it after an antacid dose

Explanation: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce protective prostaglandins and can worsen ulceration or bleeding.

• A. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
• B. Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion
• C. Palpation, percussion, inspection, auscultation
• D. Percussion, palpation, auscultation, inspection

Explanation: The abdomen is inspected first, then auscultated before percussion and palpation.

• A. Urine output increases and the pulse becomes stronger
• B. The patient reports thirst but has moist skin
• C. The respiratory rate decreases with persistent dizziness
• D. The abdomen becomes distended after each fluid bolus

Explanation: Improving urine output and pulse strength suggest better renal perfusion and circulating volume.

• A. A sudden reduction in previously loud bowel sounds
• B. Mild nausea after the last prescribed antiemetic
• C. Intermittent colicky pain before passing flatus
• D. A dry mouth after several hours without oral fluids

Explanation: A sudden reduction in bowel sounds with worsening distension may indicate progression to ileus, ischemia, or perforation.

• A. Apply prolonged gentle pressure after removing the needle
• B. Massage the puncture site to improve circulation
• C. Use a firm tourniquet for twenty minutes afterward
• D. Encourage vigorous arm exercises after the procedure

Explanation: Reduced clotting factor production in cirrhosis increases bleeding risk, so gentle prolonged pressure helps achieve haemostasis.

• A. Avoid straining during bowel movements and report black stools
• B. Use a hard toothbrush to strengthen the gums
• C. Take aspirin for minor abdominal discomfort
• D. Perform forceful coughing exercises every morning

Explanation: Straining can increase intra-abdominal pressure and contribute to variceal bleeding, while black stools may indicate upper…

• A. Blood pressure falls and the patient becomes dizzy
• B. The patient reports less abdominal pressure
• C. The abdomen is softer than before the procedure
• D. Respirations become easier while sitting upright

Explanation: Hypotension and dizziness after removal of ascitic fluid may indicate intravascular volume reduction or circulatory dysfunction.

• A. Place the patient in a safe environment with close observation
• B. Keep the room dark and limit all communication
• C. Encourage independent walking to maintain muscle strength
• D. Offer sedative medication whenever the patient becomes restless

Explanation: Safety is the immediate priority because confusion and poor coordination increase the risk of falls and injury.

• A. Do not share razors, toothbrushes or equipment that may contain blood
• B. Avoid sharing cooked food because the virus spreads through meals
• C. Wear a mask during all household contact to prevent droplet spread
• D. Use separate towels because hepatitis C commonly spreads through sweat

Explanation: Hepatitis C is mainly transmitted through infected blood, so personal items that may cause small skin or gum injuries should not be…

• A. Small meals of refined rice, bananas and lean chicken
• B. Large meals of fried food, raw cabbage and beans
• C. High-fat meals with cream to increase calorie intake
• D. Spicy food with whole-grain bread to stimulate appetite

Explanation: Small, lower-residue meals such as refined rice, bananas, and lean chicken may reduce bowel stimulation while providing energy and…