All Free Medical Surgical Nursing MCQs with Answers
Every Medical Surgical Nursing question in the bank, across all chapters, each with the correct answer and a written explanation. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.
600 questions · page 17 of 30
- A. Pain and resistance when the neck is flexed
- B. Painless flexion of the neck toward the chest
- C. Marked weakness only in one lower limb
- D. Loss of sensation in a glove pattern
Explanation: Neck stiffness and resistance to passive neck flexion suggest meningeal irritation.
Correct answer: Pain and resistance when the neck is flexed- A. Gingival enlargement and bleeding
- B. Severe urinary frequency and thirst
- C. Persistent dry cough and hoarseness
- D. Yellow discoloration of the sclera
Explanation: Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, especially when oral hygiene is poor, so regular dental care is important.
Correct answer: Gingival enlargement and bleeding- A. Keep the head midline and elevate the head of the bed
- B. Place the patient flat and flex the neck forward
- C. Encourage repeated coughing to clear secretions
- D. Position the patient prone with the hips flexed
Explanation: A midline head position with moderate head elevation promotes venous drainage from the brain and may reduce intracranial pressure.
Correct answer: Keep the head midline and elevate the head of the bed- A. Spinal shock
- B. Autonomic dysreflexia
- C. Neurogenic shock
- D. Brown-Séquard syndrome
Explanation: Spinal shock causes temporary loss of motor activity, sensation and reflexes below the injury, producing flaccid paralysis.
Correct answer: Spinal shock- A. Urgent non-contrast CT scan of the head
- B. Routine electroencephalogram after breakfast
- C. Lumbar puncture before neurological assessment
- D. Cervical spine radiograph before blood testing
Explanation: An urgent non-contrast CT scan helps distinguish an ischaemic stroke from intracranial haemorrhage before antiplatelet treatment is given.
Correct answer: Urgent non-contrast CT scan of the head- A. Possible phenytoin toxicity requiring review
- B. Expected improvement in seizure control
- C. Evidence of bacterial meningitis
- D. A normal response to intravenous fluid
Explanation: Nystagmus and ataxia are recognised signs of phenytoin toxicity and require prompt clinical review, including assessment of the drug level…
Correct answer: Possible phenytoin toxicity requiring review- A. Rise slowly and pause before walking
- B. Stop all prescribed medicines immediately
- C. Drink less fluid before getting out of bed
- D. Turn quickly to improve balance reactions
Explanation: Parkinson disease and antiparkinson medicines can contribute to orthostatic hypotension, so the patient should change position slowly and…
Correct answer: Rise slowly and pause before walking- A. A temporary worsening related to infection
- B. A definite permanent spinal cord lesion
- C. A new bacterial infection of the meninges
- D. A typical adverse effect of levodopa therapy
Explanation: Infection and fever can temporarily worsen existing multiple sclerosis symptoms without representing a new demyelinating relapse.
Correct answer: A temporary worsening related to infection- A. Maintain airway support and suction secretions as needed
- B. Offer frequent oral fluids to clear the throat
- C. Place the patient supine without head support
- D. Give oral tablets with a small amount of water
Explanation: Airway protection and breathing take priority in a patient with reduced consciousness, so secretions should be cleared while airway…
Correct answer: Maintain airway support and suction secretions as needed- A. Report the new upper-limb neurological change immediately
- B. Massage both arms to restore normal circulation
- C. Encourage walking to test the patient's strength
- D. Apply heat to the neck to relax tight muscles
Explanation: New motor or sensory changes after spinal cord injury may indicate neurological deterioration and require immediate reporting and…
Correct answer: Report the new upper-limb neurological change immediately- A. States the name of the hospital only
- B. Follows a simple command only
- C. States the name, place and current time
- D. Withdraws the hand from painful stimulation
Explanation: Orientation means the patient correctly identifies important aspects of person, place and time.
Correct answer: States the name, place and current time- A. Left-sided neglect
- B. Expressive aphasia
- C. Right-sided hemianopia
- D. Impaired hearing on the left
Explanation: Left-sided neglect is an inability to attend to or recognise the left side, commonly associated with a right hemispheric stroke.
Correct answer: Left-sided neglect- A. Offer sips of water
- B. Place the patient in a side-lying position
- C. Restrain the arms and legs
- D. Ask the patient to walk to the bed
Explanation: Side-lying positioning helps maintain airway drainage during the postictal period and supports the breathing priority.
Correct answer: Place the patient in a side-lying position- A. Increasing alertness after rest
- B. New inability to obey a simple command
- C. Pulse of 76 beats per minute
- D. Equal hand grips bilaterally
Explanation: A new inability to follow commands suggests worsening level of consciousness or neurological function and requires prompt reporting.
Correct answer: New inability to obey a simple command- A. Loss of one ankle reflex
- B. Fasciculations in one hand
- C. Spasticity below the lesion
- D. Flaccid weakness in one finger
Explanation: Spasticity is an upper motor neuron feature caused by a central nervous system lesion such as spinal cord damage.
Correct answer: Spasticity below the lesion- A. Encourage large bites to shorten the meal
- B. Position the patient upright during meals
- C. Give thin liquids rapidly between bites
- D. Place the patient flat after each mouthful
Explanation: An upright position supports safer swallowing and reduces aspiration risk.
Correct answer: Position the patient upright during meals- A. Schedule demanding tasks during peak fatigue
- B. Alternate activity with planned rest periods
- C. Exercise until severe weakness develops
- D. Use hot baths before every activity
Explanation: Planned rest periods, pacing and energy conservation help reduce fatigue in multiple sclerosis.
Correct answer: Alternate activity with planned rest periods- A. Reposition regularly and inspect the skin
- B. Apply a heating pad to the sacral area
- C. Massage reddened skin over bony areas
- D. Limit protein to reduce urine output
Explanation: Loss of sensation increases the risk of unnoticed pressure injury, so regular repositioning and frequent skin inspection are essential.
Correct answer: Reposition regularly and inspect the skin- A. Mild thirst after exercise
- B. New severe abdominal pain and vomiting
- C. Occasional hunger before meals
- D. Slightly increased sleep after dosing
Explanation: Severe abdominal pain and vomiting may indicate pancreatitis, a serious adverse effect of sodium valproate.
Correct answer: New severe abdominal pain and vomiting- A. Keep the patient flat and offer oral fluids
- B. Turn the patient to the side and assess the airway
- C. Encourage ambulation to improve circulation
- D. Dim the lights and postpone neurological checks
Explanation: Drowsiness and vomiting increase the risk of airway obstruction and aspiration, so airway assessment and side-lying positioning take…
Correct answer: Turn the patient to the side and assess the airway