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 23 of 30
- A. Hold the cane in the left hand and move it last
- B. Hold the cane in the right hand and move it with the left leg
- C. Hold the cane in the left hand and move it with the right leg
- D. Hold the cane in the right hand and move it after both legs
Explanation: The cane is held on the stronger, opposite side and is advanced with the affected leg.
Correct answer: Hold the cane in the right hand and move it with the left leg- A. Place the patient flat and notify the surgeon
- B. Encourage walking to improve spinal circulation
- C. Apply a warm dressing and reassess in one hour
- D. Raise the head of the bed and increase oral fluids
Explanation: Clear drainage with a postural headache may indicate cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
Correct answer: Place the patient flat and notify the surgeon443. Which position is most appropriate for a patient with ankylosing spondylitis who is resting in bed?
- A. A prolonged flexed position with pillows under the knees
- B. A prone position for periods as tolerated
- C. A side-lying position with the spine sharply curved
- D. A sitting position with the neck continuously flexed
Explanation: Prone positioning, when tolerated, helps reduce progressive flexion deformity and supports spinal extension.
Correct answer: A prone position for periods as tolerated- A. It prevents all movement of the operated leg
- B. It reduces excessive hip flexion during toileting
- C. It strengthens the hip muscles without exercise
- D. It prevents infection of the surgical wound
Explanation: A raised toilet seat helps keep the hip from flexing beyond the prescribed limit, reducing stress on the healing joint and the risk of…
Correct answer: It reduces excessive hip flexion during toileting- A. Inspect the surgical dressing for drainage
- B. Assess the level of sedation and oxygenation
- C. Ask when the patient last passed stool
- D. Measure the circumference of the affected limb
Explanation: A slow respiratory rate with nausea may indicate opioid-induced central nervous system and respiratory depression.
Correct answer: Assess the level of sedation and oxygenation- A. Keep the joints in one comfortable position
- B. Perform prescribed passive range-of-motion exercises
- C. Massage reddened areas over bony prominences
- D. Restrict fluid intake before physiotherapy
Explanation: Regular prescribed passive range-of-motion exercises maintain joint mobility when the patient cannot move independently.
Correct answer: Perform prescribed passive range-of-motion exercises- A. I will smoke less until the fracture is healed
- B. I will avoid protein to reduce inflammation
- C. I will follow the weight-bearing plan and eat a balanced diet
- D. I will stop follow-up visits when the pain decreases
Explanation: Following the prescribed weight-bearing plan and consuming adequate protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients support healing.
Correct answer: I will follow the weight-bearing plan and eat a balanced diet- A. A history of peptic ulcer bleeding
- B. Mild stiffness after waking
- C. Pain that improves with rest
- D. A preference for warm compresses
Explanation: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and increase the risk of ulceration and bleeding.
Correct answer: A history of peptic ulcer bleeding- A. Assist the patient back to a safe lying position
- B. Continue the transfer so the patient adapts
- C. Ask the patient to walk quickly to the chair
- D. Give a sedative before attempting the transfer again
Explanation: Pallor, dizziness, and sweating suggest poor tolerance of the position, possibly from orthostatic hypotension or reduced circulating…
Correct answer: Assist the patient back to a safe lying position- A. Place a footboard at the end of the bed and encourage ankle dorsiflexion
- B. Keep the affected foot pointed downward with a pillow under the heel
- C. Limit ankle movement until the fracture is completely united
- D. Place a pillow under the calf so the toes remain lower than the heel
Explanation: A footboard supports the feet in a neutral position, while dorsiflexion exercises maintain ankle movement and muscle length.
Correct answer: Place a footboard at the end of the bed and encourage ankle dorsiflexion- A. Explain the surgical procedure and its possible complications
- B. Witness the signature after checking that consent is voluntary
- C. Tell the patient that signing guarantees a successful result
- D. Ask a relative to sign when the patient feels anxious
Explanation: The nurse may witness the patient's voluntary signature and confirm that the patient appears to understand and has had the opportunity to…
Correct answer: Witness the signature after checking that consent is voluntary- A. The patient reports mild anxiety about surgery
- B. The patient has removed jewellery and nail polish
- C. The patient has a temperature of 38.5°C
- D. The patient has completed the prescribed skin preparation
Explanation: A fever may indicate an active infection and can affect whether elective surgery should proceed.
Correct answer: The patient has a temperature of 38.5°C- A. Mark the site using the patient's written notes
- B. Ask the patient to state the procedure and operative site
- C. Confirm the site only after anaesthesia has been induced
- D. Rely on the operating room schedule without questioning it
Explanation: Having the awake patient state the planned procedure and site provides an active identity and site verification before anaesthesia.
Correct answer: Ask the patient to state the procedure and operative site- A. Continue because the glove still looks clean
- B. Wipe the glove with antiseptic solution
- C. Replace the contaminated glove using sterile technique
- D. Cover the glove with a second sterile glove
Explanation: The bedrail is not sterile, so the glove is contaminated even if no dirt is visible.
Correct answer: Replace the contaminated glove using sterile technique- A. Raise both legs separately at different times
- B. Place the arms tightly beside the patient's body
- C. Support the legs and raise and lower them together
- D. Allow the knees to remain sharply flexed throughout surgery
Explanation: The legs should be supported and moved together to prevent hip, nerve and lower-back injury and sudden changes in circulation.
Correct answer: Support the legs and raise and lower them together- A. Give the prescribed opioid for incisional pain
- B. Assess breathing and reposition the airway
- C. Offer oral fluids to reduce throat dryness
- D. Inspect the surgical dressing for drainage
Explanation: Snoring after anaesthesia may indicate partial upper-airway obstruction, so airway and breathing take priority over pain, fluids and wound…
Correct answer: Assess breathing and reposition the airway- A. Reinforce the dressing and reassess in one hour
- B. Place the patient in a high sitting position
- C. Notify the surgical team and support circulation
- D. Give oral water and encourage deep breathing
Explanation: Rapid bleeding with tachycardia and falling blood pressure suggests postoperative haemorrhage and possible hypovolaemic shock.
Correct answer: Notify the surgical team and support circulation- A. Keep the patient flat and limit movement
- B. Encourage deep breathing, coughing and early mobilisation
- C. Withhold analgesia until the patient can cough strongly
- D. Apply a tight abdominal binder without further instruction
Explanation: Deep breathing, supported coughing, adequate analgesia and early mobilisation help expand the lungs and clear secretions.
Correct answer: Encourage deep breathing, coughing and early mobilisation- A. That is safe if the prescribed dose is small
- B. Only the patient should press the button
- C. The spouse should press it every four hours
- D. The nurse should disable the dose-limit setting
Explanation: Only the patient should activate patient-controlled analgesia because sedation is an important safety limit.
Correct answer: Only the patient should press the button- A. Give a large glass of water immediately
- B. Place the patient flat and leave the room
- C. Position the patient safely and assess the airway
- D. Encourage the patient to walk to relieve nausea
Explanation: Reduced alertness and nausea increase the risk of vomiting and aspiration, so airway protection and safe positioning are the priority.
Correct answer: Position the patient safely and assess the airway