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 7 of 30
- A. Unequal chest expansion
- B. Blood pressure of 86/52 mmHg
- C. Reduced level of consciousness
- D. Cool and mottled extremities
Explanation: Disability assesses neurological status, including level of consciousness, pupils and bedside glucose.
Correct answer: Reduced level of consciousness- A. Synchronized cardioversion
- B. Unsynchronized defibrillation
- C. Intravenous atropine
- D. Transcutaneous pacing
Explanation: Pulseless ventricular fibrillation is a shockable cardiac arrest rhythm and requires immediate unsynchronized defibrillation with CPR.
Correct answer: Unsynchronized defibrillation- A. Inspect the circuit for disconnection
- B. Increase the prescribed tidal volume
- C. Administer a sedative medicine
- D. Suction the airway for secretions
Explanation: A low-pressure alarm commonly indicates disconnection, a leak or a cuff problem, so the circuit should be checked immediately.
Correct answer: Inspect the circuit for disconnection- A. Raise the transducer to heart level
- B. Flush the line with heparin solution
- C. Place the patient in a sitting position
- D. Increase the monitor alarm limits
Explanation: The arterial transducer should be level with the right atrium, approximately the phlebostatic axis, and then zeroed according to policy.
Correct answer: Raise the transducer to heart level- A. N-acetylcysteine
- B. Flumazenil
- C. Methylene blue
- D. Pralidoxime
Explanation: N-acetylcysteine replenishes hepatic glutathione and reduces liver injury after paracetamol poisoning.
Correct answer: N-acetylcysteine- A. Intravenous calcium gluconate
- B. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate
- C. Oral potassium chloride
- D. Intravenous magnesium sulfate
Explanation: These findings suggest acute hypocalcaemia, which can cause neuromuscular irritability and QT prolongation.
Correct answer: Intravenous calcium gluconate- A. Begin chest compressions
- B. Perform a vagal manoeuvre
- C. Deliver unsynchronized defibrillation
- D. Give intravenous calcium chloride
Explanation: A stable regular narrow-complex tachycardia may respond to a vagal manoeuvre, which temporarily increases vagal influence on the…
Correct answer: Perform a vagal manoeuvre- A. Collect prescribed blood cultures first
- B. Wait for the white cell count result
- C. Give an antipyretic before sampling
- D. Collect a urine sample instead of blood
Explanation: Blood cultures should be collected before antibiotics when this can be done promptly, because antibiotics may reduce culture yield.
Correct answer: Collect prescribed blood cultures first- A. Compress at 60 to 80 per minute
- B. Compress the upper third of the sternum
- C. Allow complete chest recoil after each compression
- D. Pause for frequent pulse checks every 30 seconds
Explanation: Complete chest recoil allows the heart to refill between compressions and supports effective circulation.
Correct answer: Allow complete chest recoil after each compression- A. Ask the patient to turn independently
- B. Use a coordinated log roll with spinal alignment
- C. Flex the patient's neck to open the airway
- D. Lift the patient by pulling both arms
Explanation: A coordinated log roll keeps the head, neck and trunk aligned while the patient is moved.
Correct answer: Use a coordinated log roll with spinal alignment- A. Place the patient flat and assess bowel sounds
- B. Sit the patient upright and administer prescribed oxygen
- C. Encourage oral fluids to loosen respiratory secretions
- D. Apply warm blankets and reduce environmental stimulation
Explanation: Upright positioning improves lung expansion and reduces venous return, while oxygen treats the immediate breathing problem.
Correct answer: Sit the patient upright and administer prescribed oxygen- A. Administer high-concentration oxygen and arrange urgent transfer
- B. Remove oxygen and repeat pulse oximetry after fifteen minutes
- C. Give oral glucose and observe for improvement
- D. Place the patient in a warm room and encourage rest
Explanation: Carbon monoxide can cause serious tissue hypoxia while producing a misleadingly normal pulse oximeter reading.
Correct answer: Administer high-concentration oxygen and arrange urgent transfer- A. Intravenous sodium bicarbonate
- B. Intravenous calcium gluconate
- C. Nebulised salbutamol
- D. Intramuscular vitamin K
Explanation: Tricyclic antidepressant toxicity can cause sodium-channel blockade, hypotension and QRS widening.
Correct answer: Intravenous sodium bicarbonate- A. Administer it by rapid intravenous push
- B. Dilute it and give it using an infusion pump
- C. Mix it with blood in the transfusion line
- D. Give it without cardiac monitoring if pain occurs
Explanation: Intravenous potassium chloride must be diluted and administered at a controlled rate with appropriate monitoring because rapid…
Correct answer: Dilute it and give it using an infusion pump- A. Apply the pads over clothing and begin analysis
- B. Expose and dry the chest before applying the pads
- C. Place one pad over the abdomen and one on the back
- D. Continue compressions while touching the patient during analysis
Explanation: The chest should be exposed and dry so the pads adhere correctly and deliver the shock safely.
Correct answer: Expose and dry the chest before applying the pads- A. Increase the ventilator rate and reassess later
- B. Silence the alarm and wait for the respiratory therapist
- C. Call for help and ventilate with a bag and high-flow oxygen
- D. Reinsert the tube independently without checking equipment
Explanation: An accidental extubation is an airway emergency. Calling for help and providing bag ventilation with high-flow oxygen supports breathing…
Correct answer: Call for help and ventilate with a bag and high-flow oxygen- A. Oral fluids and continued observation
- B. Transcutaneous pacing equipment and emergency support
- C. A routine 12-hour cardiac rhythm review
- D. A warm drink to improve peripheral circulation
Explanation: Severe bradycardia with hypotension and altered consciousness indicates unstable circulation.
Correct answer: Transcutaneous pacing equipment and emergency support- A. Intravenous isotonic crystalloid replacement
- B. Intravenous potassium before checking the level
- C. A large oral meal with unrestricted fluids
- D. Rapid bicarbonate treatment for every patient
Explanation: Initial treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis includes restoration of circulating volume with intravenous isotonic crystalloid.
Correct answer: Intravenous isotonic crystalloid replacement- A. Mild thirst after receiving intravenous fluids
- B. Urine output of 15 mL in the last hour
- C. A temperature decrease after paracetamol
- D. A respiratory rate of 18 per minute while resting
Explanation: Markedly reduced urine output may indicate worsening renal perfusion and organ dysfunction during sepsis.
Correct answer: Urine output of 15 mL in the last hour- A. Give food and allow the patient to sleep
- B. Record the last known well time and activate the stroke pathway
- C. Administer an oral sedative to reduce anxiety
- D. Ask the patient to walk to assess balance
Explanation: Sudden focal neurological deficits suggest an acute stroke, so the last known well time and urgent stroke assessment are essential for…
Correct answer: Record the last known well time and activate the stroke pathway