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 9 of 30
- A. Inject it 30 minutes before eating
- B. Inject it immediately before eating
- C. Inject it two hours after eating
- D. Inject it only at bedtime
Explanation: Insulin lispro is rapid acting and is usually given immediately before a meal so its action matches the rise in blood glucose.
Correct answer: Inject it immediately before eating- A. Absolute lack of insulin from pancreatic destruction
- B. Insulin resistance with gradual beta-cell dysfunction
- C. Autoimmune destruction beginning in childhood
- D. Permanent dependence on insulin from diagnosis
Explanation: Type 2 diabetes usually begins with insulin resistance and later includes reduced beta-cell insulin production.
Correct answer: Insulin resistance with gradual beta-cell dysfunction- A. Continue insulin and restrict potassium intake
- B. Stop all fluids and encourage oral water
- C. Notify the provider and anticipate potassium replacement
- D. Give sodium bicarbonate before checking the ECG
Explanation: Insulin moves potassium into cells and can cause dangerous hypokalaemia during DKA treatment.
Correct answer: Notify the provider and anticipate potassium replacement- A. Intravenous isotonic fluid replacement
- B. Oral rapid-acting carbohydrate
- C. Subcutaneous long-acting insulin only
- D. Fluid restriction to prevent cerebral oedema
Explanation: Severe dehydration and reduced circulating volume are major problems in hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state, so isotonic intravenous fluid…
Correct answer: Intravenous isotonic fluid replacement- A. Heat intolerance and frequent diarrhoea
- B. Weight loss and marked exophthalmos
- C. Cold intolerance and slowed heart rate
- D. Tremor and increased bowel movements
Explanation: Reduced thyroid hormone slows metabolic activity and commonly causes cold intolerance, weight gain, fatigue and bradycardia.
Correct answer: Cold intolerance and slowed heart rate- A. Observe for signs of infection
- B. Encourage a high-sodium diet
- C. Measure for increased skin pigmentation
- D. Assess for excessive thyroid hormone activity
Explanation: Excess corticosteroid activity suppresses immune responses, so infection may develop with few obvious inflammatory signs.
Correct answer: Observe for signs of infection- A. Encourage several litres of oral water daily
- B. Restrict fluids and monitor neurological status
- C. Administer hypotonic intravenous fluid rapidly
- D. Offer unrestricted fluids with a low-salt diet
Explanation: Excess antidiuretic hormone causes water retention and dilutional hyponatraemia, so fluid restriction and neurological assessment are…
Correct answer: Restrict fluids and monitor neurological status- A. Give glucose tablets by mouth
- B. Administer prescribed intravenous dextrose
- C. Offer a glass of fruit juice
- D. Place food inside the patient's mouth
Explanation: An unconscious patient cannot safely swallow, so oral food or drink can cause aspiration.
Correct answer: Administer prescribed intravenous dextrose- A. A fasting capillary glucose result
- B. A urine ketone result
- C. A glycated haemoglobin result
- D. A glucose result taken after exercise
Explanation: Glycated haemoglobin reflects the proportion of haemoglobin exposed to glucose over the life of the red blood cell, providing an estimate…
Correct answer: A glycated haemoglobin result- A. I will use the same spot for every injection
- B. I will rotate sites within the same body area
- C. I will massage the area after each injection
- D. I will inject through clothing to reduce discomfort
Explanation: Rotating sites within an anatomical area helps maintain predictable absorption and reduces lipohypertrophy.
Correct answer: I will rotate sites within the same body area- A. Wash and dry the hands before obtaining the sample
- B. Clean the finger with alcohol and test while wet
- C. Squeeze the finger firmly until a large drop forms
- D. Test immediately after eating a sugary snack
Explanation: Washing and drying removes food residue and prevents dilution of the blood sample.
Correct answer: Wash and dry the hands before obtaining the sample- A. Advise the patient to take the next dose with milk
- B. Report the symptoms promptly to the healthcare provider
- C. Reassure the patient that these effects are expected
- D. Suggest increasing dietary iodine until symptoms improve
Explanation: Fever and sore throat may indicate agranulocytosis, a serious adverse effect of methimazole.
Correct answer: Report the symptoms promptly to the healthcare provider- A. Take it with calcium supplements after breakfast
- B. Take it on an empty stomach before breakfast
- C. Take it only when symptoms of hypothyroidism occur
- D. Take it at the same time as an iron tablet
Explanation: Levothyroxine is best absorbed on an empty stomach, usually before breakfast.
Correct answer: Take it on an empty stomach before breakfast- A. Place the patient flat and offer oral fluids
- B. Assess the airway and call for immediate assistance
- C. Apply a warm compress over the incision
- D. Encourage coughing to clear throat secretions
Explanation: Noisy breathing and neck swelling may signal airway obstruction from bleeding or edema.
Correct answer: Assess the airway and call for immediate assistance- A. Stop it immediately to prevent weight gain
- B. Taper it only according to the prescribed schedule
- C. Double the dose on days when pain is severe
- D. Skip doses regularly to allow the adrenal glands to rest
Explanation: Long-term corticosteroid therapy suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Correct answer: Taper it only according to the prescribed schedule- A. Small hands with a narrow lower jaw
- B. Enlarged hands and coarsened facial features
- C. Short stature with delayed sexual development
- D. Fine tremors with marked heat intolerance
Explanation: Excess growth hormone after epiphyseal closure causes enlargement of the hands, feet, jaw and facial bones.
Correct answer: Enlarged hands and coarsened facial features- A. Primary hyperaldosteronism
- B. Primary hypothyroidism
- C. Central diabetes insipidus
- D. Adrenal insufficiency
Explanation: Excess aldosterone causes sodium retention and potassium loss, producing hypertension and weakness from hypokalaemia.
Correct answer: Primary hyperaldosteronism178. Which statement by a patient with type 2 diabetes shows correct understanding of meal planning?
- A. I should skip meals when my glucose is above normal
- B. I should keep carbohydrate portions reasonably consistent
- C. I should eat only protein to prevent glucose elevation
- D. I should take extra insulin whenever I eat any carbohydrate
Explanation: Consistent carbohydrate intake helps match food intake with prescribed medication and activity.
Correct answer: I should keep carbohydrate portions reasonably consistent- A. Keep it frozen until the day it is needed
- B. Keep it refrigerated and protect it from freezing
- C. Leave it in direct sunlight to maintain its temperature
- D. Shake it vigorously before every injection
Explanation: Unopened insulin is generally stored in a refrigerator and must not be frozen or exposed to excessive heat.
Correct answer: Keep it refrigerated and protect it from freezing- A. Arrange prompt assessment by an eye specialist
- B. Advise resting the eyes and reviewing the symptom next month
- C. Cover the affected eye and continue routine diabetic care
- D. Recommend reading in brighter light until vision improves
Explanation: Sudden painless visual loss and floaters may indicate vitreous bleeding or retinal damage.
Correct answer: Arrange prompt assessment by an eye specialist