50 NCLEX-Style Med-Surg Questions
🩺 Med-Surg Nursing — 10 Questions
1. A patient with heart failure suddenly develops severe shortness of breath and crackles in both lungs. Which complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Dehydration
B. Pulmonary edema
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Anemia
Answer: —
Fluid accumulation in the lungs can cause crackles and significant breathing difficulty.
2. Which finding is most concerning in a patient experiencing chest pain?
A. Pain that improves with rest
B. Mild fatigue
C. New-onset chest pressure with sweating
D. Increased appetite
Answer:
New chest pressure accompanied by sweating can indicate acute coronary syndrome.
3. Which assessment finding is commonly associated with hypoglycemia?
A. Sweating and tremors
B. Warm, dry skin
C. Slow breathing
D. Increased thirst only
Answer:
4. A patient with COPD is receiving oxygen. Which principle is important when administering oxygen?
A. Give the highest concentration possible
B. Carefully titrate oxygen according to the prescribed target
C. Avoid monitoring oxygen saturation
D. Remove oxygen whenever the patient sleeps
Answer:
5. Which symptom is commonly associated with appendicitis?
A. Right lower-quadrant abdominal pain
B. Left shoulder pain only
C. Painless jaundice
D. Bilateral ankle swelling
Answer:
6. Which finding may indicate dehydration?
A. Increased urine output
B. Dry mucous membranes
C. Bounding pulse
D. Generalized edema
Answer:
7. A patient has a potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L. Which finding should the nurse monitor for?
A. Muscle weakness
B. Increased reflexes only
C. Excessive salivation
D. Severe hypertension only
Answer:
8. Which position generally helps a patient experiencing difficulty breathing?
A. Flat supine
B. High-Fowler’s
C. Prone
D. Trendelenburg
Answer:
9. Which finding can indicate worsening infection or sepsis?
A. Stable vital signs
B. New confusion and abnormal vital signs
C. Increased appetite
D. Improved energy
Answer:
10. A patient with diabetes asks why foot care is important. What is the best explanation?
A. It prevents all infections
B. Diabetes can reduce sensation and impair wound healing
C. It increases blood glucose
D. It eliminates the need for medical checkups
Answer:
💊 Pharmacology — 10 Questions
11. Which medication is commonly used to treat bacterial infections?
A. Antibiotics
B. Antacids
C. Antihistamines
D. Diuretics
Answer:
12. A patient taking warfarin should be taught to report:
A. Unusual bleeding
B. Mild hunger
C. Increased energy
D. Occasional thirst
Answer:
13. Which route provides medication directly into the bloodstream?
A. Oral
B. Intramuscular
C. Intravenous
D. Subcutaneous
Answer:
14. Before administering digoxin, the nurse should assess the patient’s:
A. Apical pulse
B. Height
C. Hair color
D. Appetite
Answer:
15. Which medication class is commonly used to reduce blood pressure?
A. Antihypertensives
B. Antacids
C. Antitussives
D. Antiemetics
Answer:
16. A patient taking insulin is at risk for:
A. Hypoglycemia
B. Hypercalcemia
C. Hearing loss
D. Constipation only
Answer:
17. What is an important nursing responsibility before administering a medication?
A. Skip patient identification
B. Verify the medication order and patient identity
C. Give every medication at the same time
D. Ignore allergies
Answer:
18. Which medication is commonly used as a rescue bronchodilator for acute asthma symptoms?
A. Albuterol
B. Warfarin
C. Furosemide
D. Metformin
Answer:
19. A patient taking an opioid medication should be monitored closely for:
A. Respiratory depression
B. Increased hearing
C. Excessive appetite
D. Improved reflexes
Answer:
20. Why should patients complete prescribed antibiotic courses as directed?
A. To help effectively treat the infection and reduce resistance concerns
B. To increase blood pressure
C. To prevent dehydration
D. To increase appetite
Answer:
🧠 Mental Health Nursing — 7 Questions
21. Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication?
A. “Don’t worry about it.”
B. “Everything will be fine.”
C. “Tell me more about what you’re experiencing.”
D. “You shouldn’t feel that way.”
Answer:
22. A patient is experiencing severe anxiety. What should the nurse initially provide?
A. A calm, safe environment
B. A complicated questionnaire
C. Several visitors
D. Loud music
Answer:
23. Which behavior may indicate increased anxiety?
A. Restlessness
B. Deep relaxation
C. Slow deliberate speech only
D. Increased sleep exclusively
Answer:
24. A patient says, “I feel like nobody understands me.” Which response is most therapeutic?
A. “Other people have worse problems.”
B. “You shouldn’t think that way.”
C. “It sounds like you’re feeling misunderstood.”
D. “Just try to stay positive.”
Answer:
25. Which is an example of active listening?
A. Interrupting frequently
B. Maintaining appropriate attention and allowing the patient to speak
C. Changing the subject
D. Giving unsolicited advice
Answer:
26. Why is maintaining professional boundaries important in psychiatric nursing?
A. To establish a safe therapeutic relationship
B. To become friends with patients
C. To avoid communicating with patients
D. To make decisions for patients
Answer: A.
27. Which communication technique encourages a patient to elaborate?
A. “Tell me more about that.”
B. “Yes or no?”
C. “You don’t really mean that.”
D. “Let’s talk about something else.”
Answer: A.
👶 Pediatrics — 6 Questions
28. Which finding may indicate dehydration in a child?
A. Decreased urine output
B. Increased tears
C. Moist mucous membranes
D. Frequent urination
Answer: A.
29. Why is medication dosing particularly important in children?
A. Doses may depend on factors such as weight and age
B. Children never experience medication effects
C. All children receive adult doses
D. Medication doses are always identical
Answer: A.
30. Which sign in an infant requires prompt assessment?
A. Difficulty breathing
B. Sleeping after feeding
C. Occasional crying
D. Mild hunger
Answer: A.
31. Which intervention helps reduce anxiety in a hospitalized child?
A. Age-appropriate explanations
B. Avoiding all communication
C. Using complex medical terminology
D. Separating the child from caregivers unnecessarily
Answer: A.
32. A child with a fever should be assessed for:
A. Overall condition and associated symptoms
B. Hair color
C. Shoe size
D. Favorite food only
Answer: A.
33. Which is an important principle when communicating with children?
A. Use language appropriate for their developmental level
B. Always use technical medical terms
C. Ignore nonverbal communication
D. Speak only to the caregiver
Answer: A.
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🤰 Maternal & Newborn — 6 Questions
34. Which symptom during pregnancy requires prompt medical evaluation?
A. Vaginal bleeding
B. Mild tiredness
C. Increased appetite
D. Occasional sleepiness
Answer: A.
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35. Which finding may indicate preeclampsia?
A. Elevated blood pressure
B. Improved appetite
C. Normal blood pressure
D. Increased energy
Answer: A.
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36. What is one purpose of prenatal care?
A. Monitor the health of the pregnant patient and fetus
B. Eliminate the need for all testing
C. Prevent all pregnancy symptoms
D. Replace emergency care
Answer: A.
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37. Which newborn finding requires immediate assessment?
A. Difficulty breathing
B. Sleeping between feeds
C. Crying when hungry
D. Normal movement
Answer: A.
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38. Why is breastfeeding support important after birth?
A. It can support infant nutrition and maternal-infant bonding
B. It guarantees the baby will never become ill
C. It eliminates all postpartum complications
D. It replaces all newborn assessments
Answer: A.
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39. A postpartum patient reports heavy vaginal bleeding. What should the nurse do?
A. Assess the patient promptly
B. Tell the patient it is always normal
C. Ignore the report
D. Encourage the patient to wait several days
Answer: A.
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🩹 Fundamentals — 11 Questions
40. Which action is one of the most effective ways to reduce healthcare-associated infections?
A. Hand hygiene
B. Wearing jewelry
C. Avoiding patient assessment
D. Reusing disposable equipment
Answer: A.
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41. Which vital sign measures the force of blood against arterial walls?
A. Temperature
B. Blood pressure
C. Respiratory rate
D. Pulse
Answer: B.
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42. Which assessment should generally receive priority?
A. Airway and breathing problems
B. Hair condition
C. Meal preference
D. Sleep schedule
Answer: A.
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43. What is the purpose of informed consent?
A. To ensure the patient understands and voluntarily agrees to a procedure
B. To eliminate the patient’s right to refuse
C. To replace patient education
D. To guarantee a successful outcome
Answer: A.
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44. Which action helps prevent pressure injuries?
A. Regular repositioning and skin assessment
B. Keeping the patient in one position
C. Avoiding nutrition assessment
D. Restricting all movement
Answer: A.
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45. What does the “A” in the ABC assessment framework represent?
A. Airway
B. Alertness
C. Allergy
D. Activity
Answer: A.
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46. Which documentation practice is appropriate?
A. Document objectively and accurately
B. Alter records later without explanation
C. Document care before providing it
D. Include personal opinions as facts
Answer: A.
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47. Which patient is generally the highest priority?
A. Patient with acute difficulty breathing
B. Patient requesting a blanket
C. Patient asking about lunch
D. Patient waiting for discharge paperwork
Answer: A.
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48. What is the purpose of using standard precautions?
A. Reduce the risk of transmission of infectious agents
B. Eliminate the need for hand hygiene
C. Protect only healthcare workers
D. Replace all other infection-control measures
Answer: A.
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49. Which action promotes patient safety during medication administration?
A. Verify the medication against the prescription/order and patient information
B. Skip allergy checks
C. Guess an unclear dose
D. Give medication without identifying the patient
Answer: A.
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50. A nurse notices a patient has suddenly become confused. What is an appropriate initial action?
A. Assess the patient and vital signs
B. Ignore the change
C. Assume the patient is tired
D. Wait until the next shift
Answer: A.
Question Answers
| 1. Answer: B | 6. Answer: B | 11. Answer: A | 16. Answer: A | 21. Answer: C |
| 2. Answer: C | 7. Answer: A | 12. Answer: A | 17. Answer: B | 22. Answer: A |
| 3. Answer: A | 8. Answer: B | 13. Answer: C | 18. Answer: A | 23. Answer: A |
| 4. Answer: B | 9. Answer: B | 14. Answer: A | 19. Answer: A | 24. Answer: C |
| 5. Answer: A | 10. Answer: B | 15. Answer: A | 20. Answer: A | 25. Answer: B |