Medsurg 1- Brunner and Suddarth Final Exam Questions
and Answers (Latest Update 2023)
The nurse cares for clients with obesity and understands that causes are
multifactorial. What factors contribute to the development of obesity?
Select all that apply.
A. Behavior
B. Environment
C. Physiology
D. Genetics – Correct Answer ✅ABCD
Which of the following situations would require the nurse to use critical
thinking and decision making skills in providing genetics related nursing
care?
A. Providing a blended family with children of different ages education
related to growth and development
B. Providing fertility counseling to a young family with a two-year-old child
with cystic fibrosis
C. Providing family counseling to a same-sex couple that just adopted a fiveyear-old with attention deficit hyper activity disorder ADHD
D. Providing a single parent of a four-year-old child education related to lead
poisoning – Correct Answer ✅B
Medsurg 1- Brunner and Suddarth Final Exam Questions
and Answers (Latest Update 2023)
The case manager is working with an 84-year-old patient newly admitted to
a rehabilitation facility. When developing a care plan for this older adult,
which factors should the nurse identify as positive attributes that benefit
coping in this age group? Select all that apply.
A. Decreased risk taking
B. Effective adaptation skills
C. Avoiding participation in untested roles
D. Increased life experience
E. Resiliency during change – Correct Answer ✅BDE
Falls, which are a major health problem in the elderly population, occur from
multifactorial causes. When implementing a comprehensive plan to reduce
the incidence of falls on a geriatric unit, what risk factors should nurses
identify? Select all that apply.
A. Medication effects
B. Overdependence on assistive devices
C. Poor lighting
D. Sensory impairment
E. Ineffective use of coping strategies – Correct Answer ✅ACD
Medsurg 1- Brunner and Suddarth Final Exam Questions
and Answers (Latest Update 2023)
A diabetic patient calls the clinic complaining of having a “flu bug.” The nurse
tells him to take his regular dose of insulin. What else should the nurse tell
the patient?
A. “Make sure to stick to your normal diet.”
B. “Try to eat small amounts of carbs, if possible.”
C. “Ensure that you check your blood glucose every hour.”
D. “For now, check your urine for ketones every 8 hours.” – Correct Answer
✅B
A patient is brought to the emergency department by the paramedics. The
patient is a type 2 diabetic and is experiencing HHS. The nurse should
identify what components of HHS? Select all that apply.
A. Leukocytosis
B. Glycosuria
C. Dehydration
D. Hypernatremia
E. Hyperglycemia – Correct Answer ✅BCDE
Neuro – Test Banks – Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of
Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e Chapter 65 – 70 Questions and
Answers (2023) 240 Questions
- A patient is brought to the ER following a motor vehicle accident in which
he sustained head trauma. Preliminary assessment reveals a vision deficit in
the patients left eye. The nurse should associate this
abnormal finding with trauma to which of the following cerebral lobes?
A) Temporal
B) Occipital
C) Parietal
D) Frontal – Correct Answer ✅B
Feedback:
The posterior lobe of the cerebral hemisphere is responsible for visual
interpretation. The temporal lobe
contains the auditory receptive areas. The parietal lobe contains the primary
sensory cortex, and is
essential to an individuals awareness of the body in space, as well as
orientation in space and spatial
relations. The frontal lobe functions in concentration, abstract thought,
information storage or memory, and motor function. - A patient scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has arrived at
the radiology department. The
nurse who prepares the patient for the MRI should prioritize which of the
following actions?
A) Withholding stimulants 24 to 48 hours prior to exam
B) Removing all metal-containing objects
Neuro – Test Banks – Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of
Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e Chapter 65 – 70 Questions and
Answers (2023) 240 Questions
C) Instructing the patient to void prior to the MRI
D) Initiating an IV line for administration of contrast – Correct Answer ✅B
Feedback:
Patient preparation for an MRI consists of removing all metal-containing
objects prior to the
examination. Withholding stimulants would not affect an MRI; this relates to
an electroencephalography
(EEG). Instructing the patient to void is patient preparation for a lumbar
puncture. Initiating an IV line
for administration of contrast would be done if the patient was having a CT
scan with contrast.
- A gerontologic nurse planning the neurologic assessment of an older adult
is considering normal, age related changes. Of what phenomenon should the
nurse be aware?
A) Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
B) Reduction in cerebral blood flow
C) Increased cerebral metabolism
D) Hypersensitivity to painful stimuli – Correct Answer ✅B
Feedback:
Reduction in cerebral blood flow (CBF) is a change that occurs in the normal
aging process. Deep
tendon reflexes can be decreased or, in some cases, absent. Cerebral
metabolism decreases as the patient
Neuro – Test Banks – Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of
Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e Chapter 65 – 70 Questions and
Answers (2023) 240 Questions
advances in age. Reaction to painful stimuli may be decreased with age.
Because pain is an important
warning signal, caution must be used when hot or cold packs are used.
- The nurse has admitted a new patient to the unit. One of the patients
admitting orders is for an
adrenergic medication. The nurse knows that this medication will have what
effect on the circulatory
system?
A) Thin, watery saliva
B) Increased heart rate
C) Decreased BP
D) Constricted bronchioles – Correct Answer ✅B
Feedback:
The term adrenergic refers to the sympathetic nervous system. Sympathetic
effects include an increased
rate and force of the heartbeat. Cholinergic effects, which correspond to the
parasympathetic division of
the autonomic nervous system, include thin, watery saliva, decreased rate
and force of heartbeat, and
decreased BP. - A nurse is assessing reflexes in a patient with hyperactive reflexes. When
the patients foot is abruptly
Neuro – Test Banks – Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of
Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e Chapter 65 – 70 Questions and
Answers (2023) 240 Questions
dorsiflexed, it continues to beat two to three times before settling into a
resting position. How would the
nurse document this finding?
A) Rigidity
B) Flaccidity
C) Clonus
D) Ataxia – Correct Answer ✅C
Feedback:
When reflexes are very hyperactive, a phenomenon called clonus may be
elicited. If the foot is abruptly
dorsiflexed, it may continue to beat two to three times before it settles into a
position of rest. Rigidity is
an increase in muscle tone at rest characterized by increased resistance to
passive stretch. Flaccidity is
lack of muscle tone. Ataxia is the inability to coordinate muscle movements,
resulting in difficulty
walking, talking, and performing self-care activities.
- The nurse is doing an initial assessment on a patient newly admitted to
the unit with a diagnosis of
cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The patient has difficulty copying a figure
that the nurse has drawn and
is diagnosed with visual-receptive aphasia. What brain region is primarily
involved in this deficit?
Brunner and Suddarths Textbook of Medical Surgical NursingChapter 26: Management of Patients with Dysrhythmias and
Conduction Problems
The nurse is caring for a patient who has had an ECG. The nurse notes that
leads I, II, and III differ from one another on the cardiac rhythm strip. How
should the nurse best respond?
Recognize that the view of the electrical current changes in relation to the
lead placement.
Recognize that the electrophysiological conduction of the heart differs with
lead placement.
Inform the technician that the ECG equipment has malfunctioned.
Inform the physician that the patient is experiencing a new onset of
dysrhythmia. – Correct Answer ✅Recognize that the view of the electrical
current changes in relation to the lead placement.****
Recognize that the electrophysiological conduction of the heart differs with
lead placement.
Brunner and Suddarths Textbook of Medical Surgical NursingChapter 26: Management of Patients with Dysrhythmias and
Conduction Problems
Inform the technician that the ECG equipment has malfunctioned.
Inform the physician that the patient is experiencing a new onset of
dysrhythmia.
Feedback: Each lead offers a different reference point to view the electrical
activity of the heart. The lead displays the configuration of electrical activity
of the heart. Differences between leads are not necessarily attributable to
equipment malfunction or dysrhythmias.
The nurse is analyzing a rhythm strip. What component of the ECG
corresponds to the resting state of the patient’s heart?
P wave
T wave
U wave
QRS complex – Correct Answer ✅P wave
T wave****
U wave
Brunner and Suddarths Textbook of Medical Surgical NursingChapter 26: Management of Patients with Dysrhythmias and
Conduction Problems
QRS complex
Feedback: The T wave specifically represents ventricular muscle
depolarization, also referred to as the resting state. Ventricular muscle
depolarization does not result in the P wave, U wave, or QRS complex.
The nursing educator is presenting a case study of an adult patient who has
abnormal ventricular depolarization. This pathologic change would be most
evident in what component of the ECG?
P wave
T wave
QRS complex
U wave – Correct Answer ✅P wave
T wave
QRS complex****
U wave
Brunner and Suddarths Textbook of Medical Surgical NursingChapter 26: Management of Patients with Dysrhythmias and
Conduction Problems
Feedback: The QRS complex represents the depolarization of the ventricles
and, as such, the electrical activity of that ventricle.
An adult patient with thirddegree AV block is admitted to the cardiac care
unit and placed on continuous cardiac monitoring. What rhythm
characteristic will the ECG most likely show?
PP interval and RR interval are irregular.
PP interval is equal to RR interval.
Fewer QRS complexes than P waves
PR interval is constant. – Correct Answer ✅PP interval and RR interval are
irregular.
PP interval is equal to RR interval.
Brunner & Suddarths Chap 72-73 Exam Questions and
Answers (Latest Update 2023) (80 Questions)
Which patient should the nurse prioritize as needing emergent treatment,
assuming no other injuries are present except the ones outlined below?
A) A patient with a blunt chest trauma with some difficulty breathing
B) A patient with a sore neck who was immobilized in the field on a
backboard with a cervical collar
C) A patient with a possible fractured tibia with adequate pedal pulses
D) A patient with an acute onset of confusion – Correct Answer ✅Ans: A
Feedback:
The patient with blunt chest trauma possibly has a compromised airway.
Establishment and maintenance of a patent airway and adequate ventilation
is prioritized over other health problems, including skeletal injuries and
changes in cognition.
The nurse observes that the family members of a patient who was injured in
an accident are blaming each other for the circumstances leading up to the
accident. The nurse appropriately lets the family members express their
feelings of responsibility, while explaining that there was probably little they
could do to prevent the injury. In what stage of crisis is this family?
A) Anxiety and denial
B) Remorse and guilt
C) Anger
D) Grief – Correct Answer ✅Ans: B
Feedback:
Remorse and guilt are natural processes of the stages of a crisis and should
be facilitated for the family members to process the crisis. The familys sense
Brunner & Suddarths Chap 72-73 Exam Questions and
Answers (Latest Update 2023) (80 Questions)
of blame and responsibility are more suggestive of guilt than anger, grief, or
anxiety.
A patient is brought to the ED by ambulance with a gunshot wound to the
abdomen. The nurse knows that the most common hollow organ injured in
this type of injury is what?
Test Bank – Brunner & Suddarth’s Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 14e
(Hinkle 2017) 1351
A) Liver
B) Small bowel
C) Stomach
D) Large bowel – Correct Answer ✅Ans: B
Feedback:
Penetrating abdominal wounds have a high incidence of injury to hollow
organs, especially the small bowel. The liver is also injured frequently, but it
is a solid organ.
A patient has been brought to the ED with multiple trauma after a motor
vehicle accident. After immediate threats to life have been addressed, the
nurse and trauma team should take what action?
A) Perform a rapid physical assessment.
B) Initiate health education.
C) Perform diagnostic imaging.
D) Establish the circumstances of the accident. – Correct Answer ✅Ans: A
Feedback:
Brunner & Suddarths Chap 72-73 Exam Questions and
Answers (Latest Update 2023) (80 Questions)
Once immediate threats to life have been corrected, a rapid physical
examination is done to identify injuries and priorities of treatment. Health
education is initiated later in the care process and diagnostic imaging would
take place after a rapid physical assessment. It is not the care teams
responsibility to determine the circumstances of the accident.
The nursing educator is reviewing the signs and symptoms of heat stroke
with a group of nurses who provide care in a desert region. The educator
should describe what sign or symptom?
A) Hypertension with a wide pulse pressure
B) Anhidrosis
C) Copious diuresis
D) Cheyne-Stokes respirations – Correct Answer ✅Ans: B
Feedback:
Heat stroke is manifested by anhidrosis confusion, bizarre behavior, coma,
elevated body temperature, hot dry skin, tachypnea, hypotension, and
tachycardia. This health problem is not associated with anhidrosis or
Cheyne-Stokes respirations.
A patient is brought to the ED by ambulance after swallowing highly acidic
toilet bowl cleaner 2 hours earlier. The patient is alert and oriented. What is
the care teams most appropriate treatment?
A) Administering syrup of ipecac
B) Performing a gastric lavage
C) Giving milk to drink
D) Referring to psychiatry – Correct Answer ✅Ans: C
Brunner & Suddarths Chap 72-73 Exam Questions and
Answers (Latest Update 2023) (80 Questions)
Feedback:
A patient who has swallowed an acidic substance, such as toilet bowl
cleaner, may be given milk or water to drink for dilution. Gastric lavage must
be performed within 1 hour of ingestion. A psychiatric consult may be
considered once the patient is physically stable and it is deemed appropriate
by the physician. Syrup of ipecac is no longer used in clinical settings.
A patient is admitted to the ED with suspected alcohol intoxication. The ED
nurse is aware of the need to assess for conditions that can mimic acute
alcohol intoxication. In light of this need, the nurse should perform what
action?
A) Check the patients blood glucose level.
B) Assess for a documented history of major depression.
C) Determine whether the patient has ingested a corrosive substance.
D) Arrange for assessment of serum potassium levels. – Correct Answer
✅Ans: A
Feedback:
Hypoglycemia can mimic alcohol intoxication and should be assessed in a
patient suspected of alcohol intoxication. Potassium imbalances, depression,
and poison ingestion are not noted to mimic the characteristic signs and
symptoms of alcohol intoxication.
The paramedics bring a patient who has suffered a sexual assault to the ED.
What is important for the sexual assault nurse examiner to do when
assessing a sexual assault victim?
A) Respect the patients privacy during assessment.