Medical-Surgical nursing is the backbone of clinical practice. It is where your knowledge of anatomy, pathophysiology, and pharmacology converges to manage adult patients across a spectrum of health conditions. For many nursing students, “Med-Surg I” is a daunting hurdle because it covers so much ground—from fluid and electrolyte imbalances to the complexities of perioperative care and respiratory disorders.
Below is the exam paper download link
Past Paper On Medical Surgical Nursing I For Revision
Above is the exam paper download link
To help you move beyond passive reading and into active recall, we have structured this revision guide. By tackling these common exam-style questions, you can test your clinical judgment and ensure you are ready for the rigors of the final paper.
High-Yield Revision Questions and Answers
1. How does a nurse prioritize care for a patient in the immediate postoperative period? The priority always follows the ABC framework:
Airway: Ensure the patient is breathing and the airway isn’t obstructed by the tongue or secretions (common after anesthesia).
Breathing: Monitor respiratory rate, depth, and oxygen saturation.
Circulation: Check blood pressure, heart rate, and surgical sites for any signs of hemorrhage or “hidden” bleeding (e.g., a rigid, distended abdomen). Once stable, the focus shifts to pain management and monitoring for the return of consciousness.
2. What are the hallmark clinical manifestations of Hypovolemic Shock? In the early stages, the body tries to compensate, so you may see a slightly elevated heart rate (tachycardia) and cool, clammy skin. As the shock progresses and compensatory mechanisms fail, you will observe a significant drop in blood pressure (hypotension), rapid and shallow breathing, decreased urine output (oliguria), and altered mental status or confusion due to poor brain perfusion.
3. Distinguish between the symptoms of Left-sided and Right-sided Heart Failure.
Left-Sided: Think “L” for Lungs. Failure of the left ventricle causes blood to back up into the pulmonary circulation, leading to crackles, shortness of breath (dyspnea), and orthopnea.
Right-Sided: Think Systemic. Failure of the right ventricle causes blood to back up into the body, leading to Jugular Venous Distension (JVD), peripheral edema in the ankles/legs, and an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly).
4. What is the “Rule of Nines” in burn assessment, and why is it used? The Rule of Nines is a quick tool used to estimate the Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) burned. The head is 9%, each arm is 9%, the torso is 36% (18 front/18 back), each leg is 18%, and the perineum is 1%. This calculation is critical because it dictates the volume of fluid resuscitation needed (usually via the Parkland Formula) to prevent burn shock.
5. How does a nurse manage a patient with an acute Asthma exacerbation? The immediate goal is bronchodilation and reducing inflammation. Short-acting beta-agonists (like Salbutamol) are administered via nebulization or inhaler. The nurse should position the patient in a high-Fowler’s position to ease breathing, administer supplemental oxygen as ordered, and stay with the patient to reduce anxiety, which can worsen respiratory distress.
Why Downloading Past Papers is a Study Game-Changer
Reviewing past papers is the most efficient way to familiarize yourself with the “NCLEX-style” questions that many nursing boards favor. These aren’t just about what you know; they are about how you think under pressure. By using the link below, you can practice identifying the “most correct” answer among several plausible options—a skill that is vital for passing Medical-Surgical Nursing I.
Don’t just read the answers; try to explain the “rationale” for why the other options are incorrect. This level of critical thinking is what separates a student who passes from one who excels.
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Last updated on: March 16, 2026
New information gained / new value takehome
- By tackling these common exam-style questions, you can test your clinical judgment and ensure you are ready for the rigors of the final paper.
- The priority always follows the ABC framework:Airway: Ensure the patient is breathing and the airway isn’t obstructed by the tongue or secretions (common after anesthesia).
- This calculation is critical because it dictates the volume of fluid resuscitation needed (usually via the Parkland Formula) to prevent burn shock.
This content was developed using AI as part of our research process. To ensure absolute accuracy, all information has been rigorously fact-checked and validated by our human editor, Collins Murithi.
External resource 1: Google Scholar Academic Papers
External resource 2: Khan Academy Test Prep
Reference 1: KNEC National Examinations
Reference 2: JSTOR Academic Archive
Reference 3: Shulefiti Revision Materials
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