Top 10 Questions for Medical/Surgery Registered Nurse (Med/Surg RN) Interview

1. What is your assessment process for a patient with abdominal pain?

• Obtain a detailed history of the pain, including its onset, location, character, and severity.
• Perform a physical examination, including auscultation of bowel sounds, palpation of the abdomen for tenderness, masses, or distension, and percussion for tympany or dullness.
• Order appropriate laboratory tests, such as a complete blood count, electrolyte panel, and urinalysis.
• Consider imaging studies, such as an abdominal X-ray or CT scan, if indicated.
• Develop a differential diagnosis and management plan based on the patient’s assessment findings.

2. How would you manage a patient with a suspected pulmonary embolism (PE)?

Initial Management

• Administer supplemental oxygen.
• Start IV fluids.
• Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) and pulse oximetry.
• Order a chest X-ray.

Diagnostic Testing

• Order a D-dimer test.
• Consider a CT pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) or ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

• Start anticoagulant therapy with heparin or warfarin.
• Provide supportive care, such as pain management and respiratory support.
• Monitor the patient’s response to treatment and adjust accordingly.

3. What are the signs and symptoms of sepsis?

• Fever
• Chills
• Tachycardia
• Tachypnea
• Hypotension
• Oliguria
• Confusion
• Lethargy
• Skin rash
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea

4. How would you care for a patient with a tracheostomy?

• Assess the patient’s airway and breathing status.
• Change the tracheostomy tube as needed.
• Suction the tracheostomy tube as needed.
• Humidify the air.
• Provide oral care.
• Monitor the patient for signs of infection.
• Educate the patient and family about tracheostomy care.

5. What are the different types of chest tubes and when are they used?

• Single-lumen chest tube: Used to drain air or fluid from the pleural space.
• Double-lumen chest tube: Used to drain air and fluid from the pleural space and to re-expand the lung.
• Three-lumen chest tube: Used to drain air, fluid, and blood from the pleural space.
• PleurX catheter: A small, flexible catheter that is inserted into the pleural space to drain fluid or air.

6. How would you manage a patient with a tension pneumothorax?

• Insert a large-bore needle into the second intercostal space, midclavicular line, to relieve the pressure.
• Insert a chest tube into the pleural space to drain the air.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs and respiratory status.
• Administer oxygen as needed.
• Prepare the patient for surgery if necessary.

7. What are the different types of surgical wounds and how are they classified?

• Clean wounds: Wounds that are made under sterile conditions and are not contaminated with bacteria.
• Clean-contaminated wounds: Wounds that are made under sterile conditions but may be contaminated with bacteria from the patient’s own flora.
• Contaminated wounds: Wounds that are made under non-sterile conditions or are contaminated with bacteria from the environment.
• Dirty wounds: Wounds that are heavily contaminated with bacteria or other microorganisms.

8. How would you manage a patient with a wound infection?

• Assess the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pain, and drainage.
• Obtain a wound culture to identify the causative organism.
• Start antibiotic therapy based on the results of the wound culture.
• Clean the wound and change the dressing as needed.
• Monitor the patient’s response to treatment and adjust accordingly.

9. What are the different types of ostomies and how are they managed?

• Colostomy: An opening in the colon that is created to divert stool away from the rectum.
• Ileostomy: An opening in the ileum that is created to divert stool away from the colon and rectum.
• Urostomy: An opening in the urinary tract that is created to divert urine away from the bladder.

10. How would you care for a patient with a new ostomy?

• Assess the patient’s stoma and surrounding skin.
• Change the ostomy appliance as needed.
• Educate the patient about ostomy care.
• Monitor the patient for signs of complications, such as infection or leakage.
• Provide emotional support to the patient and family.

Surgical nurses play a crucial role in providing comprehensive care to patients in the perioperative setting. Their responsibilities include providing pre-operative care, assisting during surgery, managing post-operative recovery, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals in planning and implementing patient care.

1. Preoperative Care

Nurses are involved in preparing patients for surgery, which involves obtaining informed consent, conducting physical examinations, assessing medical history, and educating patients about the surgical procedure and post-operative care.

• Obtaining informed consent from patients.
• Performing and documenting physical examinations.
• Assessing patients’ medical history and current health status.
• Educating patients about the surgical procedure and post-operative care.

2. Intraoperative Care

During surgery, surgical nurses assist the surgical team, ensuring the patient’s safety and well-being. Their responsibilities include:

• Preparing the operating room, including equipment and supplies.
• Monitoring the patient’s vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with surgical procedures.
• Ensuring the patient’s safety and comfort throughout the surgery.

3. Postoperative Care

After surgery, nurses provide postoperative care to patients, including monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assessing pain levels, and providing wound care.

• Monitoring patients’ vital signs, administering medications, and assessing pain levels.
• Providing wound care and monitoring for complications.
• Educating patients about post-operative care and recovery.

4. Patient Advocacy

Surgical nurses are patient advocates, ensuring their needs are met and their rights are protected. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals, including surgeons, physicians, and physical therapists, to provide comprehensive care.

• Ensuring the patient’s needs are met and their rights are protected.
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care.
• Advocating for the patient’s well-being and ensuring their voice is heard.

Interview Preparation Tips

To prepare effectively for your interview as a Medical/Surgical Registered Nurse, consider the following tips:

1. Research the Healthcare Facility

Familiarize yourself with the specific healthcare facility you are applying to. Learn about their mission, values, and areas of specialization. Understanding the facility’s culture and patient population will help you tailor your answers to the interviewer’s questions.

• Visit the healthcare facility’s website.
• Read news articles or reviews about the facility.
• Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn.

2. Practice Your Responses to Common Interview Questions

Prepare for common interview questions, especially those specific to Surgical Nursing. Consider behavioral questions that focus on your skills in providing comprehensive perioperative care. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, highlighting your experience and abilities.

• Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a patient.
• Describe a challenging situation you faced during surgery and how you handled it.
• How do you stay updated on the latest surgical procedures and advancements?

3. Highlight Your Skills and Experience

Emphasize your relevant skills and experience in your resume and during the interview. Quantify your accomplishments whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work. Use specific examples to showcase your abilities in areas such as patient assessment, surgical assisting, post-operative care, and patient advocacy.

• Use numbers and metrics to quantify your accomplishments.
• Provide specific examples of situations where you utilized your surgical nursing skills.
• Demonstrate your commitment to patient care and professional development.

4. Be Prepared to Discuss Your Passion for Surgical Nursing

Share your passion for Surgical Nursing and explain why you are drawn to this field. Discuss your interest in the perioperative process and how you strive to provide the best possible care to patients. Your enthusiasm and dedication will make a positive impression on the interviewer.

• Explain what drew you to Surgical Nursing and why you are passionate about it.
• Describe how you maintain your skills and knowledge in the field.
• Discuss your willingness to learn and grow as a Surgical Nurse.