How to Pass a Med-Surg Exam?

Passing the Med-Surg exam requires understanding concepts, not just memorizing facts.

  1. Master the big hitters first Focus on the top 10-12 topics that make up ~70% of questions: heart failure, pneumonia/COPD, diabetes, renal failure, sepsis/shock, post-op complications, stroke, GI bleed, DVT/PE, electrolytes, and acid-base imbalances. Know normal vs. abnormal findings, priority nursing actions, and classic NCLEX “first” or “most likely” complications.
  2. Use a systematic approach For every disease, learn:
    • Pathophysiology in 1-2 sentences
    • Classic signs/symptoms (what you’ll see at the bedside)
    • Labs/diagnostics (BNP, troponin, ABGs, etc.)
    • Priority nursing interventions (airway, bleeding, hypoglycemia, etc.)
    • Patient teaching & complications to monitor
  3. Practice application questions daily Do 75–150 questions/day (UWorld, Archer, Hurst, or NCSBN). Read rationales for every answer—correct and incorrect. Mark questions on weak areas and review them repeatedly.
  4. Prioritize like a nurse Always think Maslow + ABCs. If the question says “most important” or “first,” rule out airway/breathing/circulation threats or life-threatening issues before education or comfort.
  5. Study pharmacology smart Know the top 30-40 med-surg drugs (insulin, heparin, antibiotics, antihypertensives, diuretics, pain meds). Focus on class, major side effects, nursing considerations, and antidotes.
  6. Create quick-reference tools Make 1-page cheat sheets or flashcards for lab values, cardiac rhythms, priority frameworks (RACE/PASS), and delegation rules (RN vs LPN vs UAP).
  7. Final week game plan
    • Review weak areas only
    • Do one 100–145 question practice test timed
    • Sleep well the night before

If you consistently score 55%+ on good question banks , you will pass. Study smart, not just hard understanding why beats memorizing what every time.

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