Important OSSSC Nursing Officer MSN MCQs for Practice

Medical-Surgical Nursing (MSN) is one of the most important subjects in the OSSSC Nursing Officer examination, with questions frequently asked on respiratory disorders, emergency management, diagnostic procedures, acid-base balance, and clinical nursing care. A strong understanding of these concepts helps candidates answer application-based as well as theoretical questions confidently.

Regular practice of topic-wise MCQs not only strengthens conceptual knowledge but also improves speed and accuracy in the exam. The following questions cover high-weightage MSN topics that are commonly tested in OSSSC Nursing Officer and other nursing competitive examinations.

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OSSSC Nursing Officer MSN MCQs

The following Medical-Surgical Nursing (MSN) MCQs are based on important concepts that are frequently asked in OSSSC Nursing Officer and other nursing competitive examinations. Attempt each question carefully before checking the correct answer to evaluate your preparation level.

1. What is the preferred site for administering an Intramuscular (IM) injection to an infant under one year of age?

• A) Deltoid muscle

• B) Gluteus maximus

• C) Vastus lateralis

• D) Ventrogluteal

Answer: C) Vastus lateralis
Explanation: The vastus lateralis (anterolateral thigh) is the preferred IM injection site for infants under one year of age because it has a large muscle mass, is free from major nerves and blood vessels, and is easily accessible. The deltoid is too small in infants, and the gluteus maximus is avoided due to risk of sciatic nerve injury.

2. A patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis shows: pH 7.28, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, and HCO₃⁻ 24 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these laboratory findings?

• A) Metabolic acidosis

• B) Respiratory acidosis

• C) Metabolic alkalosis

• D) Respiratory alkalosis

Answer: B) Respiratory acidosis
Explanation: pH 7.28 is below normal (7.35–7.45) indicating acidosis. PaCO₂ 55 mmHg is elevated (normal 35–45 mmHg), pointing to CO₂ retention — a respiratory cause. HCO₃⁻ 24 mEq/L is within normal range (22–26 mEq/L), ruling out a metabolic component. Elevated CO₂ with low pH and normal HCO₃⁻ is classic uncompensated Respiratory Acidosis.

3. Which classic cardinal sign of acute inflammation is primarily caused by increased vascular permeability and fluid exudation into the interstitial space?

• A) Rubor (Redness)

• B) Calor (Heat)

• C) Tumor (Swelling)

• D) Dolor (Pain)

Answer: C) Tumor (Swelling)
Explanation: Tumor (swelling) is caused by increased vascular permeability leading to fluid exudation from blood vessels into the interstitial space (edema). Rubor is due to vasodilation, Calor is due to increased blood flow and metabolic activity, and Dolor is caused by mediators like bradykinin and prostaglandins stimulating pain receptors.

4. What is the classic, early clinical sign of laryngeal cancer?

• A) Dysphagia

• B) Hoarseness of voice

• C) Hemoptysis

• D) Chronic cough

Answer: B) Hoarseness of voice
Explanation: Hoarseness of voice is the classic early clinical sign of laryngeal cancer, particularly of the glottic (vocal cord) type, as even a small tumour on the vocal cord causes voice changes. Dysphagia and hemoptysis are later signs, while chronic cough is non-specific. Early hoarseness is why glottic carcinoma has a better prognosis — it is detected sooner.

5. What is the definitive, gold-standard diagnostic test used to confirm a Pulmonary Embolism?

• A) Chest X-ray

• B) Electrocardiogram (ECG)

• C) Pulmonary Angiography

• D) Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

Answer: C) Pulmonary Angiography
Explanation: Pulmonary Angiography is the gold-standard definitive test for confirming Pulmonary Embolism, as it directly visualizes the pulmonary vasculature and identifies clot location. In clinical practice, CT Pulmonary Angiography (CTPA) is now most commonly used. Chest X-ray and ECG show non-specific changes, and ABG only reveals oxygenation status — none of these confirm PE definitively.

6. Pink, frothy sputum is a pathognomonic clinical finding in which respiratory emergency?

• A) Pulmonary Edema

• B) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• C) Lung Abscess

• D) Pleural Effusion

Answer: A) Pulmonary Edema
Explanation: Pink, frothy sputum is the classic pathognomonic sign of Acute Pulmonary Edema, caused by fluid transudation into the alveoli mixed with air and blood, producing the characteristic pink frothy appearance. COPD produces thick mucoid sputum, Lung Abscess produces foul-smelling purulent sputum, and Pleural Effusion does not typically produce sputum.

7. What type of chest wall movement is observed in a patient diagnosed with Flail Chest?

• A) Symmetric expansion

• B) Asymmetric expansion

• C) Paradoxical respiration

• D) Kussmaul respiration

Answer: C) Paradoxical respiration
Explanation: In Flail Chest, due to multiple rib fractures in two or more places, the affected segment loses continuity with the chest wall and moves paradoxically — inward during inspiration and outward during expiration, opposite to normal chest movement. This is called paradoxical respiration and is the hallmark sign of Flail Chest.

8. The collapse or airless state of alveoli in a segment or the entirety of a lung is known as what?

• A) Pneumothorax

• B) Atelectasis

• C) Empyema

• D) Chylothorax

Answer: B) Atelectasis
Explanation: Atelectasis refers to the collapse or airless state of alveoli in a segment, lobe, or the entirety of a lung. Pneumothorax is air in the pleural space, Empyema is pus in the pleural cavity, and Chylothorax is accumulation of lymphatic fluid (chyle) in the pleural space — none of these involve alveolar collapse.