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100+ Free CNA Medical-Surgical LPN (MSPNC(C)) Practice Questions

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Key Facts: CNA Medical-Surgical LPN (MSPNC(C)) Exam

165

Total Questions

CNA Exam Specifications

4 Hours

Time Limit

CNA Exam Specifications

$570

Member Fee (CAD)

CNA Fee Schedule

$756

Non-Member Fee (CAD)

CNA Fee Schedule

5 Years

Validity Period

CNA Guidelines

The CNA MSPNC(C) exam is a 4-hour computer-based test with 165 multiple-choice questions designed for experienced Canadian LPNs/RPNs seeking specialty certification in medical-surgical nursing.

Sample CNA Medical-Surgical LPN (MSPNC(C)) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CNA Medical-Surgical LPN (MSPNC(C)) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A client admitted with coronary artery disease (CAD) reports chest pain. Which assessment finding by the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) most strongly indicates that the pain is due to myocardial infarction (MI) rather than stable angina?
A.The pain is relieved within 5 minutes after placing one nitroglycerin tablet under the tongue.
B.The pain began while the client was resting in bed and has lasted for more than 20 minutes.
C.The pain is described as a squeezing pressure in the center of the chest that radiates to the left shoulder.
D.The client's blood pressure increases from 120/80 mmHg to 142/88 mmHg during the episode.
Explanation: Myocardial infarction (MI) pain typically occurs without relation to activity, often starts at rest, and lasts longer than 20 minutes. It is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin and requires emergency medical intervention. Stable angina, on the other hand, is characteristically relieved by rest and sublingual nitroglycerin within a few minutes.
2The LPN is monitoring a client admitted with acute decompensated heart failure. Which assessment finding is the most reliable indicator of fluid retention and dictates a need to notify the healthcare provider?
A.An increase in body weight of 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) over a 24-hour period.
B.The presence of 1+ pitting edema in both ankles at the end of the day.
C.A complaints of mild fatigue when walking to the bathroom.
D.A blood pressure reading of 138/86 mmHg, which is unchanged from baseline.
Explanation: Rapid weight gain is the most sensitive and reliable indicator of fluid retention in heart failure clients. A gain of more than 1 kg in 24 hours or 2 kg in a week typically indicates fluid retention rather than tissue mass gain and requires adjustment of diuretic therapy. The LPN must report this immediately to prevent pulmonary congestion.
3A client is prescribed lisinopril for the management of hypertension. Which educational instruction should the LPN emphasize to promote safety during the initiation of this medication?
A.Limit the intake of high-potassium foods such as bananas and spinach.
B.Rise slowly from a lying or sitting position to prevent dizziness and falls.
C.Check your pulse rate for a full minute and hold the medication if it is below 60 beats/minute.
D.Expect a mild, productive cough to develop, which will subside within two weeks.
Explanation: Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, can cause orthostatic hypotension, especially during the initiation of therapy. Clients should be instructed to change positions slowly to prevent dizziness, lightheadedness, and syncope. Additionally, clients should be advised about the risk of hyperkalemia, but rising slowly is the direct intervention to prevent immediate physical harm from falls.
4The LPN is caring for a postoperative client who is at high risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which nursing intervention should be included in the client's care plan as the most effective method for DVT prophylaxis?
A.Placing a pillow under the client's knees while resting in bed.
B.Assisting the client with early and frequent ambulation.
C.Massaging the client's calves gently twice daily to promote blood flow.
D.Teaching the client to perform deep breathing and coughing exercises.
Explanation: Early and frequent ambulation is the most effective natural method for preventing DVT, as it promotes venous return through the contraction of lower extremity muscles. Sequential compression devices and pharmacological prophylaxis are also used, but active ambulation remains a primary nursing responsibility. Massaging calves is contraindicated due to the risk of dislodging a clot.
5During a routine assessment, the LPN notes that a client's radial pulse is irregular and rapid. The client reports feeling 'a fluttering sensation' in the chest but denies chest pain or shortness of breath. Which action should the LPN take first?
A.Perform a focused assessment of the client's apical heart rate for one full minute.
B.Administer a PRN dose of metoprolol as prescribed for tachycardia.
C.Instruct the client to perform a Valsalva maneuver to slow the heart rate.
D.Document the finding as a normal variation and reassess during the next shift.
Explanation: The LPN should first assess the client's apical pulse for a full minute to confirm the irregular rhythm and determine the exact heart rate. This assessment provides baseline data for the nurse and healthcare provider to evaluate for arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation. The LPN should then report the findings to the RN or physician immediately.
6A client with severe peripheral arterial disease (PAD) reports ischemic pain in both legs while resting in bed. Which positioning strategy should the LPN implement to help alleviate the client's pain?
A.Elevate the client's legs on two pillows above the level of the heart.
B.Place the client in a reverse Trendelenburg position or hang the legs over the side of the bed.
C.Keep the client's legs flat and fully extended with a warm blanket applied.
D.Place the client in a prone position with the feet hanging off the end of the mattress.
Explanation: For clients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), gravity helps promote arterial blood flow to the lower extremities. Placing the client in a position where the legs are dependent (hanging down), such as sitting on the edge of the bed or using a reverse Trendelenburg position, increases perfusion and relieves ischemic rest pain. Elevating the legs is contraindicated because it decreases arterial flow.
7A client returned to the unit 2 hours ago following a cardiac catheterization via the right femoral artery. The LPN notes that the dressing at the puncture site is saturated with bright red blood. Which action should the LPN take immediately?
A.Apply firm, direct pressure to the femoral arterial puncture site.
B.Call the healthcare provider to report the bleeding and obtain orders.
C.Reinforce the dressing with additional sterile gauze and secure it tightly.
D.Assist the client to turn onto the left side to reduce pressure on the groin.
Explanation: Active arterial bleeding from a femoral puncture site is a medical emergency. The LPN's immediate priority is to apply firm, manual pressure directly over the puncture site to control the bleeding and prevent hematoma formation or hemorrhagic shock. After holding pressure, the LPN should direct another staff member to notify the RN and healthcare provider.
8A client with a history of angina is experiencing an acute chest pain episode. The LPN administers one sublingual nitroglycerin tablet as prescribed. The client's blood pressure is 118/76 mmHg. Five minutes later, the client reports that the chest pain is still present and rated as a 6 out of 10. The LPN notes the blood pressure is now 92/58 mmHg. Which action should the LPN take next?
A.Administer a second sublingual nitroglycerin tablet immediately.
B.Hold the next dose of nitroglycerin, place the client flat, and notify the RN.
C.Encourage the client to ambulate to promote circulation and relieve pain.
D.Administer oral aspirin 325 mg and reassess in 15 minutes.
Explanation: Nitroglycerin is a potent vasodilator that can cause significant hypotension. Because the client's systolic blood pressure has dropped to 92 mmHg, administering another dose of nitroglycerin is contraindicated, as it could lead to severe hypotension and coronary hypoperfusion. The LPN should hold the medication, place the client flat to promote cerebral perfusion, and immediately notify the RN and healthcare provider.
9The LPN is providing discharge teaching to a client newly diagnosed with heart failure. Which dietary recommendation is the most important to include to prevent exacerbations?
A.Limit sodium intake to 2,000 mg or less per day.
B.Increase intake of saturated fats to provide energy.
C.Consume at least three servings of red meat weekly.
D.Restrict fluid intake to 500 mL per day.
Explanation: Sodium restriction (typically 2,000 mg/day or less) is critical for heart failure management because sodium promotes water retention, increasing blood volume and cardiac workload. Managing sodium intake directly prevents fluid overload and hospitalization. A fluid restriction may also be ordered, but a 500 mL limit is excessively restrictive and unsafe without specific medical supervision.
10A client with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen therapy. Which oxygen delivery setting is most appropriate for the LPN to maintain to prevent respiratory depression?
A.Nasal cannula at 2 L/min to maintain oxygen saturation between 88% and 92%.
B.Simple face mask at 8 L/min to keep oxygen saturation above 98%.
C.Non-rebreather mask at 15 L/min for continuous use.
D.Nasal cannula at 6 L/min to maintain oxygen saturation at 100%.
Explanation: Clients with severe COPD may rely on a hypoxic drive (low blood oxygen levels) to stimulate breathing, rather than hypercapnia (high carbon dioxide levels). Providing excessive oxygen can suppress this respiratory drive, leading to carbon dioxide retention, respiratory depression, and acidosis. A target oxygen saturation of 88-92% using a low-flow device like a nasal cannula at 1-2 L/min is standard clinical practice.

About the CNA Medical-Surgical LPN (MSPNC(C)) Exam

The CNA Medical-Surgical Practical Nursing (MSPNC(C)) Certification is a prestigious credential offered by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) to validate the specialized knowledge, skills, and judgment of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs) practicing in medical-surgical environments in Canada. The computer-based certification examination consists of 165 multiple-choice questions (including independent and case-based scenarios) with a 4-hour duration. The exam measures clinical competencies across twelve key areas including major body systems (cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, renal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, neurological, skin/integumentary), hematology/oncology, infectious diseases/immunology, perioperative/emergency management, and ethical-legal practice. Achieving the MSPNC(C) designation demonstrates professional dedication, clinical expertise, and adherence to national standards of nursing practice.

Assessment

165 multiple-choice questions (CBT, computer-based)

Time Limit

4 hours

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced standard-setting process (reported as Pass/Unsuccessful)

Exam Fee

$588 CAD (CNA member) / $780 CAD (non-member) application fee, plus $85 online (ProctorU) or $110 in-person writing appointment fee; rewrite $378 (member) / $500 (non-member). Applicable taxes extra. (Canadian Nurses Association (CNA))

CNA Medical-Surgical LPN (MSPNC(C)) Exam Content Outline

85%

Clinical Systems & Care Management

Assessment and nursing management of common medical-surgical conditions across major body systems, oncology, immunology, and infectious diseases.

8%

Perioperative & Emergency Management

Pre- and post-operative nursing care, sterile technique, surgical wound care, shock, and client safety.

7%

Professional Practice, Law & Ethics

Scope of practice, informed consent, clinical documentation, ethical decision-making, patient advocacy, and confidentiality rules.

How to Pass the CNA Medical-Surgical LPN (MSPNC(C)) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Criterion-referenced standard-setting process (reported as Pass/Unsuccessful)
  • Assessment: 165 multiple-choice questions (CBT, computer-based)
  • Time limit: 4 hours
  • Exam fee: $588 CAD (CNA member) / $780 CAD (non-member) application fee, plus $85 online (ProctorU) or $110 in-person writing appointment fee; rewrite $378 (member) / $500 (non-member). Applicable taxes extra.

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CNA Medical-Surgical LPN (MSPNC(C)) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Thoroughly review the CNA Medical-Surgical Practical Nursing competency blueprint to identify areas where your current knowledge or clinical exposure may be limited.
2Focus on nursing priorities and immediate actions for common medical-surgical emergencies (e.g., autonomic dysreflexia, pulmonary embolism, compartment syndrome).
3Understand the LPN/RPN scope of practice in Canada, especially regarding delegation, care of unstable patients, and boundaries of professional practice.
4Review clinical documentation guidelines: keep entries objective, factual, timely, and free of personal bias.
5Familiarize yourself with laboratory values (e.g., serum electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, HbA1c) and their clinical significance in medical-surgical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MSPNC(C) stand for?

MSPNC(C) stands for Medical-Surgical Practical Nurse Certified (Canada). It is the official credential awarded by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) to practical nurses who successfully complete the medical-surgical specialty certification.

How many questions are on the CNA MSPNC(C) exam?

The official exam consists of approximately 165 multiple-choice questions. It includes independent questions as well as case-based scenarios.

What is the passing score for the certification exam?

CNA does not use a fixed percentage-based passing score. The pass mark is determined using a criterion-referenced standard-setting process. Results are reported only as Pass or Unsuccessful.

What are the eligibility requirements for the MSPNC(C) exam?

Candidates must hold an active LPN or RPN license in Canada and have completed a minimum of 1,950 hours of practice in medical-surgical nursing within the past five years, or 1,000 hours of practice plus 300 hours of formal specialty education.

How long is the certification valid?

CNA certifications are valid for 5 years. To maintain the credential, nurses must renew by completing continuous learning hours (continuing education) or by retaking the certification exam.