NUR 425 Exam 2: Acute & Chronic Health Disruptions In
Adults II V1 - Arizona College Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A patient is diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus (DI). Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect
to observe?
A. Excessive thirst and high urine output
B. Weight gain and edema
C. High urine specific gravity
D. Bradycardia and hypertension
Ans: A
Explanation: Diabetes insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone leading to
polyuria. The patient will typically present with excessive thirst known as polydipsia. Urine output is
significantly increased and usually very dilute in nature. This results in a low urine specific gravity rather
than a high one. Monitoring fluid balance is a critical nursing intervention for these patients.
2. Which medication is commonly used to treat Central Diabetes Insipidus?
A. Furosemide
B. Insulin glargine
C. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
D. Spironolactone
Ans: C
Explanation: Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of antidiuretic hormone used for hormone replacement.
It helps the kidneys reabsorb water and reduce the volume of urine produced. This medication can be
,administered via oral, intravenous, or intranasal routes. Nurses must monitor the patient for signs of
water intoxication during therapy. It is the gold standard treatment for central diabetes insipidus cases.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with SIADH. Which laboratory finding is most consistent with this
condition?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Serum osmolality 310 mOsm/kg
C. Urine specific gravity 1.001
D. Serum sodium 120 mEq/L
Ans: D
Explanation: SIADH involves excessive secretion of ADH leading to significant water retention. This
results in dilutional hyponatremia where serum sodium levels drop below normal. The serum osmolality
is typically low because the blood is over-diluted. Conversely, the urine becomes highly concentrated
with a high specific gravity. Treatment focuses on fluid restriction and identifying the underlying cause.
4. What is the primary nursing intervention for a patient with a serum sodium of 125 mEq/L due to SIADH?
A. Increase oral fluid intake
B. Administer rapid IV bolus of 0.45% NS
C. Encourage a low-salt diet
D. Implement fluid restriction
Ans: D
Explanation: Fluid restriction is the first-line treatment for SIADH to prevent further dilution of sodium.
By limiting intake, the body can gradually normalize the sodium concentration in the blood. Nurses must
, educate the patient on the importance of adhering to the strict limit. Monitoring daily weights and
intake/output is essential during this management phase. Salt intake is often encouraged rather than
restricted in these specific patients.
5. A patient presents with a ‘moon face,’ buffalo hump, and truncal obesity. Which condition does the nurse
suspect?
A. Addison’s Disease
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Cushing’s Syndrome
D. Pheochromocytoma
Ans: C
Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive levels of glucocorticoids.
Physical changes include fat redistribution to the face, neck, and trunk areas. Patients often exhibit thin
extremities and purple striae on the abdomen. Bone density may decrease, leading to an increased risk of
fractures over time. Assessment focuses on these classic physical markers to guide diagnostic testing.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is a classic finding in Addison’s Disease?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Ans: C
Adults II V1 - Arizona College Updated and Latest
Questions and Correct Answers with Rationale
1. A patient is diagnosed with Diabetes Insipidus (DI). Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect
to observe?
A. Excessive thirst and high urine output
B. Weight gain and edema
C. High urine specific gravity
D. Bradycardia and hypertension
Ans: A
Explanation: Diabetes insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone leading to
polyuria. The patient will typically present with excessive thirst known as polydipsia. Urine output is
significantly increased and usually very dilute in nature. This results in a low urine specific gravity rather
than a high one. Monitoring fluid balance is a critical nursing intervention for these patients.
2. Which medication is commonly used to treat Central Diabetes Insipidus?
A. Furosemide
B. Insulin glargine
C. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
D. Spironolactone
Ans: C
Explanation: Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of antidiuretic hormone used for hormone replacement.
It helps the kidneys reabsorb water and reduce the volume of urine produced. This medication can be
,administered via oral, intravenous, or intranasal routes. Nurses must monitor the patient for signs of
water intoxication during therapy. It is the gold standard treatment for central diabetes insipidus cases.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with SIADH. Which laboratory finding is most consistent with this
condition?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Serum osmolality 310 mOsm/kg
C. Urine specific gravity 1.001
D. Serum sodium 120 mEq/L
Ans: D
Explanation: SIADH involves excessive secretion of ADH leading to significant water retention. This
results in dilutional hyponatremia where serum sodium levels drop below normal. The serum osmolality
is typically low because the blood is over-diluted. Conversely, the urine becomes highly concentrated
with a high specific gravity. Treatment focuses on fluid restriction and identifying the underlying cause.
4. What is the primary nursing intervention for a patient with a serum sodium of 125 mEq/L due to SIADH?
A. Increase oral fluid intake
B. Administer rapid IV bolus of 0.45% NS
C. Encourage a low-salt diet
D. Implement fluid restriction
Ans: D
Explanation: Fluid restriction is the first-line treatment for SIADH to prevent further dilution of sodium.
By limiting intake, the body can gradually normalize the sodium concentration in the blood. Nurses must
, educate the patient on the importance of adhering to the strict limit. Monitoring daily weights and
intake/output is essential during this management phase. Salt intake is often encouraged rather than
restricted in these specific patients.
5. A patient presents with a ‘moon face,’ buffalo hump, and truncal obesity. Which condition does the nurse
suspect?
A. Addison’s Disease
B. Hypothyroidism
C. Cushing’s Syndrome
D. Pheochromocytoma
Ans: C
Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome results from chronic exposure to excessive levels of glucocorticoids.
Physical changes include fat redistribution to the face, neck, and trunk areas. Patients often exhibit thin
extremities and purple striae on the abdomen. Bone density may decrease, leading to an increased risk of
fractures over time. Assessment focuses on these classic physical markers to guide diagnostic testing.
6. Which electrolyte imbalance is a classic finding in Addison’s Disease?
A. Hypernatremia
B. Hypokalemia
C. Hyperkalemia
D. Hypocalcemia
Ans: C
