NURS 201 Quiz 5 V3 | NURS 201 Medical
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 5) | West Coast
University
1. A nurse is assessing a client with acute kidney injury (AKI). Which finding would indicate
that the client has entered the diuretic phase?
A. Serum creatinine and BUN levels continue to rise.
B. Urine output is less than 400 mL/day.
C. Urine output increases to 3 to 5 L/day.
D. Client experiences mental confusion and seizures.
Answer: C
Rationale: In the diuretic phase of AKI, urine output begins to increase significantly, often
reaching 3 to 5 liters per day. Although urine volume is high, the kidneys are still unable to
concentrate the urine, leading to potential dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The
nurse must monitor the client closely for signs of hyponatremia and hypokalemia during
this transition.
2. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prescribed erythropoietin injections. What is
the primary purpose of this medication?
A. To stimulate the production of red blood cells.
,B. To reduce phosphorus absorption in the gut.
C. To lower serum potassium levels.
D. To increase the glomerular filtration rate.
Answer: A
Rationale: Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the bone
marrow to produce red blood cells. In patients with CKD, erythropoietin production is
diminished, leading to chronic anemia. Successful therapy is indicated by an increase in
hemoglobin and hematocrit levels over several weeks.
3. The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis who has developed hepatic encephalopathy.
Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to reduce ammonia levels?
A. Vitamin K
B. Spironolactone
C. Propranolol
D. Lactulose
Answer: D
Rationale: Lactulose is the gold standard treatment for hepatic encephalopathy as it traps
ammonia in the gut and promotes its excretion through stools. The medication causes an
osmotic effect, leading to several soft bowel movements per day. The nurse should monitor
the client’s mental status and frequency of bowel movements to evaluate effectiveness.
, 4. A client is diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory result is most specific in
confirming this diagnosis?
A. Elevated serum bilirubin
B. Elevated serum calcium
C. Decreased white blood cell count
D. Elevated serum lipase
Answer: D
Rationale: Serum lipase is more specific than amylase for diagnosing acute pancreatitis
because it stays elevated longer and is primarily produced by the pancreas. Lipase levels
typically rise within 24 hours of symptom onset and can remain high for up to 14 days. This
marker helps clinicians differentiate pancreatic issues from other abdominal pathologies.
5. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find in a client with Nephrotic
Syndrome?
A. Gross hematuria
B. Hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis
C. Severe generalized edema (anasarca)
D. Hypotension and dehydration
Answer: C
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 5) | West Coast
University
1. A nurse is assessing a client with acute kidney injury (AKI). Which finding would indicate
that the client has entered the diuretic phase?
A. Serum creatinine and BUN levels continue to rise.
B. Urine output is less than 400 mL/day.
C. Urine output increases to 3 to 5 L/day.
D. Client experiences mental confusion and seizures.
Answer: C
Rationale: In the diuretic phase of AKI, urine output begins to increase significantly, often
reaching 3 to 5 liters per day. Although urine volume is high, the kidneys are still unable to
concentrate the urine, leading to potential dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The
nurse must monitor the client closely for signs of hyponatremia and hypokalemia during
this transition.
2. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prescribed erythropoietin injections. What is
the primary purpose of this medication?
A. To stimulate the production of red blood cells.
,B. To reduce phosphorus absorption in the gut.
C. To lower serum potassium levels.
D. To increase the glomerular filtration rate.
Answer: A
Rationale: Erythropoietin is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the bone
marrow to produce red blood cells. In patients with CKD, erythropoietin production is
diminished, leading to chronic anemia. Successful therapy is indicated by an increase in
hemoglobin and hematocrit levels over several weeks.
3. The nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis who has developed hepatic encephalopathy.
Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to reduce ammonia levels?
A. Vitamin K
B. Spironolactone
C. Propranolol
D. Lactulose
Answer: D
Rationale: Lactulose is the gold standard treatment for hepatic encephalopathy as it traps
ammonia in the gut and promotes its excretion through stools. The medication causes an
osmotic effect, leading to several soft bowel movements per day. The nurse should monitor
the client’s mental status and frequency of bowel movements to evaluate effectiveness.
, 4. A client is diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory result is most specific in
confirming this diagnosis?
A. Elevated serum bilirubin
B. Elevated serum calcium
C. Decreased white blood cell count
D. Elevated serum lipase
Answer: D
Rationale: Serum lipase is more specific than amylase for diagnosing acute pancreatitis
because it stays elevated longer and is primarily produced by the pancreas. Lipase levels
typically rise within 24 hours of symptom onset and can remain high for up to 14 days. This
marker helps clinicians differentiate pancreatic issues from other abdominal pathologies.
5. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find in a client with Nephrotic
Syndrome?
A. Gross hematuria
B. Hyperkalemia and metabolic acidosis
C. Severe generalized edema (anasarca)
D. Hypotension and dehydration
Answer: C
