NURS 201 Quiz 7 V2 | NURS 201 Medical
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 7) | West Coast
University
1. A nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory finding is the most
specific indicator of pancreatic damage?
A. Elevated serum amylase
B. Elevated serum lipase
C. Decreased serum calcium
D. Elevated white blood cell count
Answer: B
Rationale: Serum lipase is more specific to the pancreas than amylase and remains
elevated for a longer period. In acute pancreatitis, pancreatic enzymes leak into the blood
due to cellular damage. Monitoring these levels helps the nurse evaluate the progression or
resolution of the inflammation.
2. The nurse is assessing a client with Cirrhosis who has developed hepatic encephalopathy.
What is the primary goal of administering Lactulose?
A. To promote the excretion of ammonia via the stool
B. To decrease portal vein hypertension
,C. To reduce abdominal girth and ascites
D. To improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
Answer: A
Rationale: Lactulose works by drawing ammonia into the colon and acting as an osmotic
laxative to expel it. Elevated ammonia levels are a primary cause of cognitive changes in
hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse should monitor for increased frequency of bowel
movements as a sign of therapeutic effectiveness.
3. A client with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has a potassium level of 6.4 mEq/L. Which
medication should the nurse expect to administer first to stabilize the cardiac membrane?
A. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
B. Regular Insulin and Dextrose
C. Calcium Gluconate
D. Furosemide
Answer: C
Rationale: Calcium Gluconate is administered in hyperkalemia to protect the heart and
stabilize the cardiac muscle membrane. While insulin and sodium polystyrene help lower
potassium, they do not provide immediate cardiac protection. This is a critical priority
intervention to prevent lethal arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation.
, 4. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse prioritize when assessing a client with a
suspected perforated peptic ulcer?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Rigid, board-like abdomen
C. Projectile vomiting of undigested food
D. Pain relieved by eating small meals
Answer: B
Rationale: A rigid, board-like abdomen is a hallmark sign of peritonitis resulting from a
gastrointestinal perforation. This condition is a surgical emergency that requires
immediate notification of the provider. The nurse must also monitor for signs of septic
shock, including tachycardia and hypotension.
5. A client is diagnosed with Diverticulitis. During the acute phase of inflammation, which diet
should the nurse expect to be ordered?
A. High-fiber diet with increased fluids
B. Full liquid diet with supplemental fiber
C. Low-sodium, high-protein diet
D. NPO or Clear Liquid diet
Answer: D
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 7) | West Coast
University
1. A nurse is caring for a client with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory finding is the most
specific indicator of pancreatic damage?
A. Elevated serum amylase
B. Elevated serum lipase
C. Decreased serum calcium
D. Elevated white blood cell count
Answer: B
Rationale: Serum lipase is more specific to the pancreas than amylase and remains
elevated for a longer period. In acute pancreatitis, pancreatic enzymes leak into the blood
due to cellular damage. Monitoring these levels helps the nurse evaluate the progression or
resolution of the inflammation.
2. The nurse is assessing a client with Cirrhosis who has developed hepatic encephalopathy.
What is the primary goal of administering Lactulose?
A. To promote the excretion of ammonia via the stool
B. To decrease portal vein hypertension
,C. To reduce abdominal girth and ascites
D. To improve the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins
Answer: A
Rationale: Lactulose works by drawing ammonia into the colon and acting as an osmotic
laxative to expel it. Elevated ammonia levels are a primary cause of cognitive changes in
hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse should monitor for increased frequency of bowel
movements as a sign of therapeutic effectiveness.
3. A client with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has a potassium level of 6.4 mEq/L. Which
medication should the nurse expect to administer first to stabilize the cardiac membrane?
A. Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
B. Regular Insulin and Dextrose
C. Calcium Gluconate
D. Furosemide
Answer: C
Rationale: Calcium Gluconate is administered in hyperkalemia to protect the heart and
stabilize the cardiac muscle membrane. While insulin and sodium polystyrene help lower
potassium, they do not provide immediate cardiac protection. This is a critical priority
intervention to prevent lethal arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation.
, 4. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse prioritize when assessing a client with a
suspected perforated peptic ulcer?
A. Hyperactive bowel sounds
B. Rigid, board-like abdomen
C. Projectile vomiting of undigested food
D. Pain relieved by eating small meals
Answer: B
Rationale: A rigid, board-like abdomen is a hallmark sign of peritonitis resulting from a
gastrointestinal perforation. This condition is a surgical emergency that requires
immediate notification of the provider. The nurse must also monitor for signs of septic
shock, including tachycardia and hypotension.
5. A client is diagnosed with Diverticulitis. During the acute phase of inflammation, which diet
should the nurse expect to be ordered?
A. High-fiber diet with increased fluids
B. Full liquid diet with supplemental fiber
C. Low-sodium, high-protein diet
D. NPO or Clear Liquid diet
Answer: D
