NURS 201 Quiz 7 V3 | NURS 201 Medical
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 7) | West Coast
University
1. A patient is admitted with a urine output of 500 mL/hr and a serum sodium level of 155
mEq/L. Which medication does the nurse expect the provider to order?
A. Furosemide
B. Spironolactone
C. Regular Insulin
D. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
Answer: D
Rationale: Desmopressin is the primary treatment for Central Diabetes Insipidus because
it replaces the missing antidiuretic hormone. The nurse must monitor the patient for a
decrease in urine output and an increase in urine specific gravity. Monitoring for signs of
water intoxication is also a critical nursing responsibility during therapy.
2. A patient with SIADH has a serum sodium of 118 mEq/L. Which nursing action is the
highest priority?
A. Encourage the patient to drink 2 liters of water daily
B. Administer a dose of Furosemide
,C. Initiate seizure precautions and keep the bed in the lowest position
D. Request a referral for a nutritionist
Answer: C
Rationale: Severe hyponatremia places the patient at significant risk for cerebral edema
and subsequent seizures. Safety is the priority, necessitating the implementation of seizure
precautions and frequent neurological assessments. Fluid restriction is usually mandated
in these cases to prevent further dilution of serum sodium.
3. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find in a patient diagnosed with
Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Hypotension and weight loss
B. Bronze skin pigmentation and salt craving
C. Exophthalmos and tremors
D. Truncal obesity and a buffalo hump
Answer: D
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome results from a chronic excess of glucocorticoids, leading to
a classic redistribution of fat. This manifests as truncal obesity, a moon-shaped face, and a
fat pad between the shoulders known as a buffalo hump. The nurse should also monitor for
associated symptoms like hyperglycemia and hypertension.
, 4. A patient with Addison’s disease is being discharged. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I need to wear a medical alert bracelet at all times.
B. I should increase my salt intake during hot weather.
C. I will need to take life-long hormone replacement therapy.
D. I can stop taking my prednisone if I feel like I have enough energy.
Answer: D
Rationale: Steroid replacement therapy in Addison’s disease must never be stopped
abruptly, as this can trigger a life-threatening Addisonian crisis. Patients must be taught to
taper doses only under medical supervision and to increase doses during times of physical
stress. Compliance with the medication regimen is essential for survival.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient post-thyroidectomy. The patient reports numbness and
tingling around the mouth. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer a PRN dose of Lorazepam
B. Check the patient’s temperature
C. Encourage the patient to perform deep breathing exercises
D. Assess for a positive Chvostek’s sign and notify the physician
Answer: D
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 7) | West Coast
University
1. A patient is admitted with a urine output of 500 mL/hr and a serum sodium level of 155
mEq/L. Which medication does the nurse expect the provider to order?
A. Furosemide
B. Spironolactone
C. Regular Insulin
D. Desmopressin (DDAVP)
Answer: D
Rationale: Desmopressin is the primary treatment for Central Diabetes Insipidus because
it replaces the missing antidiuretic hormone. The nurse must monitor the patient for a
decrease in urine output and an increase in urine specific gravity. Monitoring for signs of
water intoxication is also a critical nursing responsibility during therapy.
2. A patient with SIADH has a serum sodium of 118 mEq/L. Which nursing action is the
highest priority?
A. Encourage the patient to drink 2 liters of water daily
B. Administer a dose of Furosemide
,C. Initiate seizure precautions and keep the bed in the lowest position
D. Request a referral for a nutritionist
Answer: C
Rationale: Severe hyponatremia places the patient at significant risk for cerebral edema
and subsequent seizures. Safety is the priority, necessitating the implementation of seizure
precautions and frequent neurological assessments. Fluid restriction is usually mandated
in these cases to prevent further dilution of serum sodium.
3. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find in a patient diagnosed with
Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Hypotension and weight loss
B. Bronze skin pigmentation and salt craving
C. Exophthalmos and tremors
D. Truncal obesity and a buffalo hump
Answer: D
Rationale: Cushing’s Syndrome results from a chronic excess of glucocorticoids, leading to
a classic redistribution of fat. This manifests as truncal obesity, a moon-shaped face, and a
fat pad between the shoulders known as a buffalo hump. The nurse should also monitor for
associated symptoms like hyperglycemia and hypertension.
, 4. A patient with Addison’s disease is being discharged. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching?
A. I need to wear a medical alert bracelet at all times.
B. I should increase my salt intake during hot weather.
C. I will need to take life-long hormone replacement therapy.
D. I can stop taking my prednisone if I feel like I have enough energy.
Answer: D
Rationale: Steroid replacement therapy in Addison’s disease must never be stopped
abruptly, as this can trigger a life-threatening Addisonian crisis. Patients must be taught to
taper doses only under medical supervision and to increase doses during times of physical
stress. Compliance with the medication regimen is essential for survival.
5. The nurse is caring for a patient post-thyroidectomy. The patient reports numbness and
tingling around the mouth. What is the nurse’s priority action?
A. Administer a PRN dose of Lorazepam
B. Check the patient’s temperature
C. Encourage the patient to perform deep breathing exercises
D. Assess for a positive Chvostek’s sign and notify the physician
Answer: D
