NSG 320 Exam 3 V3 | NSG 320 Adult
Health Nursing I | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSG320 Exam 3) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is prescribed Metformin. Which laboratory result would
require the nurse to hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider immediately?
A. Serum Creatinine of 2.1 mg/dL
B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) of 18 mg/dL
C. Glycosylated Hemoglobin (A1c) of 8.2%
D. Serum Potassium of 4.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and is contraindicated in
patients with significant renal impairment due to the risk of lactic acidosis. A serum
creatinine level of 2.1 mg/dL indicates impaired renal function, which exceeds the typical
threshold for safe administration. The nurse must prioritize renal safety before
administering biguanides to prevent life-threatening complications.
2. Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to find in a patient experiencing
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)? (Select All That Apply)
A. Kussmaul respirations
,B. Fruity breath odor
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Abdominal pain
E. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Explanation: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketosis.
Kussmaul respirations represent the body’s attempt to compensate for metabolic acidosis
by blowing off carbon dioxide. Fruity breath is caused by the presence of acetone, while
abdominal pain is a common gastrointestinal symptom associated with severe ketosis.
3. A nurse is assessing a patient for clinical signs of hypoglycemia. Which findings would
support this diagnosis? (Select All That Apply)
A. Diaphoresis
B. Tremors
C. Increased thirst
D. Tachycardia
E. Irritability
F. Blurred vision
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E, F
,Explanation: Hypoglycemia triggers the sympathetic nervous system, leading to symptoms
such as diaphoresis, tremors, and tachycardia. Neurological symptoms including irritability
and blurred vision occur because the brain lacks sufficient glucose to function properly.
Increased thirst (polydipsia) is a symptom of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia, making it
the only incorrect choice in this list.
4. A patient with Hyperthyroidism is scheduled for a thyroidectomy. Which medication does
the nurse anticipate administering to reduce the vascularity of the thyroid gland
preoperatively?
A. Levothyroxine
B. Furosemide
C. Amiodarone
D. Lugol’s solution (Potassium Iodide)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Iodine preparations like Lugol’s solution are used preoperatively to decrease
the size and vascularity of the thyroid gland. This reduces the risk of intraoperative
hemorrhage, which is a significant concern during thyroid surgery. The nurse should also
monitor for signs of iodism, such as metallic taste or sore teeth and gums.
5. A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Myxedema Coma. What is the nurse’s priority
intervention?
A. Providing warming blankets
, B. Administering IV Levothyroxine
C. Maintaining a patent airway
D. Checking blood glucose levels
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Myxedema coma is a life-threatening complication of severe hypothyroidism
that leads to respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse. While Levothyroxine is the
definitive treatment, the immediate priority in any emergency is maintaining the airway,
breathing, and circulation (ABCs). Once the airway is secure, the nurse can proceed with
fluid resuscitation and hormone replacement.
6. A nurse is reviewing the physical assessment of a patient with Cushing’s Syndrome. Which
of the following findings are characteristic of this condition?
A. Hypotension
B. Thinning hair
C. Moon face
D. Truncal obesity
E. Purple striae on the abdomen
Correct Answer: C, D, E
Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excess corticosteroids.
Classic physical features include truncal obesity, a ‘buffalo hump,’ moon face, and purple
Health Nursing I | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NSG320 Exam 3) | Grand
Canyon University
1. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is prescribed Metformin. Which laboratory result would
require the nurse to hold the medication and notify the healthcare provider immediately?
A. Serum Creatinine of 2.1 mg/dL
B. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) of 18 mg/dL
C. Glycosylated Hemoglobin (A1c) of 8.2%
D. Serum Potassium of 4.5 mEq/L
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys and is contraindicated in
patients with significant renal impairment due to the risk of lactic acidosis. A serum
creatinine level of 2.1 mg/dL indicates impaired renal function, which exceeds the typical
threshold for safe administration. The nurse must prioritize renal safety before
administering biguanides to prevent life-threatening complications.
2. Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to find in a patient experiencing
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)? (Select All That Apply)
A. Kussmaul respirations
,B. Fruity breath odor
C. Hypoglycemia
D. Abdominal pain
E. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: A, B, D
Explanation: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and ketosis.
Kussmaul respirations represent the body’s attempt to compensate for metabolic acidosis
by blowing off carbon dioxide. Fruity breath is caused by the presence of acetone, while
abdominal pain is a common gastrointestinal symptom associated with severe ketosis.
3. A nurse is assessing a patient for clinical signs of hypoglycemia. Which findings would
support this diagnosis? (Select All That Apply)
A. Diaphoresis
B. Tremors
C. Increased thirst
D. Tachycardia
E. Irritability
F. Blurred vision
Correct Answer: A, B, D, E, F
,Explanation: Hypoglycemia triggers the sympathetic nervous system, leading to symptoms
such as diaphoresis, tremors, and tachycardia. Neurological symptoms including irritability
and blurred vision occur because the brain lacks sufficient glucose to function properly.
Increased thirst (polydipsia) is a symptom of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia, making it
the only incorrect choice in this list.
4. A patient with Hyperthyroidism is scheduled for a thyroidectomy. Which medication does
the nurse anticipate administering to reduce the vascularity of the thyroid gland
preoperatively?
A. Levothyroxine
B. Furosemide
C. Amiodarone
D. Lugol’s solution (Potassium Iodide)
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: Iodine preparations like Lugol’s solution are used preoperatively to decrease
the size and vascularity of the thyroid gland. This reduces the risk of intraoperative
hemorrhage, which is a significant concern during thyroid surgery. The nurse should also
monitor for signs of iodism, such as metallic taste or sore teeth and gums.
5. A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Myxedema Coma. What is the nurse’s priority
intervention?
A. Providing warming blankets
, B. Administering IV Levothyroxine
C. Maintaining a patent airway
D. Checking blood glucose levels
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Myxedema coma is a life-threatening complication of severe hypothyroidism
that leads to respiratory failure and cardiovascular collapse. While Levothyroxine is the
definitive treatment, the immediate priority in any emergency is maintaining the airway,
breathing, and circulation (ABCs). Once the airway is secure, the nurse can proceed with
fluid resuscitation and hormone replacement.
6. A nurse is reviewing the physical assessment of a patient with Cushing’s Syndrome. Which
of the following findings are characteristic of this condition?
A. Hypotension
B. Thinning hair
C. Moon face
D. Truncal obesity
E. Purple striae on the abdomen
Correct Answer: C, D, E
Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome results from chronic exposure to excess corticosteroids.
Classic physical features include truncal obesity, a ‘buffalo hump,’ moon face, and purple
