GALEN NUR 242 MED-SURG EXAM 3
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus presents to the ER with Kussmaul respirations, a
blood glucose of 560 mg/dL, and ketonuria. Which Acid-Base imbalance does the nurse
anticipate?
A. Respiratory Alkalosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) results in an accumulation of
ketones, which are acidic, leading to metabolic acidosis. Kussmaul respirations are the
body’s compensatory mechanism to blow off CO2.
2. A client is diagnosed with Pheochromocytoma. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Hypoglycemia
,B. Profuse Diarrhea
C. Severe Hypertension
D. Bradycardia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor of the
adrenal medulla, leading to severe, paroxysmal hypertension, tachycardia, and diaphoresis.
3. Which assessment finding in a patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) indicates the
need for immediate intervention?
A. Creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL
B. Potassium of 6.8 mEq/L
C. Hemoglobin of 9.5 g/dL
D. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) of 45 mg/dL
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (K+ > 6.5) is a life-threatening complication of
CKD that can lead to fatal cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate treatment.
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. Atenolol
C. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
D. Lugol’s solution (Iodine)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lugol’s solution or saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI)
is used preoperatively to decrease the size and vascularity of the thyroid gland to reduce
the risk of hemorrhage.
5. A client with Addison’s disease is being discharged. Which instruction is most important for
the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
A. Follow a low-sodium, high-potassium diet.
B. Wear a medical alert bracelet at all times.
C. Decrease medication dosage during periods of stress.
D. Limit fluid intake to 1500 mL per day.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Patients with Addison’s disease require lifelong hormone
replacement. Wearing a medical alert bracelet is vital because an Addisonian crisis can be
triggered by stress or trauma and is a medical emergency.
COMPREHENSIVE PRACTICE
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus presents to the ER with Kussmaul respirations, a
blood glucose of 560 mg/dL, and ketonuria. Which Acid-Base imbalance does the nurse
anticipate?
A. Respiratory Alkalosis
B. Metabolic Alkalosis
C. Metabolic Acidosis
D. Respiratory Acidosis
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) results in an accumulation of
ketones, which are acidic, leading to metabolic acidosis. Kussmaul respirations are the
body’s compensatory mechanism to blow off CO2.
2. A client is diagnosed with Pheochromocytoma. Which clinical manifestation should the
nurse monitor for most closely?
A. Hypoglycemia
,B. Profuse Diarrhea
C. Severe Hypertension
D. Bradycardia
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor of the
adrenal medulla, leading to severe, paroxysmal hypertension, tachycardia, and diaphoresis.
3. Which assessment finding in a patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) indicates the
need for immediate intervention?
A. Creatinine of 2.5 mg/dL
B. Potassium of 6.8 mEq/L
C. Hemoglobin of 9.5 g/dL
D. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) of 45 mg/dL
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Hyperkalemia (K+ > 6.5) is a life-threatening complication of
CKD that can lead to fatal cardiac arrhythmias and requires immediate treatment.
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. Atenolol
C. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
D. Lugol’s solution (Iodine)
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Lugol’s solution or saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI)
is used preoperatively to decrease the size and vascularity of the thyroid gland to reduce
the risk of hemorrhage.
5. A client with Addison’s disease is being discharged. Which instruction is most important for
the nurse to include in the teaching plan?
A. Follow a low-sodium, high-potassium diet.
B. Wear a medical alert bracelet at all times.
C. Decrease medication dosage during periods of stress.
D. Limit fluid intake to 1500 mL per day.
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Patients with Addison’s disease require lifelong hormone
replacement. Wearing a medical alert bracelet is vital because an Addisonian crisis can be
triggered by stress or trauma and is a medical emergency.
