MEDICAL SURGICAL NURSING II -
EXAM 2 V1 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with SIADH. Which laboratory result should the nurse
prioritize?
A. Urine specific gravity 1.005
B. Serum potassium 3.9 mEq/L
C. Serum sodium 124 mEq/L
D. Serum glucose 110 mg/dL
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: SIADH causes water retention leading to dilutional
hyponatremia; a level of 124 mEq/L is critical and puts the patient at risk for seizures.
2. Which assessment finding in a patient with Diabetes Insipidus (DI) indicates that
desmopressin (DDAVP) is effective?
A. Increased serum osmolality
B. Decreased urine specific gravity
C. Increased heart rate
D. Decreased urine output
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DDAVP acts as ADH to increase water reabsorption, resulting in
decreased urine output and increased urine concentration.
3. A patient with Cushing syndrome is admitted. Which electrolyte imbalance is most
commonly associated with this condition?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Excessive cortisol has mineralocorticoid effects, leading to
sodium retention and potassium excretion (hypokalemia).
4. The nurse is assessing a patient with Addisonian crisis. Which vital sign finding is most
expected?
A. Heart rate 55 bpm
B. Temperature 97.2 F
C. Blood pressure 88/50 mmHg
D. Respiratory rate 12 breaths/min
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Addisonian crisis causes severe hypotension due to the lack of
aldosterone and cortisol, leading to vascular collapse.
5. A patient is diagnosed with Pheochromocytoma. Which nursing action is contraindicated?
A. Monitoring blood pressure frequently
B. Collecting a 24-hour urine for VMA
C. Providing a quiet environment
D. Palpating the abdomen
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Palpating the abdomen can trigger a sudden release of
catecholamines, leading to a hypertensive crisis.
6. Which medication should the nurse have available for a patient undergoing a
thyroidectomy in case of tetany?
A. Potassium chloride
B. Sodium bicarbonate
C. Calcium gluconate
D. Magnesium sulfate
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypocalcemia can occur if the parathyroid glands are
accidentally damaged; calcium gluconate is the emergency treatment for tetany.
EXAM 2 V1 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with SIADH. Which laboratory result should the nurse
prioritize?
A. Urine specific gravity 1.005
B. Serum potassium 3.9 mEq/L
C. Serum sodium 124 mEq/L
D. Serum glucose 110 mg/dL
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: SIADH causes water retention leading to dilutional
hyponatremia; a level of 124 mEq/L is critical and puts the patient at risk for seizures.
2. Which assessment finding in a patient with Diabetes Insipidus (DI) indicates that
desmopressin (DDAVP) is effective?
A. Increased serum osmolality
B. Decreased urine specific gravity
C. Increased heart rate
D. Decreased urine output
,Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DDAVP acts as ADH to increase water reabsorption, resulting in
decreased urine output and increased urine concentration.
3. A patient with Cushing syndrome is admitted. Which electrolyte imbalance is most
commonly associated with this condition?
A. Hyperkalemia
B. Hypoglycemia
C. Hyponatremia
D. Hypokalemia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Excessive cortisol has mineralocorticoid effects, leading to
sodium retention and potassium excretion (hypokalemia).
4. The nurse is assessing a patient with Addisonian crisis. Which vital sign finding is most
expected?
A. Heart rate 55 bpm
B. Temperature 97.2 F
C. Blood pressure 88/50 mmHg
D. Respiratory rate 12 breaths/min
Answer: C
, Conceptual Explanation: Addisonian crisis causes severe hypotension due to the lack of
aldosterone and cortisol, leading to vascular collapse.
5. A patient is diagnosed with Pheochromocytoma. Which nursing action is contraindicated?
A. Monitoring blood pressure frequently
B. Collecting a 24-hour urine for VMA
C. Providing a quiet environment
D. Palpating the abdomen
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Palpating the abdomen can trigger a sudden release of
catecholamines, leading to a hypertensive crisis.
6. Which medication should the nurse have available for a patient undergoing a
thyroidectomy in case of tetany?
A. Potassium chloride
B. Sodium bicarbonate
C. Calcium gluconate
D. Magnesium sulfate
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Hypocalcemia can occur if the parathyroid glands are
accidentally damaged; calcium gluconate is the emergency treatment for tetany.
