NURS 120 INTRODUCTION TO
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING - EXAM
4 COMPREHENSIVE PREP
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
Which of the following arterial blood gas results would the nurse most likely expect to see?
A. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 40, HCO3 32
C. pH 7.32, PaCO2 48, HCO3 26
D. pH 7.30, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DKA causes a metabolic acidosis due to the accumulation of
ketones. pH 7.30 is acidic and HCO3 18 is low, characterizing metabolic acidosis.
2. The nurse is assessing a patient with Cushing’s syndrome. Which clinical manifestation is a
hallmark of this condition?
A. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
B. Trunkal obesity and moon face
,C. Weight loss and hypotension
D. Polyuria and polydipsia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome is caused by excess cortisol, leading to
characteristic fat redistribution such as trunkal obesity, moon face, and a buffalo hump.
3. A patient with hyperthyroidism is being treated for a thyroid storm. Which medication
would the nurse expect to be contraindicated in this patient?
A. Propranolol
B. Aspirin
C. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
D. Methimazole
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Aspirin is contraindicated in thyroid storm because it can
displace thyroid hormone from binding proteins, increasing free thyroid hormone levels.
4. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient immediately following a
subtotal thyroidectomy?
A. Hoarseness of voice
B. Positive Chvostek’s sign
C. Slight neck swelling
, D. Laryngeal stridor
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Laryngeal stridor indicates airway obstruction, which is a life-
threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention.
5. A patient presents with Addison’s disease. The nurse understands that this condition is
characterized by a deficiency in which of the following?
A. Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
B. Insulin and glucagon
C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
D. Antidiuretic hormone
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Addison’s disease is primary adrenal insufficiency, leading to
low levels of cortisol (glucocorticoid) and aldosterone (mineralocorticoid).
6. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is scheduled for an IV contrast procedure. Which
medication must be held for 48 hours post-procedure?
A. Metformin
B. Lisinopril
C. Glipizide
D. Atorvastatin
MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING - EXAM
4 COMPREHENSIVE PREP
1. A nurse is caring for a patient who has been diagnosed with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
Which of the following arterial blood gas results would the nurse most likely expect to see?
A. pH 7.50, PaCO2 30, HCO3 22
B. pH 7.48, PaCO2 40, HCO3 32
C. pH 7.32, PaCO2 48, HCO3 26
D. pH 7.30, PaCO2 35, HCO3 18
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: DKA causes a metabolic acidosis due to the accumulation of
ketones. pH 7.30 is acidic and HCO3 18 is low, characterizing metabolic acidosis.
2. The nurse is assessing a patient with Cushing’s syndrome. Which clinical manifestation is a
hallmark of this condition?
A. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
B. Trunkal obesity and moon face
,C. Weight loss and hypotension
D. Polyuria and polydipsia
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s syndrome is caused by excess cortisol, leading to
characteristic fat redistribution such as trunkal obesity, moon face, and a buffalo hump.
3. A patient with hyperthyroidism is being treated for a thyroid storm. Which medication
would the nurse expect to be contraindicated in this patient?
A. Propranolol
B. Aspirin
C. Propylthiouracil (PTU)
D. Methimazole
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Aspirin is contraindicated in thyroid storm because it can
displace thyroid hormone from binding proteins, increasing free thyroid hormone levels.
4. Which assessment finding should the nurse prioritize in a patient immediately following a
subtotal thyroidectomy?
A. Hoarseness of voice
B. Positive Chvostek’s sign
C. Slight neck swelling
, D. Laryngeal stridor
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Laryngeal stridor indicates airway obstruction, which is a life-
threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention.
5. A patient presents with Addison’s disease. The nurse understands that this condition is
characterized by a deficiency in which of the following?
A. Glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids
B. Insulin and glucagon
C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone
D. Antidiuretic hormone
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Addison’s disease is primary adrenal insufficiency, leading to
low levels of cortisol (glucocorticoid) and aldosterone (mineralocorticoid).
6. A patient with Type 2 Diabetes is scheduled for an IV contrast procedure. Which
medication must be held for 48 hours post-procedure?
A. Metformin
B. Lisinopril
C. Glipizide
D. Atorvastatin
