NSG430 Exam 2 V1 | NSG 430 Adult Health
Nursing II | Grand Canyon University
This exam preparation resource focuses on gastrointestinal disorders, renal conditions, and
endocrine nursing care in adult patients. The material is designed to strengthen understanding
of pathophysiology, nursing interventions, and evidence-based management strategies used in
acute healthcare settings.
The questions included in this version closely mirror the style and complexity of actual adult
health nursing exams. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical reasoning
and patient management skills.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Liver and pancreatic conditions
• Renal and urinary disorders
• Diabetes mellitus management
• Endocrine system disorders
• Nutritional support in adults
• Fluid replacement therapy
• Nursing assessment findings
════════════════════════════════════
1. A patient is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory result is most specific to
this diagnosis?
A. Decreased serum calcium
B. Elevated serum amylase
C. Increased white blood cell count
D. Elevated serum lipase
Correct Answer: D
,Expert Explanation: Serum lipase remains elevated longer than serum amylase and is
more specific to pancreatic tissue damage. While amylase rises early, it can be elevated in
other conditions like mumps or cholecystitis. Lipase is therefore the preferred diagnostic
marker for confirming acute pancreatitis in clinical settings.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy. Which medication should the
nurse anticipate administering to reduce serum ammonia levels?
A. Spironolactone
B. Neomycin
C. Furosemide
D. Lactulose
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lactulose works by promoting the excretion of ammonia through the
stool by creating an acidic environment in the bowel. It draws water into the colon, causing
a laxative effect that helps clear toxins. Monitoring for 2-3 soft stools per day is the goal of
this therapy.
3. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to find in a patient experiencing
Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Truncular obesity and moon face
B. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
C. Weight loss and hypotension
, D. Increased muscle mass in extremities
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome is characterized by an overproduction of
cortisol, leading to fat redistribution to the face and trunk. This results in the classic ‘moon
face’ and ‘buffalo hump’ appearance. Patients also frequently experience thin skin, purple
striae, and muscle wasting in the limbs.
4. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus presents with Kussmaul respirations, dehydration,
and a fruity breath odor. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Administering oral glucose
B. Initiating intravenous fluid resuscitation
C. Giving a subcutaneous dose of glargine insulin
D. Applying a cooling blanket for fever
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The patient is showing signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), which
requires immediate fluid volume replacement to treat dehydration and restore perfusion.
Normal saline is typically the initial fluid of choice before starting regular insulin
intravenously. Correcting the fluid deficit is vital to stabilizing the patient’s circulatory
status.
Nursing II | Grand Canyon University
This exam preparation resource focuses on gastrointestinal disorders, renal conditions, and
endocrine nursing care in adult patients. The material is designed to strengthen understanding
of pathophysiology, nursing interventions, and evidence-based management strategies used in
acute healthcare settings.
The questions included in this version closely mirror the style and complexity of actual adult
health nursing exams. Detailed expert explanations are included to improve clinical reasoning
and patient management skills.
════════════════════════════════════
The Exam Covers:
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Liver and pancreatic conditions
• Renal and urinary disorders
• Diabetes mellitus management
• Endocrine system disorders
• Nutritional support in adults
• Fluid replacement therapy
• Nursing assessment findings
════════════════════════════════════
1. A patient is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory result is most specific to
this diagnosis?
A. Decreased serum calcium
B. Elevated serum amylase
C. Increased white blood cell count
D. Elevated serum lipase
Correct Answer: D
,Expert Explanation: Serum lipase remains elevated longer than serum amylase and is
more specific to pancreatic tissue damage. While amylase rises early, it can be elevated in
other conditions like mumps or cholecystitis. Lipase is therefore the preferred diagnostic
marker for confirming acute pancreatitis in clinical settings.
2. A nurse is caring for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy. Which medication should the
nurse anticipate administering to reduce serum ammonia levels?
A. Spironolactone
B. Neomycin
C. Furosemide
D. Lactulose
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Lactulose works by promoting the excretion of ammonia through the
stool by creating an acidic environment in the bowel. It draws water into the colon, causing
a laxative effect that helps clear toxins. Monitoring for 2-3 soft stools per day is the goal of
this therapy.
3. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect to find in a patient experiencing
Cushing’s Syndrome?
A. Truncular obesity and moon face
B. Hyperpigmentation of the skin
C. Weight loss and hypotension
, D. Increased muscle mass in extremities
Correct Answer: A
Expert Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome is characterized by an overproduction of
cortisol, leading to fat redistribution to the face and trunk. This results in the classic ‘moon
face’ and ‘buffalo hump’ appearance. Patients also frequently experience thin skin, purple
striae, and muscle wasting in the limbs.
4. A patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus presents with Kussmaul respirations, dehydration,
and a fruity breath odor. What is the priority nursing intervention?
A. Administering oral glucose
B. Initiating intravenous fluid resuscitation
C. Giving a subcutaneous dose of glargine insulin
D. Applying a cooling blanket for fever
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: The patient is showing signs of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), which
requires immediate fluid volume replacement to treat dehydration and restore perfusion.
Normal saline is typically the initial fluid of choice before starting regular insulin
intravenously. Correcting the fluid deficit is vital to stabilizing the patient’s circulatory
status.
