PNR 201/PNR201 Exam 4 V3 | Medical-
Surgical Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Fortis College
1. A nurse is caring for a client with hyperthyroidism who is scheduled for a subtotal
thyroidectomy. Which medication does the nurse anticipate administering to decrease the
vascularity of the thyroid gland before surgery?
A. Levothyroxine
B. Lugol’s solution
C. Furosemide
D. Calcium gluconate
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Lugol’s solution is an iodine preparation used to shrink the thyroid
gland and decrease its vascularity, which reduces the risk of hemorrhage during surgery.
This is a critical preoperative step to ensure the safety of the patient during the procedure.
Levothyroxine is used for hypothyroidism, and calcium gluconate is used to treat
hypocalcemia postoperatively.
2. A client presents to the clinic with symptoms of polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. The
nurse understands these are the classic triad of symptoms for which condition?
A. Diabetes Insipidus
,B. Cushing’s Syndrome
C. Diabetes Mellitus
D. Hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by hyperglycemia leading to the
three Ps: polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Polyuria occurs because the kidneys are
trying to excrete excess glucose, leading to osmotic diuresis and thirst. Polyphagia occurs
because cells are starving for energy since glucose cannot enter them without adequate
insulin.
3. When assessing a client with Addison’s disease, which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to find?
A. Truncal obesity
B. Moon face
C. Bronze-colored skin
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Addison’s disease involves the hyposecretion of adrenal cortex
hormones, which leads to increased ACTH and skin hyperpigmentation or bronzing.
Truncal obesity and moon face are associated with Cushing’s syndrome, which is the
, opposite of Addison’s. Patients with Addison’s typically suffer from hypotension and
weight loss due to fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following a cataract extraction. Which
instruction is most important for the nurse to include?
A. Bend at the waist to pick up items.
B. Sleep on the operative side.
C. Engage in vigorous exercise within 24 hours.
D. Avoid lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Avoiding lifting heavy objects prevents an increase in intraocular
pressure, which can damage the surgical site. Bending at the waist and sleeping on the
affected side are also contraindicated as they increase pressure on the eye. Clients are
instructed to avoid any activity that causes straining to ensure proper healing of the ocular
tissue.
5. A client has just returned to the unit after a radical neck dissection. What is the priority
nursing assessment?
A. Wound drainage amount
B. Airway patency
C. Pain level
Surgical Nursing Q&A with Rationale |
Fortis College
1. A nurse is caring for a client with hyperthyroidism who is scheduled for a subtotal
thyroidectomy. Which medication does the nurse anticipate administering to decrease the
vascularity of the thyroid gland before surgery?
A. Levothyroxine
B. Lugol’s solution
C. Furosemide
D. Calcium gluconate
Correct Answer: B
Expert Explanation: Lugol’s solution is an iodine preparation used to shrink the thyroid
gland and decrease its vascularity, which reduces the risk of hemorrhage during surgery.
This is a critical preoperative step to ensure the safety of the patient during the procedure.
Levothyroxine is used for hypothyroidism, and calcium gluconate is used to treat
hypocalcemia postoperatively.
2. A client presents to the clinic with symptoms of polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. The
nurse understands these are the classic triad of symptoms for which condition?
A. Diabetes Insipidus
,B. Cushing’s Syndrome
C. Diabetes Mellitus
D. Hypothyroidism
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by hyperglycemia leading to the
three Ps: polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Polyuria occurs because the kidneys are
trying to excrete excess glucose, leading to osmotic diuresis and thirst. Polyphagia occurs
because cells are starving for energy since glucose cannot enter them without adequate
insulin.
3. When assessing a client with Addison’s disease, which clinical manifestation should the
nurse expect to find?
A. Truncal obesity
B. Moon face
C. Bronze-colored skin
D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: C
Expert Explanation: Addison’s disease involves the hyposecretion of adrenal cortex
hormones, which leads to increased ACTH and skin hyperpigmentation or bronzing.
Truncal obesity and moon face are associated with Cushing’s syndrome, which is the
, opposite of Addison’s. Patients with Addison’s typically suffer from hypotension and
weight loss due to fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
4. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following a cataract extraction. Which
instruction is most important for the nurse to include?
A. Bend at the waist to pick up items.
B. Sleep on the operative side.
C. Engage in vigorous exercise within 24 hours.
D. Avoid lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds.
Correct Answer: D
Expert Explanation: Avoiding lifting heavy objects prevents an increase in intraocular
pressure, which can damage the surgical site. Bending at the waist and sleeping on the
affected side are also contraindicated as they increase pressure on the eye. Clients are
instructed to avoid any activity that causes straining to ensure proper healing of the ocular
tissue.
5. A client has just returned to the unit after a radical neck dissection. What is the priority
nursing assessment?
A. Wound drainage amount
B. Airway patency
C. Pain level
