NURS 201 Quiz 6 V2 | NURS 201 Medical
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 6) | West Coast
University
1. A patient is admitted with suspected acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory result is the
most specific indicator for this condition?
A. Serum amylase 250 U/L
B. Serum calcium 8.0 mg/dL
C. White blood cell count 14,000/mm3
D. Serum lipase 520 U/L
Answer: D
Rationale: Serum lipase is considered the most specific diagnostic marker for acute
pancreatitis because it stays elevated longer than amylase. While serum amylase rises
quickly, it can return to normal within 48 to 72 hours, potentially missing the diagnosis.
Lipase is more indicative of pancreatic damage and is the preferred test in clinical practice.
2. A nurse is teaching a patient with GERD about lifestyle modifications. Which instruction
should the nurse include?
A. Avoid eating within 3 hours of bedtime
B. Drink 8 ounces of orange juice every morning
,C. Lie flat for 30 minutes after each meal
D. Increase intake of caffeinated beverages
Answer: A
Rationale: Avoiding food near bedtime reduces the risk of gastric contents refluxing into
the esophagus while the patient is lying down. Elevation of the head of the bed is also
recommended to use gravity to keep stomach contents in place. Patients should avoid
triggers like citrus, caffeine, and fatty foods that relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
3. The nurse is assessing a patient with a history of cirrhosis. Which finding is most indicative
of hepatic encephalopathy?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Spider angiomas
C. Splenomegaly
D. Asterixis
Answer: D
Rationale: Asterixis, also known as ‘liver flap,’ is a classic sign of hepatic encephalopathy
due to the accumulation of ammonia in the blood. The patient will demonstrate a flapping
tremor of the hands when the arms are extended and wrists are dorsiflexed. This occurs as
a result of neurological impairment from metabolic toxins that the liver can no longer filter.
, 4. A patient with a peptic ulcer is prescribed sucralfate. When should the nurse administer
this medication?
A. Immediately following a meal
B. Simultaneously with an antacid
C. Only when the patient experiences epigastric pain
D. One hour before meals and at bedtime
Answer: D
Rationale: Sucralfate works by reacting with gastric acid to form a thick paste that adheres
to the ulcer site, creating a protective barrier. It must be taken on an empty stomach to
effectively coat the ulcer before food ingestion. Administering it with food or other
medications like antacids can interfere with its binding ability and effectiveness.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient post-liver biopsy. Which nursing action is a priority?
A. Monitor for hyperventilation
B. Keep the patient in a High-Fowler’s position
C. Position the patient on their right side
D. Administer an anticoagulant immediately
Answer: C
Rationale: Positioning the patient on the right side applies pressure to the liver biopsy site,
which helps prevent hemorrhage. The liver is highly vascular, and bleeding is the most
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 6) | West Coast
University
1. A patient is admitted with suspected acute pancreatitis. Which laboratory result is the
most specific indicator for this condition?
A. Serum amylase 250 U/L
B. Serum calcium 8.0 mg/dL
C. White blood cell count 14,000/mm3
D. Serum lipase 520 U/L
Answer: D
Rationale: Serum lipase is considered the most specific diagnostic marker for acute
pancreatitis because it stays elevated longer than amylase. While serum amylase rises
quickly, it can return to normal within 48 to 72 hours, potentially missing the diagnosis.
Lipase is more indicative of pancreatic damage and is the preferred test in clinical practice.
2. A nurse is teaching a patient with GERD about lifestyle modifications. Which instruction
should the nurse include?
A. Avoid eating within 3 hours of bedtime
B. Drink 8 ounces of orange juice every morning
,C. Lie flat for 30 minutes after each meal
D. Increase intake of caffeinated beverages
Answer: A
Rationale: Avoiding food near bedtime reduces the risk of gastric contents refluxing into
the esophagus while the patient is lying down. Elevation of the head of the bed is also
recommended to use gravity to keep stomach contents in place. Patients should avoid
triggers like citrus, caffeine, and fatty foods that relax the lower esophageal sphincter.
3. The nurse is assessing a patient with a history of cirrhosis. Which finding is most indicative
of hepatic encephalopathy?
A. Peripheral edema
B. Spider angiomas
C. Splenomegaly
D. Asterixis
Answer: D
Rationale: Asterixis, also known as ‘liver flap,’ is a classic sign of hepatic encephalopathy
due to the accumulation of ammonia in the blood. The patient will demonstrate a flapping
tremor of the hands when the arms are extended and wrists are dorsiflexed. This occurs as
a result of neurological impairment from metabolic toxins that the liver can no longer filter.
, 4. A patient with a peptic ulcer is prescribed sucralfate. When should the nurse administer
this medication?
A. Immediately following a meal
B. Simultaneously with an antacid
C. Only when the patient experiences epigastric pain
D. One hour before meals and at bedtime
Answer: D
Rationale: Sucralfate works by reacting with gastric acid to form a thick paste that adheres
to the ulcer site, creating a protective barrier. It must be taken on an empty stomach to
effectively coat the ulcer before food ingestion. Administering it with food or other
medications like antacids can interfere with its binding ability and effectiveness.
5. A nurse is caring for a patient post-liver biopsy. Which nursing action is a priority?
A. Monitor for hyperventilation
B. Keep the patient in a High-Fowler’s position
C. Position the patient on their right side
D. Administer an anticoagulant immediately
Answer: C
Rationale: Positioning the patient on the right side applies pressure to the liver biopsy site,
which helps prevent hemorrhage. The liver is highly vascular, and bleeding is the most
