NURS 201 Quiz 7 V1 | NURS 201 Medical
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 7) | West Coast
University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus who is experiencing Kussmaul
respirations. What is the primary physiological purpose of this breathing pattern?
A. To expel carbon dioxide and compensate for metabolic acidosis.
B. To increase the intake of oxygen to combat hypoxia.
C. To reduce the concentration of serum ketones via the lungs.
D. To decrease the workload of the diaphragm during stress.
Answer: A
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that occur as a compensatory
mechanism for metabolic acidosis, specifically in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). By
increasing the rate and depth of respiration, the body attempts to blow off excess carbon
dioxide (an acid) to raise the blood pH. This clinical sign indicates that the patient’s buffer
systems are responding to a significant decrease in serum bicarbonate.
2. Which laboratory finding would the nurse expect to see in a patient diagnosed with
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Serum osmolality less than 280 mOsm/kg.
,B. Urine specific gravity of 1.002.
C. Serum sodium of 150 mEq/L.
D. Increased serum potassium levels.
Answer: A
Rationale: SIADH is characterized by the excessive release of antidiuretic hormone,
leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. This results in a low serum
osmolality because the blood is diluted by excess water. Conversely, the urine becomes
highly concentrated, resulting in a high urine specific gravity, which is the opposite of the
findings in Diabetes Insipidus.
3. A patient with Addison’s disease is being discharged. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching regarding medication management?
A. I will carry a medical alert bracelet at all times.
B. I need to increase my salt intake during hot weather.
C. I should stop taking my prednisone if I feel nauseated.
D. I will need to take these medications for the rest of my life.
Answer: C
Rationale: Patients with Addison’s disease must never abruptly stop their corticosteroid
therapy, as this can trigger a life-threatening Addisonian crisis. If the patient is nauseated
or unable to keep oral medications down, they must contact their provider for parenteral
, administration. Lifetime replacement therapy is necessary because the adrenal cortex is no
longer producing adequate hormones.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient 4 hours post-thyroidectomy. The patient reports tingling in
the fingertips and around the mouth. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Assess for Trousseau’s or Chvostek’s sign.
B. Administer a PRN dose of oral potassium.
C. Check the surgical dressing for hemorrhage.
D. Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe.
Answer: A
Rationale: Tingling in the extremities and circumoral area are classic signs of
hypocalcemia, which can occur after thyroidectomy if the parathyroid glands are
accidentally damaged or removed. The nurse should assess for neuromuscular irritability
using Trousseau’s or Chvostek’s signs to confirm the suspicion. Prompt identification is
crucial because severe hypocalcemia can lead to tetany and laryngospasm, requiring urgent
calcium gluconate administration.
5. When caring for a patient with Cushing’s syndrome, which nursing intervention is the
priority?
A. Monitoring for signs of hypoglycemia.
B. Assisting the patient with vigorous exercise.
C. Encouraging a diet high in carbohydrates.
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 7) | West Coast
University
1. A nurse is caring for a patient with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus who is experiencing Kussmaul
respirations. What is the primary physiological purpose of this breathing pattern?
A. To expel carbon dioxide and compensate for metabolic acidosis.
B. To increase the intake of oxygen to combat hypoxia.
C. To reduce the concentration of serum ketones via the lungs.
D. To decrease the workload of the diaphragm during stress.
Answer: A
Rationale: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths that occur as a compensatory
mechanism for metabolic acidosis, specifically in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). By
increasing the rate and depth of respiration, the body attempts to blow off excess carbon
dioxide (an acid) to raise the blood pH. This clinical sign indicates that the patient’s buffer
systems are responding to a significant decrease in serum bicarbonate.
2. Which laboratory finding would the nurse expect to see in a patient diagnosed with
Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH)?
A. Serum osmolality less than 280 mOsm/kg.
,B. Urine specific gravity of 1.002.
C. Serum sodium of 150 mEq/L.
D. Increased serum potassium levels.
Answer: A
Rationale: SIADH is characterized by the excessive release of antidiuretic hormone,
leading to water retention and dilutional hyponatremia. This results in a low serum
osmolality because the blood is diluted by excess water. Conversely, the urine becomes
highly concentrated, resulting in a high urine specific gravity, which is the opposite of the
findings in Diabetes Insipidus.
3. A patient with Addison’s disease is being discharged. Which statement by the patient
indicates a need for further teaching regarding medication management?
A. I will carry a medical alert bracelet at all times.
B. I need to increase my salt intake during hot weather.
C. I should stop taking my prednisone if I feel nauseated.
D. I will need to take these medications for the rest of my life.
Answer: C
Rationale: Patients with Addison’s disease must never abruptly stop their corticosteroid
therapy, as this can trigger a life-threatening Addisonian crisis. If the patient is nauseated
or unable to keep oral medications down, they must contact their provider for parenteral
, administration. Lifetime replacement therapy is necessary because the adrenal cortex is no
longer producing adequate hormones.
4. A nurse is assessing a patient 4 hours post-thyroidectomy. The patient reports tingling in
the fingertips and around the mouth. Which action should the nurse take first?
A. Assess for Trousseau’s or Chvostek’s sign.
B. Administer a PRN dose of oral potassium.
C. Check the surgical dressing for hemorrhage.
D. Encourage the patient to cough and deep breathe.
Answer: A
Rationale: Tingling in the extremities and circumoral area are classic signs of
hypocalcemia, which can occur after thyroidectomy if the parathyroid glands are
accidentally damaged or removed. The nurse should assess for neuromuscular irritability
using Trousseau’s or Chvostek’s signs to confirm the suspicion. Prompt identification is
crucial because severe hypocalcemia can lead to tetany and laryngospasm, requiring urgent
calcium gluconate administration.
5. When caring for a patient with Cushing’s syndrome, which nursing intervention is the
priority?
A. Monitoring for signs of hypoglycemia.
B. Assisting the patient with vigorous exercise.
C. Encouraging a diet high in carbohydrates.
