NURS 201 Quiz 10 V1 | NURS 201 Medical
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 10) | West Coast
University
1. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prescribed aluminum hydroxide. Which finding
indicates the medication is effective?
A. The client’s serum calcium level is 9.0 mg/dL.
B. The client’s serum creatinine level is 1.2 mg/dL.
C. The client’s serum potassium level is 4.2 mEq/L.
D. The client’s serum phosphorus level is 3.8 mg/dL.
Answer: D
Rationale: Aluminum hydroxide is a phosphate binder used in CKD to prevent phosphorus
absorption in the intestines. A phosphorus level within the normal range of 3.0 to 4.5
mg/dL indicates therapeutic effectiveness. This medication does not directly lower
creatinine or potassium levels significantly.
2. A nurse is caring for a client post-paracentesis. Which assessment finding is most important
to report to the provider?
A. Small amount of serosanguinous drainage on the dressing.
B. Heart rate of 118 beats/min and blood pressure of 88/54 mmHg.
,C. Decreased abdominal girth compared to pre-procedure.
D. Client report of mild discomfort at the needle insertion site.
Answer: B
Rationale: Tachycardia and hypotension are clinical indicators of hypovolemic shock,
which can occur after rapid fluid removal during paracentesis. The shift of fluid from the
intravascular space to the peritoneal space is a serious complication. While small drainage
is expected, hemodynamic instability requires immediate intervention and fluid
resuscitation.
3. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect in a client diagnosed with early-stage
cirrhosis?
A. Esophageal varices
B. Asterixis
C. Enlarged, firm liver (hepatomegaly)
D. Ascites
Answer: C
Rationale: In the early stages of cirrhosis, the liver is typically enlarged and firm due to
inflammation and fatty infiltration. As the disease progresses to late-stage cirrhosis, the
liver becomes small and nodular. Esophageal varices, asterixis, and ascites are all late-stage
manifestations resulting from portal hypertension and liver failure.
, 4. The nurse is monitoring a client with acute pancreatitis. Which finding should the nurse
identify as Cullen’s sign?
A. Ecchymosis in the flank area.
B. Bluish discoloration around the periumbilical area.
C. Pain triggered by eating a high-fat meal.
D. Spasms of the hand when the blood pressure cuff is inflated.
Answer: B
Rationale: Cullen’s sign is a bluish-gray discoloration around the umbilicus, indicating
intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Flank ecchymosis is known as Turner’s sign, which also
suggests severe pancreatitis. Both signs are indicative of retroperitoneal bleeding and
require immediate notification of the healthcare provider.
5. A client is scheduled for a percutaneous renal biopsy. Which laboratory result is the
priority for the nurse to review before the procedure?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Hemoglobin A1c
C. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
D. Prothrombin time (PT) and INR
Answer: D
Surgical Nursing | Actual Q&A with
Rationale (NURS201 Quiz 10) | West Coast
University
1. A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prescribed aluminum hydroxide. Which finding
indicates the medication is effective?
A. The client’s serum calcium level is 9.0 mg/dL.
B. The client’s serum creatinine level is 1.2 mg/dL.
C. The client’s serum potassium level is 4.2 mEq/L.
D. The client’s serum phosphorus level is 3.8 mg/dL.
Answer: D
Rationale: Aluminum hydroxide is a phosphate binder used in CKD to prevent phosphorus
absorption in the intestines. A phosphorus level within the normal range of 3.0 to 4.5
mg/dL indicates therapeutic effectiveness. This medication does not directly lower
creatinine or potassium levels significantly.
2. A nurse is caring for a client post-paracentesis. Which assessment finding is most important
to report to the provider?
A. Small amount of serosanguinous drainage on the dressing.
B. Heart rate of 118 beats/min and blood pressure of 88/54 mmHg.
,C. Decreased abdominal girth compared to pre-procedure.
D. Client report of mild discomfort at the needle insertion site.
Answer: B
Rationale: Tachycardia and hypotension are clinical indicators of hypovolemic shock,
which can occur after rapid fluid removal during paracentesis. The shift of fluid from the
intravascular space to the peritoneal space is a serious complication. While small drainage
is expected, hemodynamic instability requires immediate intervention and fluid
resuscitation.
3. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect in a client diagnosed with early-stage
cirrhosis?
A. Esophageal varices
B. Asterixis
C. Enlarged, firm liver (hepatomegaly)
D. Ascites
Answer: C
Rationale: In the early stages of cirrhosis, the liver is typically enlarged and firm due to
inflammation and fatty infiltration. As the disease progresses to late-stage cirrhosis, the
liver becomes small and nodular. Esophageal varices, asterixis, and ascites are all late-stage
manifestations resulting from portal hypertension and liver failure.
, 4. The nurse is monitoring a client with acute pancreatitis. Which finding should the nurse
identify as Cullen’s sign?
A. Ecchymosis in the flank area.
B. Bluish discoloration around the periumbilical area.
C. Pain triggered by eating a high-fat meal.
D. Spasms of the hand when the blood pressure cuff is inflated.
Answer: B
Rationale: Cullen’s sign is a bluish-gray discoloration around the umbilicus, indicating
intra-abdominal hemorrhage. Flank ecchymosis is known as Turner’s sign, which also
suggests severe pancreatitis. Both signs are indicative of retroperitoneal bleeding and
require immediate notification of the healthcare provider.
5. A client is scheduled for a percutaneous renal biopsy. Which laboratory result is the
priority for the nurse to review before the procedure?
A. Serum Potassium
B. Hemoglobin A1c
C. Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
D. Prothrombin time (PT) and INR
Answer: D
