GALEN NUR 242 MED SURG EXAM 3
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Diabetes Insipidus (DI). Which laboratory finding
should the nurse anticipate?
A. Serum sodium 128 mEq/L
B. Serum osmolality 275 mOsm/kg
C. Urine specific gravity 1.002
D. Urine osmolality 1200 mOsm/kg
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH,
leading to the excretion of large amounts of dilute urine with a low specific gravity
(typically <1.005) and high serum sodium.
2. Which clinical manifestation would most likely be observed in a patient experiencing a
Thyroid Storm?
A. Bradycardia and lethargy
,B. Severe tachycardia and hyperthermia
C. Hypothermia and constipation
D. Hypotension and dry skin
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Thyroid storm is a life-threatening emergency characterized by
exaggerated hypermetabolism, leading to severe tachycardia, high fever (hyperthermia),
and agitation.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with Cushing’s Syndrome. Which of the following assessment
findings is consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Hypoglycemia and weight loss
B. Hyperkalemia and hypotension
C. Hyperpigmentation and bronze skin
D. Central obesity and striae
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome involves excessive cortisol, leading to fat
redistribution (buffalo hump, moon face, central obesity) and purple striae on the
abdomen.
, 4. A patient with cirrhosis has a high ammonia level and is exhibiting confusion. Which
medication does the nurse expect to administer?
A. Lactulose
B. Spironolactone
C. Propranolol
D. Vitamin K
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lactulose is used in hepatic encephalopathy to reduce ammonia
levels by trapping ammonia in the gut and promoting its excretion through frequent bowel
movements.
5. During the first 24 hours of care for a patient with severe burns, what is the priority nursing
intervention?
A. Fluid resuscitation with Lactated Ringer’s
B. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
C. Maintaining strict aseptic technique for wound care
D. Applying topical antimicrobial creams
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Fluid resuscitation is the top priority in the emergent phase of
burn management to prevent hypovolemic shock due to capillary leak syndrome.
COMPREHENSIVE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
1. A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of Diabetes Insipidus (DI). Which laboratory finding
should the nurse anticipate?
A. Serum sodium 128 mEq/L
B. Serum osmolality 275 mOsm/kg
C. Urine specific gravity 1.002
D. Urine osmolality 1200 mOsm/kg
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Diabetes Insipidus is characterized by a deficiency of ADH,
leading to the excretion of large amounts of dilute urine with a low specific gravity
(typically <1.005) and high serum sodium.
2. Which clinical manifestation would most likely be observed in a patient experiencing a
Thyroid Storm?
A. Bradycardia and lethargy
,B. Severe tachycardia and hyperthermia
C. Hypothermia and constipation
D. Hypotension and dry skin
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Thyroid storm is a life-threatening emergency characterized by
exaggerated hypermetabolism, leading to severe tachycardia, high fever (hyperthermia),
and agitation.
3. A nurse is caring for a patient with Cushing’s Syndrome. Which of the following assessment
findings is consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Hypoglycemia and weight loss
B. Hyperkalemia and hypotension
C. Hyperpigmentation and bronze skin
D. Central obesity and striae
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome involves excessive cortisol, leading to fat
redistribution (buffalo hump, moon face, central obesity) and purple striae on the
abdomen.
, 4. A patient with cirrhosis has a high ammonia level and is exhibiting confusion. Which
medication does the nurse expect to administer?
A. Lactulose
B. Spironolactone
C. Propranolol
D. Vitamin K
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Lactulose is used in hepatic encephalopathy to reduce ammonia
levels by trapping ammonia in the gut and promoting its excretion through frequent bowel
movements.
5. During the first 24 hours of care for a patient with severe burns, what is the priority nursing
intervention?
A. Fluid resuscitation with Lactated Ringer’s
B. Administering prophylactic antibiotics
C. Maintaining strict aseptic technique for wound care
D. Applying topical antimicrobial creams
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: Fluid resuscitation is the top priority in the emergent phase of
burn management to prevent hypovolemic shock due to capillary leak syndrome.
