,NSG 223 Exam 3 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Questions And Answers
2026/2027 Herzing University
Q1. Which finding is most characteristic of Addison's disease?
A) Hypertension and hypernatremia
B) Hypotension, hyperkalemia, and hyperpigmentation
C) Hyperglycemia and hypokalemia
D) Weight gain and fluid retention
Correct Answer: B) Hypotension, hyperkalemia, and hyperpigmentation
Rationale: Addison's disease causes deficient cortisol and aldosterone,
resulting in sodium and fluid loss, potassium retention, hypotension, and
increased ACTH-related hyperpigmentation.
Q2. A client with Addison's disease has a sodium level of 128 mEq/L and
potassium of 5.8 mEq/L. Which nursing interpretation is correct?
A) The findings are consistent with the disease.
B) The findings indicate hyperthyroidism.
C) The findings indicate diabetes insipidus.
D) The findings are expected only with Cushing's syndrome.
Correct Answer: A) The findings are consistent with the disease.
Rationale: Aldosterone deficiency promotes sodium loss and potassium
retention, making hyponatremia and hyperkalemia characteristic findings.
Q3. Which manifestation should the nurse expect in a client with Addison's
disease?
A) Weight gain
B) Muscle weakness and fatigue
C) Moon face
D) Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B) Muscle weakness and fatigue
Rationale: Cortisol deficiency commonly produces fatigue, weakness,
lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss.
Q4. Which skin finding is associated with Addison's disease?
A) Pallor
B) Hyperpigmentation
C) Jaundice
D) Cyanosis
Correct Answer: B) Hyperpigmentation
Rationale: Increased ACTH stimulates melanocyte activity, causing
characteristic dark pigmentation, particularly in skin folds and pressure
areas.
, Q5. A client with Addison's disease develops severe vomiting, abdominal
pain, hypotension, and confusion. Which complication should the nurse
suspect?
A) Thyroid storm
B) Addisonian crisis
C) Myxedema coma
D) SIADH
Correct Answer: B) Addisonian crisis
Rationale: Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening acute deficiency of
corticosteroids that can produce severe hypotension, GI symptoms,
electrolyte disturbances, and shock.
Q6. What is the priority intervention for a client experiencing an Addisonian
crisis?
A) Restrict fluids
B) Administer prescribed IV corticosteroids and fluids
C) Encourage high-potassium foods
D) Place the client on a low-sodium diet
Correct Answer: B) Administer prescribed IV corticosteroids and fluids
Rationale: Addisonian crisis requires rapid restoration of glucocorticoid
activity and circulating volume.
Q7. Which medication is commonly used during an acute Addisonian crisis?
A) Hydrocortisone
B) Levothyroxine
C) Desmopressin
D) Methimazole
Correct Answer: A) Hydrocortisone
Rationale: IV hydrocortisone replaces the deficient glucocorticoid during
acute adrenal insufficiency.
Q8. Which dietary teaching is appropriate for a client with Addison's disease?
A) Follow prescribed sodium recommendations and monitor potassium
intake.
B) Consume unlimited potassium-rich foods.
C) Eliminate sodium completely.
D) Follow a high-fat diet only.
Correct Answer: A) Follow prescribed sodium recommendations and monitor
potassium intake.
Rationale: Reduced aldosterone can cause sodium loss and hyperkalemia,
so sodium and potassium intake may need individualized management.
2026/2027 Herzing University
Q1. Which finding is most characteristic of Addison's disease?
A) Hypertension and hypernatremia
B) Hypotension, hyperkalemia, and hyperpigmentation
C) Hyperglycemia and hypokalemia
D) Weight gain and fluid retention
Correct Answer: B) Hypotension, hyperkalemia, and hyperpigmentation
Rationale: Addison's disease causes deficient cortisol and aldosterone,
resulting in sodium and fluid loss, potassium retention, hypotension, and
increased ACTH-related hyperpigmentation.
Q2. A client with Addison's disease has a sodium level of 128 mEq/L and
potassium of 5.8 mEq/L. Which nursing interpretation is correct?
A) The findings are consistent with the disease.
B) The findings indicate hyperthyroidism.
C) The findings indicate diabetes insipidus.
D) The findings are expected only with Cushing's syndrome.
Correct Answer: A) The findings are consistent with the disease.
Rationale: Aldosterone deficiency promotes sodium loss and potassium
retention, making hyponatremia and hyperkalemia characteristic findings.
Q3. Which manifestation should the nurse expect in a client with Addison's
disease?
A) Weight gain
B) Muscle weakness and fatigue
C) Moon face
D) Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B) Muscle weakness and fatigue
Rationale: Cortisol deficiency commonly produces fatigue, weakness,
lethargy, anorexia, and weight loss.
Q4. Which skin finding is associated with Addison's disease?
A) Pallor
B) Hyperpigmentation
C) Jaundice
D) Cyanosis
Correct Answer: B) Hyperpigmentation
Rationale: Increased ACTH stimulates melanocyte activity, causing
characteristic dark pigmentation, particularly in skin folds and pressure
areas.
, Q5. A client with Addison's disease develops severe vomiting, abdominal
pain, hypotension, and confusion. Which complication should the nurse
suspect?
A) Thyroid storm
B) Addisonian crisis
C) Myxedema coma
D) SIADH
Correct Answer: B) Addisonian crisis
Rationale: Addisonian crisis is a life-threatening acute deficiency of
corticosteroids that can produce severe hypotension, GI symptoms,
electrolyte disturbances, and shock.
Q6. What is the priority intervention for a client experiencing an Addisonian
crisis?
A) Restrict fluids
B) Administer prescribed IV corticosteroids and fluids
C) Encourage high-potassium foods
D) Place the client on a low-sodium diet
Correct Answer: B) Administer prescribed IV corticosteroids and fluids
Rationale: Addisonian crisis requires rapid restoration of glucocorticoid
activity and circulating volume.
Q7. Which medication is commonly used during an acute Addisonian crisis?
A) Hydrocortisone
B) Levothyroxine
C) Desmopressin
D) Methimazole
Correct Answer: A) Hydrocortisone
Rationale: IV hydrocortisone replaces the deficient glucocorticoid during
acute adrenal insufficiency.
Q8. Which dietary teaching is appropriate for a client with Addison's disease?
A) Follow prescribed sodium recommendations and monitor potassium
intake.
B) Consume unlimited potassium-rich foods.
C) Eliminate sodium completely.
D) Follow a high-fat diet only.
Correct Answer: A) Follow prescribed sodium recommendations and monitor
potassium intake.
Rationale: Reduced aldosterone can cause sodium loss and hyperkalemia,
so sodium and potassium intake may need individualized management.
