NUR 445 Final Exam Study Guide 2024 –
Critical Care Nursing Q&A | DKA, ARDS,
Shock, MODS & More
Description:
Ace your NUR 445 Exam 6 with this comprehensive and updated study guide designed for
nursing students. Featuring 50 targeted practice questions and detailed explanations on high-
yield topics including Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State
(HHS), SIADH, Cushing’s Syndrome, ARDS, ventilator management, thyroid storm, shock
syndromes (septic, hypovolemic, hemorrhagic), Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
(MODS), compartment syndrome, ischemic stroke, burns, and end-of-life care. This guide
follows the latest 2024-2025 nursing standards and NCLEX-style formatting—perfect for last-
minute review, concept clarification, and clinical readiness.
Whether you're studying at University of Phoenix, Chamberlain, or any BSN program, this
resource is tailored to help you pass with confidence.
Ready to master your final? Download your free NUR 445 study guide now and study smarter, not
harder!
, NUR 445 Exam 6 Final Study Guide 2024: DKA, ARDS, Shock,
MODS & More
1. Which of the following sets of clinical findings is most characteristic of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
(DKA)?
A) Hypernatremia, bradypnea, glucose <200 mg/dL
B) Polydipsia, polyuria, Kussmaul respirations, anion gap metabolic acidosis
C) Hypertension, fluid overload, glucose >600 mg/dL
D) Bradycardia, hypothermia, absent ketones
Answer: B
Explanation: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia (typically >250 mg/dL), polyuria and
polydipsia due to osmotic diuresis, and a metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap.
Kussmaul respirations (deep, labored breathing) are a compensatory mechanism to blow off
excess acid. The other options describe conditions not consistent with DKA.
2. What is the priority initial medical intervention for a patient presenting with DKA?
A) Immediate administration of a long-acting insulin analogue
B) Initiation of fluid and electrolyte resuscitation
C) Administration of sodium bicarbonate
D) A computed tomography scan of the abdomen
Answer: B
Explanation: The cornerstone of initial DKA management is aggressive fluid resuscitation to
correct dehydration and improve tissue perfusion. This also helps lower blood glucose.
Electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium, must be addressed. Insulin therapy is essential
but is typically initiated after or concurrent with starting fluid replacement.
3. A patient with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) would most likely
exhibit:
A) Hypernatremia and polyuria
B) Hyponatremia and concentrated urine
, C) Hyperkalemia and peripheral edema
D) Hypokalemia and fluid deficit
Answer: B
Explanation: SIADH results from excessive ADH secretion, leading to increased water
reabsorption by the kidneys. This causes dilutional hyponatremia and inappropriately
concentrated urine despite low serum osmolality. Fluid retention and swelling may occur, but
hypertension is not a primary feature.
4. The primary medical management for stable SIADH involves:
A) Aggressive IV fluid boluses
B) Strict fluid restriction
C) Immediate dialysis
D) High-sodium diet
Answer: B
Explanation: First-line treatment for SIADH is fluid restriction (e.g., 800-1000 mL/day) to
gradually correct the hyponatremia by promoting water excretion. Hypertonic saline (3%) is
reserved for severe or symptomatic hyponatremia. Diuretics like demeclocycline may be used in
chronic cases.
5. Which assessment finding is most indicative of Cushing syndrome?
A) Hypotension and weight loss
B) Truncal obesity, "moon face," and hypertension
C) Hypoglycemia and diaphoresis
D) Hyperpigmentation and vitiligo
Answer: B
Explanation: Cushing syndrome, caused by chronic excess cortisol, presents with characteristic
fat redistribution (truncal obesity, buffalo hump, moon face), hypertension, hyperglycemia,
thinning skin, and muscle weakness. The other options are not typical findings.
Critical Care Nursing Q&A | DKA, ARDS,
Shock, MODS & More
Description:
Ace your NUR 445 Exam 6 with this comprehensive and updated study guide designed for
nursing students. Featuring 50 targeted practice questions and detailed explanations on high-
yield topics including Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State
(HHS), SIADH, Cushing’s Syndrome, ARDS, ventilator management, thyroid storm, shock
syndromes (septic, hypovolemic, hemorrhagic), Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome
(MODS), compartment syndrome, ischemic stroke, burns, and end-of-life care. This guide
follows the latest 2024-2025 nursing standards and NCLEX-style formatting—perfect for last-
minute review, concept clarification, and clinical readiness.
Whether you're studying at University of Phoenix, Chamberlain, or any BSN program, this
resource is tailored to help you pass with confidence.
Ready to master your final? Download your free NUR 445 study guide now and study smarter, not
harder!
, NUR 445 Exam 6 Final Study Guide 2024: DKA, ARDS, Shock,
MODS & More
1. Which of the following sets of clinical findings is most characteristic of Diabetic Ketoacidosis
(DKA)?
A) Hypernatremia, bradypnea, glucose <200 mg/dL
B) Polydipsia, polyuria, Kussmaul respirations, anion gap metabolic acidosis
C) Hypertension, fluid overload, glucose >600 mg/dL
D) Bradycardia, hypothermia, absent ketones
Answer: B
Explanation: DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia (typically >250 mg/dL), polyuria and
polydipsia due to osmotic diuresis, and a metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap.
Kussmaul respirations (deep, labored breathing) are a compensatory mechanism to blow off
excess acid. The other options describe conditions not consistent with DKA.
2. What is the priority initial medical intervention for a patient presenting with DKA?
A) Immediate administration of a long-acting insulin analogue
B) Initiation of fluid and electrolyte resuscitation
C) Administration of sodium bicarbonate
D) A computed tomography scan of the abdomen
Answer: B
Explanation: The cornerstone of initial DKA management is aggressive fluid resuscitation to
correct dehydration and improve tissue perfusion. This also helps lower blood glucose.
Electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium, must be addressed. Insulin therapy is essential
but is typically initiated after or concurrent with starting fluid replacement.
3. A patient with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) would most likely
exhibit:
A) Hypernatremia and polyuria
B) Hyponatremia and concentrated urine
, C) Hyperkalemia and peripheral edema
D) Hypokalemia and fluid deficit
Answer: B
Explanation: SIADH results from excessive ADH secretion, leading to increased water
reabsorption by the kidneys. This causes dilutional hyponatremia and inappropriately
concentrated urine despite low serum osmolality. Fluid retention and swelling may occur, but
hypertension is not a primary feature.
4. The primary medical management for stable SIADH involves:
A) Aggressive IV fluid boluses
B) Strict fluid restriction
C) Immediate dialysis
D) High-sodium diet
Answer: B
Explanation: First-line treatment for SIADH is fluid restriction (e.g., 800-1000 mL/day) to
gradually correct the hyponatremia by promoting water excretion. Hypertonic saline (3%) is
reserved for severe or symptomatic hyponatremia. Diuretics like demeclocycline may be used in
chronic cases.
5. Which assessment finding is most indicative of Cushing syndrome?
A) Hypotension and weight loss
B) Truncal obesity, "moon face," and hypertension
C) Hypoglycemia and diaphoresis
D) Hyperpigmentation and vitiligo
Answer: B
Explanation: Cushing syndrome, caused by chronic excess cortisol, presents with characteristic
fat redistribution (truncal obesity, buffalo hump, moon face), hypertension, hyperglycemia,
thinning skin, and muscle weakness. The other options are not typical findings.
