NUR209 Medical-Surgical Nursing II Exam 3 Questions and Answers
and Explanations | Latest - Fortis
1. A patient with Addison’s disease is being discharged. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Increased body hair
B. Weight gain of 2 lbs in a week
C. Bronze-colored skin pigmentation
D. Craving for salty foods
Answer: B
Explanation: While bronze skin and salt cravings are characteristic of Addison’s, sudden
weight gain or edema may indicate over-replacement of corticosteroids, which can lead to
Cushingoid features or heart failure.
2. The nurse is caring for a patient in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which
assessment finding is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Moist skin
B. Bradycardia
C. High blood pressure
D. Fruity-smelling breath
Answer: D
,Explanation: DKA results in the production of ketones, which are exhaled and create a
fruity or acetone breath odor. Patients typically exhibit tachycardia and dehydration.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Cushing’s Syndrome. Which physical assessment
finding does the nurse expect to observe?
A. Hypotension
B. Thick, tough skin
C. Weight loss
D. Buffalo hump
Answer: D
Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol, leading to fat
redistribution such as a buffalo hump, moon face, and trunkal obesity, along with thin skin.
4. A patient with hypothyroidism is admitted to the hospital. Which
environmental modification is most important for the nurse to provide?
A. A cool room temperature
B. Bright lighting
C. Extra blankets for warmth
D. Increased physical activity
Answer: C
Explanation: Hypothyroidism causes a slowed metabolic rate, leading to cold intolerance.
Providing extra blankets is a priority for comfort.
,5. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse monitor for in a patient with
Graves’ disease?
A. Bradycardia
B. Constipation
C. Lethargy
D. Exophthalmos
Answer: D
Explanation: Graves’ disease is a form of hyperthyroidism often characterized by
exophthalmos (bulging eyes), tachycardia, and heat intolerance.
6. The nurse is assessing a patient with a blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL. Which
symptom should the nurse expect?
A. Extreme thirst
B. Hyperventilation
C. Frequent urination
D. Profuse diaphoresis
Answer: D
Explanation: Hypoglycemia triggers the sympathetic nervous system, causing symptoms
such as sweating (diaphoresis), tremors, and tachycardia.
, 7. A patient is diagnosed with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone
(SIADH). Which lab result is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Serum sodium 150 mEq/L
B. Serum osmolality 310 mOsm/kg
C. Urine specific gravity 1.002
D. Serum sodium 128 mEq/L
Answer: D
Explanation: SIADH causes excessive water retention, leading to dilutional hyponatremia
(low sodium) and low serum osmolality.
8. A patient has Diabetes Insipidus (DI). Which clinical finding should the nurse
prioritize?
A. Polyuria and polydipsia
B. High urine specific gravity
C. Weight gain
D. Edema in the lower extremities
Answer: A
Explanation: DI is characterized by a deficiency of ADH, leading to the excretion of large
volumes of dilute urine (polyuria) and extreme thirst (polydipsia).
and Explanations | Latest - Fortis
1. A patient with Addison’s disease is being discharged. Which clinical
manifestation should the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?
A. Increased body hair
B. Weight gain of 2 lbs in a week
C. Bronze-colored skin pigmentation
D. Craving for salty foods
Answer: B
Explanation: While bronze skin and salt cravings are characteristic of Addison’s, sudden
weight gain or edema may indicate over-replacement of corticosteroids, which can lead to
Cushingoid features or heart failure.
2. The nurse is caring for a patient in Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Which
assessment finding is most characteristic of this condition?
A. Moist skin
B. Bradycardia
C. High blood pressure
D. Fruity-smelling breath
Answer: D
,Explanation: DKA results in the production of ketones, which are exhaled and create a
fruity or acetone breath odor. Patients typically exhibit tachycardia and dehydration.
3. A patient is diagnosed with Cushing’s Syndrome. Which physical assessment
finding does the nurse expect to observe?
A. Hypotension
B. Thick, tough skin
C. Weight loss
D. Buffalo hump
Answer: D
Explanation: Cushing’s Syndrome is characterized by excess cortisol, leading to fat
redistribution such as a buffalo hump, moon face, and trunkal obesity, along with thin skin.
4. A patient with hypothyroidism is admitted to the hospital. Which
environmental modification is most important for the nurse to provide?
A. A cool room temperature
B. Bright lighting
C. Extra blankets for warmth
D. Increased physical activity
Answer: C
Explanation: Hypothyroidism causes a slowed metabolic rate, leading to cold intolerance.
Providing extra blankets is a priority for comfort.
,5. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse monitor for in a patient with
Graves’ disease?
A. Bradycardia
B. Constipation
C. Lethargy
D. Exophthalmos
Answer: D
Explanation: Graves’ disease is a form of hyperthyroidism often characterized by
exophthalmos (bulging eyes), tachycardia, and heat intolerance.
6. The nurse is assessing a patient with a blood glucose level of 45 mg/dL. Which
symptom should the nurse expect?
A. Extreme thirst
B. Hyperventilation
C. Frequent urination
D. Profuse diaphoresis
Answer: D
Explanation: Hypoglycemia triggers the sympathetic nervous system, causing symptoms
such as sweating (diaphoresis), tremors, and tachycardia.
, 7. A patient is diagnosed with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone
(SIADH). Which lab result is most consistent with this diagnosis?
A. Serum sodium 150 mEq/L
B. Serum osmolality 310 mOsm/kg
C. Urine specific gravity 1.002
D. Serum sodium 128 mEq/L
Answer: D
Explanation: SIADH causes excessive water retention, leading to dilutional hyponatremia
(low sodium) and low serum osmolality.
8. A patient has Diabetes Insipidus (DI). Which clinical finding should the nurse
prioritize?
A. Polyuria and polydipsia
B. High urine specific gravity
C. Weight gain
D. Edema in the lower extremities
Answer: A
Explanation: DI is characterized by a deficiency of ADH, leading to the excretion of large
volumes of dilute urine (polyuria) and extreme thirst (polydipsia).
