LATEST UPDATED NUR 242 MED SURG EXAM 3
- MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING | COMPLETE
EXAM WITH CORRECT ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES. A+ GUARANTEED SUCCESS
1. A nurse is caring for a client with acute
pancreatitis. Which laboratory finding is most
consistent with this diagnosis?
A) Elevated serum amylase and lipase
B) Decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
C) Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit
D) Decreased white blood cell count
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Acute pancreatitis causes elevated
serum amylase and lipase due to pancreatic
enzyme leakage into the bloodstream. BUN
may be elevated due to dehydration.
Hemoglobin and hematocrit may be decreased
from hemodilution. White blood cell count is
typically elevated.
2. A nurse is assessing a client with diabetic
ketoacidosis (DKA). Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
,A) Blood glucose of 350 mg/dL
B) Serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L
C) Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul
breathing)
D) Fruity odor to the breath
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L
indicates severe hypokalemia, which can
cause cardiac dysrhythmias and respiratory
muscle weakness. While hyperglycemia,
Kussmaul breathing, and fruity breath are
expected in DKA, hypokalemia requires
immediate replacement before insulin infusion
to prevent cardiac arrest.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis
who develops hepatic encephalopathy. Which
medication does the nurse anticipate
administering?
A) Furosemide
B) Lactulose
C) Spironolactone
D) Octreotide
Correct answer: B
,Rationale: Lactulose is given to reduce serum
ammonia levels by promoting excretion of
ammonia in the stool. Furosemide and
spironolactone are diuretics for ascites.
Octreotide is used for variceal bleeding.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with chronic
kidney disease (CKD) stage 4. Which
laboratory finding is most consistent with this
condition?
A) Serum creatinine of 0.8 mg/dL
B) Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 25 mL per
minute
C) Serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L
D) Serum calcium of 10.5 mg/dL
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Stage 4 CKD is defined by a GFR of
15 to 29 mL per minute. Serum creatinine is
elevated (not normal). Hyperkalemia (not
hypokalemia) is common. Hypocalcemia (not
hypercalcemia) occurs due to decreased
vitamin D activation.
, 5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a
client after a gastrectomy. Which statement by
the client indicates understanding of dumping
syndrome prevention?
A) I will drink fluids with my meals to help
digestion
B) I will eat three large meals per day
C) I will lie down for 30 minutes after eating
D) I will increase my intake of simple sugars
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Lying down after meals slows
gastric emptying and helps prevent dumping
syndrome. Fluids should be taken between
meals, not with meals. Small, frequent meals (6
per day) are recommended. Simple sugars
should be avoided because they worsen
dumping syndrome.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with acute
kidney injury (AKI) in the oliguric phase. Which
finding is most concerning?
A) Urinary output of 300 mL in 24 hours
B) Serum potassium of 6.1 mEq/L
C) Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
- MEDICAL-SURGICAL NURSING | COMPLETE
EXAM WITH CORRECT ANSWERS AND
RATIONALES. A+ GUARANTEED SUCCESS
1. A nurse is caring for a client with acute
pancreatitis. Which laboratory finding is most
consistent with this diagnosis?
A) Elevated serum amylase and lipase
B) Decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
C) Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit
D) Decreased white blood cell count
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Acute pancreatitis causes elevated
serum amylase and lipase due to pancreatic
enzyme leakage into the bloodstream. BUN
may be elevated due to dehydration.
Hemoglobin and hematocrit may be decreased
from hemodilution. White blood cell count is
typically elevated.
2. A nurse is assessing a client with diabetic
ketoacidosis (DKA). Which finding requires
immediate intervention?
,A) Blood glucose of 350 mg/dL
B) Serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L
C) Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul
breathing)
D) Fruity odor to the breath
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L
indicates severe hypokalemia, which can
cause cardiac dysrhythmias and respiratory
muscle weakness. While hyperglycemia,
Kussmaul breathing, and fruity breath are
expected in DKA, hypokalemia requires
immediate replacement before insulin infusion
to prevent cardiac arrest.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis
who develops hepatic encephalopathy. Which
medication does the nurse anticipate
administering?
A) Furosemide
B) Lactulose
C) Spironolactone
D) Octreotide
Correct answer: B
,Rationale: Lactulose is given to reduce serum
ammonia levels by promoting excretion of
ammonia in the stool. Furosemide and
spironolactone are diuretics for ascites.
Octreotide is used for variceal bleeding.
4. A nurse is assessing a client with chronic
kidney disease (CKD) stage 4. Which
laboratory finding is most consistent with this
condition?
A) Serum creatinine of 0.8 mg/dL
B) Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 25 mL per
minute
C) Serum potassium of 3.2 mEq/L
D) Serum calcium of 10.5 mg/dL
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Stage 4 CKD is defined by a GFR of
15 to 29 mL per minute. Serum creatinine is
elevated (not normal). Hyperkalemia (not
hypokalemia) is common. Hypocalcemia (not
hypercalcemia) occurs due to decreased
vitamin D activation.
, 5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a
client after a gastrectomy. Which statement by
the client indicates understanding of dumping
syndrome prevention?
A) I will drink fluids with my meals to help
digestion
B) I will eat three large meals per day
C) I will lie down for 30 minutes after eating
D) I will increase my intake of simple sugars
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Lying down after meals slows
gastric emptying and helps prevent dumping
syndrome. Fluids should be taken between
meals, not with meals. Small, frequent meals (6
per day) are recommended. Simple sugars
should be avoided because they worsen
dumping syndrome.
6. A nurse is caring for a client with acute
kidney injury (AKI) in the oliguric phase. Which
finding is most concerning?
A) Urinary output of 300 mL in 24 hours
B) Serum potassium of 6.1 mEq/L
C) Blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg
