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1. A client with hypothyroidism is at risk for which of the following complications?
- A. Thyroid storm
- B. Myxedema coma
- C. Cushing's syndrome
- D. Diabetic ketoacidosis
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Myxedema coma is a severe, life-threatening complication that can occur in individuals with untreated or inadequately treated hypothyroidism. It is characterized by extreme hypothyroidism leading to decreased mental status, hypothermia, bradycardia, and respiratory depression. Thyroid storm (Choice A) is a severe complication of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Cushing's syndrome (Choice C) results from prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, not related to hypothyroidism. Diabetic ketoacidosis (Choice D) is a complication of uncontrolled diabetes, not directly associated with hypothyroidism.
2. The nurse is teaching a client with newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism about the management of the condition. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I should take my medication every day as prescribed.
- B. I need to avoid foods high in iodine.
- C. I can skip my medication on days when I feel fine.
- D. I should monitor my pulse regularly.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Clients with hyperthyroidism should take their medication consistently and not skip doses, even if they feel well.
3. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. The nurse should instruct the client to do which of the following?
- A. Eat a high-protein snack
- B. Consume 15 grams of simple carbohydrates
- C. Drink a glass of water
- D. Administer an extra dose of insulin
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Consuming 15 grams of simple carbohydrates is the recommended treatment for mild hypoglycemia to quickly raise blood sugar levels. Simple carbohydrates are rapidly absorbed and provide a quick source of glucose to combat low blood sugar. Eating a high-protein snack (Choice A) would delay the rise in blood sugar as proteins take longer to be broken down. Drinking water (Choice C) does not directly address the low blood sugar levels associated with hypoglycemia. Administering an extra dose of insulin (Choice D) would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the hypoglycemic state.
4. A client is taking NPH insulin daily every morning. The nurse instructs the client that the most likely time for a hypoglycemic reaction to occur is:
- A. 2-4 hours after administration
- B. 6-14 hours after administration
- C. 16-18 hours after administration
- D. 18-24 hours after administration
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 6-14 hours after administration. NPH insulin has an onset of action within 1-2 hours, a peak action at 6-14 hours, and a duration of action of 16-24 hours. The peak action period, which is when the risk of hypoglycemia is highest, falls between 6-14 hours after administration. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the typical action profile of NPH insulin.
5. Nurse Perry is caring for a female client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who exhibits confusion, light-headedness, and aberrant behavior. The client is still conscious. The nurse should first administer:
- A. I.M. or subcutaneous glucagon.
- B. I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%.
- C. 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate such as orange juice.
- D. 10 U of fast-acting insulin.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: For a conscious client with hypoglycemia, the initial treatment should involve administering 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as orange juice. This helps rapidly raise the client's blood glucose levels. Choices A and D are incorrect as administering glucagon or fast-acting insulin is not the first-line treatment for hypoglycemia in a conscious client. Choice B, an I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%, is a more invasive and aggressive intervention that is not typically indicated for a conscious client with hypoglycemia.
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