Nursing Elites

1. A client has been admitted to the hospital with severe diarrhea. The nurse should monitor the client for which complication?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Severe diarrhea can lead to metabolic acidosis due to the loss of bicarbonate. When there is excessive loss of bicarbonate through diarrhea, the pH of the blood decreases, leading to metabolic acidosis. Metabolic alkalosis (Choice B) is not typically associated with severe diarrhea as it involves elevated pH and bicarbonate levels. Hyperkalemia (Choice C) is less likely with severe diarrhea as potassium is often lost along with fluids. Hypercalcemia (Choice D) is not a common complication of severe diarrhea; instead, hypocalcemia may occur due to malabsorption of calcium.

2. A client with a history of diabetes mellitus is experiencing polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. What is the most important action for the nurse to take?

• A. Monitor the client's blood glucose level.
• B. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
• C. Administer insulin as prescribed.
• D. Assess the client's urine output.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most critical action for the nurse to take when a client with diabetes mellitus presents with symptoms of hyperglycemia such as polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia is to monitor the client's blood glucose level. This action helps in assessing the client's current glycemic status and guides further interventions. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice B) may be beneficial in managing dehydration caused by polyuria, but it does not address the underlying cause of hyperglycemia. Administering insulin as prescribed (Choice C) may be necessary based on the blood glucose monitoring results, but monitoring should precede any medication administration. Assessing the client's urine output (Choice D) is important but does not directly address the primary concern of evaluating and managing hyperglycemia in a client with diabetes.

3. The patient has been diagnosed with diabetes. When admitted, the patient is unkempt and is in need of a bath and foot care. When questioned about hygiene habits, the nurse learns the patient takes a bath once a week and a sponge bath every other day. To provide ultimate care for this patient, which principle should the nurse keep in mind?

• A. Patients who appear unkempt may require guidance on hygiene practices.
• B. Personal preferences can be influenced by health conditions.
• C. The patient's illness may require teaching of new hygiene practices.
• D. Cultural perspectives on cleanliness can vary based on health status.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the patient's diagnosis of diabetes may necessitate adjustments to their hygiene practices. The nurse should recognize that certain illnesses, like diabetes, can impact hygiene needs. Choice A is incorrect because appearing unkempt does not necessarily indicate a lack of importance on hygiene practices; it may be due to various factors. Choice B is incorrect as health conditions can influence personal preferences and habits. Choice D is incorrect as cultural views on cleanliness are not the primary focus when addressing hygiene practices related to a specific illness.

4. A nurse is preparing an education program for staff about advocacy. What information should the nurse include?

• A. Advocacy ensures clients' safety, health, and rights.
• B. Advocacy involves only supporting client complaints.
• C. Advocacy means making all decisions for the client.
• D. Advocacy is not part of nursing responsibilities.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Advocacy in nursing involves ensuring clients' safety, health, and rights. Nurses advocate for their clients by promoting autonomy, informed decision-making, and protecting their rights. Choice B is incorrect because advocacy goes beyond just supporting client complaints; it encompasses a broader scope of ensuring holistic care and well-being. Choice C is incorrect as advocacy does not mean making all decisions for the client but rather empowering them to make informed choices. Choice D is incorrect as advocacy is a crucial component of nursing responsibilities, as it involves standing up for clients' best interests and ensuring their rights are respected.

5. A client has a new cast on the left arm, and the nurse is assessing the client. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider immediately?

• A. Increased warmth in the affected arm
• B. Itching under the cast
• C. Pain with passive movement
• D. Drainage on the cast

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pain with passive movement. Pain with passive movement in a client with a new cast can indicate compartment syndrome, a serious condition where pressure builds up within the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels of the affected limb, potentially leading to tissue damage. Immediate reporting is crucial to prevent further complications. Increased warmth in the affected arm could be a normal inflammatory response to the injury and casting process. Itching under the cast is common and can be managed without immediate concern. Drainage on the cast may be expected initially after casting due to residual moisture from the setting process, but ongoing or excessive drainage should be monitored and reported if persistent.

Similar Questions