NCLEX-PN
Kaplan NCLEX Question of The Day
1. A client is admitted to telemetry with a diagnosis of diabetes at 3pm. At 10pm, the client is unresponsive. BP is 98/64, Resp 38, HR 100, T 97. The nurse notes a fruity smell on the client's breath. The nurse recognizes that the client is in which acid-base imbalance?
- A. Respiratory acidosis
- B. Respiratory alkalosis
- C. Metabolic acidosis
- D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Based on the client's unresponsiveness, fruity breath smell, and the presence of diabetes, the nurse can infer that the client is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA is a complication of diabetes characterized by the accumulation of ketones in the body, leading to metabolic acidosis. The fruity breath smell is due to the presence of ketones. Therefore, the correct acid-base imbalance in this scenario is metabolic acidosis. Choice A, respiratory acidosis, is incorrect because the scenario does not provide evidence of primary respiratory dysfunction. Choice B, respiratory alkalosis, is incorrect as the client's condition does not align with the typical causes and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis. Choice D, metabolic alkalosis, is incorrect as the symptoms and history provided do not suggest a state of metabolic alkalosis.
2. In the treatment of symptomatic bradycardia, which medication is most commonly recognized?
- A. Questran
- B. Digitalis
- C. Nitroglycerin
- D. Atropine
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Atropine is the medication most commonly recognized for the treatment of symptomatic bradycardia because it increases the rate of conduction in the AV node, helping to alleviate bradycardia. Questran is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels and is not indicated for bradycardia. Digitalis, such as Digoxin, is used for heart failure and atrial fibrillation but not typically for bradycardia. Nitroglycerin is primarily used for angina and not bradycardia.
3. Which of the following blood pressure parameters indicates PIH? Elevation over a baseline of:
- A. 30 mmHg systolic and/or 15 mmHg diastolic.
- B. 40 mmHg systolic and/or 20 mmHg diastolic.
- C. 10 mmHg systolic and/or 5 mmHg diastolic.
- D. 20 mmHg systolic and/or 20 mmHg diastolic.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 30 mmHg systolic and/or 15 mmHg diastolic. These parameters indicate mild PIH (pregnancy-induced hypertension). Mild preeclampsia is characterized by an increase in systolic blood pressure greater than 30 mmHg or an increase in diastolic blood pressure greater than 15 mmHg, observed on two readings taken 6 hours apart (or reaching 140/90). Choice B (40 mmHg systolic and/or 20 mmHg diastolic) represents a more significant elevation and would indicate a more severe condition than mild PIH. Choices C (10 mmHg systolic and/or 5 mmHg diastolic) and D (20 mmHg systolic and/or 20 mmHg diastolic) do not meet the criteria for indicating PIH as they are below the accepted parameters for mild PIH.
4. Why is starting a low CHO diet a contraindication for a client with renal insufficiency?
- A. As long as the client eats a minimum of 30g of CHO/day, there should be no problem.
- B. The client's clinical condition is a contraindication to starting a low CHO diet.
- C. Calcium supplements should be utilized to prevent the development of osteoporosis while on a low CHO diet.
- D. As long as the client eats foods that are high biologic protein sources, a low CHO diet can be followed.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A client with renal insufficiency should not start a low CHO diet because it could result in an increased renal solute load. Clients with renal or liver disease require protein control in their diet to prevent complications. Proteins used must be of high biologic value, and protein intake is usually weight-based. Protein levels may be adjusted based on the client's clinical condition. A minimum level of carbohydrates is needed in the diet to spare protein. Vitamin and mineral supplements might be needed for clients with liver failure. The dietician plays a crucial role in calculating specific nutrient requirements for these clients and monitoring outcomes in conjunction with the healthcare team. Choice A is incorrect because simply consuming a minimum amount of carbohydrates does not address the issue of increased renal solute load. Choice C is incorrect as calcium supplements are not the primary concern when considering a low CHO diet for a client with renal insufficiency. Choice D is incorrect as the focus should be on the contraindication of a low CHO diet for a client with renal insufficiency rather than just high biologic protein sources.
5. A healthcare professional is reviewing a patient's current Lithium levels. Which of the following values is outside the therapeutic range?
- A. 1.0 mEq/L
- B. 1.1 mEq/L
- C. 1.2 mEq/L
- D. 1.3 mEq/L
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 1.3 mEq/L. The therapeutic range for Lithium levels typically falls between 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L. Values below or above this range can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes or toxicity. Choices A, B, and C are within the therapeutic range of 1.0-1.2 mEq/L, making them appropriate levels for patient care.
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