Nursing Elites

1. A client with a history of type 1 diabetes Mellitus (DM) and asthma is readmitted to the unit for the third time in two months with a current fasting blood sugar (FBS) of 325mg/dl (18mmol/L SI). The client describes to the nurse not understanding why the blood glucose level continues to be out of control. Which interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Have the client describe a typical day at work, home, and social activities
• B. Determine if the client is using a new insulin needle for each administration
• C. Evaluate the client's asthma medications that can elevate blood glucose
• D. Have the client demonstrate the technique used to monitor blood glucose levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to have the client describe a typical day at work, home, and social activities. By understanding the client's daily routine, the nurse can gain valuable insights into lifestyle factors that may be impacting blood glucose control. This information is essential for identifying potential triggers or patterns contributing to the elevated blood sugar levels. Option B, determining if the client is using a new insulin needle for each administration, focuses more on the technical aspect of insulin delivery and is not directly related to daily activities affecting blood glucose levels. Option C, evaluating the client's asthma medications that can elevate blood glucose, could be relevant but is not as directly linked to the client's lifestyle choices as option A. Option D, having the client demonstrate the technique for monitoring blood glucose levels, is important for assessing their skills but does not provide information on daily activities that may be influencing blood sugar levels.

2. A client has driven himself to the emergency department. He is 50 years old, has a history of hypertension, and informs the nurse that his father died from a heart attack at age 60. The client has indigestion. The nurse connects him to an electrocardiogram monitor and begins administering oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. What should the nurse do next?

• A. Call for the physician.
• B. Start an IV infusion.
• C. Obtain a portable chest radiograph.
• D. Draw blood for laboratory studies.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client presenting with possible myocardial infarction who is receiving oxygen therapy and cardiac monitoring, the next priority action is to establish IV access by starting an IV infusion. This allows for prompt administration of medications and fluids as needed in the management of acute coronary syndromes. Calling the physician (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the immediate next step. Obtaining a portable chest radiograph (Choice C) may help in further assessment but is not as crucial as establishing IV access. Drawing blood for laboratory studies (Choice D) is important for diagnostic purposes but is not as urgent compared to starting an IV infusion in the setting of a potential myocardial infarction.

3. Which of the following is an expected finding in a patient with hypothyroidism?

• A. Weight gain.
• B. Weight loss.
• C. Increased appetite.
• D. Diarrhea.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Weight gain is an expected finding in hypothyroidism due to the decreased metabolic rate. Hypothyroidism leads to a slowing down of bodily functions, including metabolism, which can result in weight gain. Weight loss (Choice B) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism where there is an increase in metabolic rate. Increased appetite (Choice C) is also more typical of hyperthyroidism as the body is burning energy at a faster rate. Diarrhea (Choice D) is not a typical symptom of hypothyroidism; instead, constipation is more often observed due to the slowing down of the digestive system.

4. A client who has heart failure is admitted with a serum potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Administer 20 mEq of potassium chloride.
• B. Initiate continuous cardiac monitoring.
• C. Arrange a consultation with the dietitian.
• D. Educate about the side effects of diuretics.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hypokalemia, defined as a serum potassium level below the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L, can lead to changes in myocardial irritability and ECG waveform, potentially causing life-threatening dysrhythmias. Therefore, the priority action for the nurse is to initiate continuous cardiac monitoring to promptly detect any abnormal heart rhythms or ventricular ectopy. This monitoring is crucial for assessing the impact of potassium replacement therapy on the cardiac rhythm and ensuring the safety of the client. While administering potassium chloride is important for correcting the hypokalemia, it should occur after cardiac monitoring is in place. Consulting with a dietitian and educating about diuretic side effects are relevant aspects of care but are not the immediate priority in this situation where cardiac monitoring takes precedence for timely intervention.

5. The nurse is assessing a client with a diagnosis of pre-renal acute kidney injury (AKI). Which condition would the nurse expect to find in the client’s recent history?

• A. Pyelonephritis
• B. Myocardial infarction
• C. Bladder cancer
• D. Kidney stones

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In pre-renal acute kidney injury, there is a decrease in perfusion to the kidneys. Myocardial infarction can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys, causing pre-renal AKI. Pyelonephritis is an intrinsic/intrarenal cause of AKI involving kidney damage. Bladder cancer and kidney stones are post-renal causes of AKI due to urinary flow obstruction, not related to perfusion issues seen in pre-renal AKI.

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