Nursing Elites

1. A client with Addison's disease is being educated on managing the condition. Which of the following statements indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I should carry an emergency kit with hydrocortisone at all times.
• B. I need to increase my sodium intake during hot weather.
• C. I can skip my medication if I feel well.
• D. I should avoid stress as much as possible.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Clients with Addison's disease should not skip their medication, even if they feel well, as consistent medication is necessary to manage the condition. Choice A is correct as carrying an emergency kit with hydrocortisone is essential for managing potential adrenal crises. Choice B is correct as increasing sodium intake during hot weather helps prevent electrolyte imbalances. Choice D is correct as stress can trigger adrenal crisis in individuals with Addison's disease, so stress management is crucial.

2. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with hypothyroidism. Which of the following symptoms would the provider expect to find?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Heat intolerance
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bradycardia is a common symptom of hypothyroidism because the condition leads to a decreased metabolic rate. Weight loss (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the metabolic rate is increased. Heat intolerance (Choice B) is also more indicative of hyperthyroidism due to increased sensitivity to heat. Diarrhea (Choice D) is not a typical symptom of hypothyroidism; rather, constipation is more common due to the slow-down of the digestive system.

3. A client with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is being treated in the ER. Which finding would a nurse expect to note as confirming this diagnosis?

• A. Elevated blood glucose level and a low plasma bicarbonate
• B. Decreased urine output
• C. Increased respirations and an increase in pH
• D. Comatose state

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Elevated blood glucose level and a low plasma bicarbonate. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis, reflected by a low plasma bicarbonate. Elevated blood glucose levels are a hallmark of DKA due to the body's inability to use glucose properly. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Decreased urine output is not a specific finding associated with DKA. Increased respirations and an increase in pH are not typical in DKA; in fact, respiratory compensation for the metabolic acidosis in DKA leads to Kussmaul breathing (deep, rapid breathing). A comatose state may occur in severe cases of DKA but is not a confirming finding for the diagnosis.

4. Which of the following clinical findings would be most concerning in a client with hypothyroidism?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Dry skin
• C. Constipation
• D. Depression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bradycardia in a client with hypothyroidism is the most concerning finding as it may indicate severe hypothyroidism, leading to decreased heart rate. Bradycardia can be a sign of myxedema coma, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Dry skin, constipation, and depression are common symptoms associated with hypothyroidism but are not as acutely concerning as bradycardia.

5. A female client with Cushing's syndrome is admitted to the medical-surgical unit. During the admission assessment, Nurse Tyzz notes that the client is agitated, irritable, has poor memory, reports loss of appetite, and appears disheveled. These findings are consistent with which problem?

• A. Depression
• B. Neuropathy
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Hyperthyroidism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Depression. Depression is a common psychological manifestation in clients with Cushing's syndrome. In this scenario, the client's symptoms of agitation, irritability, poor memory, loss of appetite, and disheveled appearance are indicative of depressive symptoms rather than neuropathy, hypoglycemia, or hyperthyroidism. Neuropathy typically presents with sensory changes and motor deficits, which are not described in the scenario. Hypoglycemia would manifest with symptoms such as diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion, which are not mentioned. Hyperthyroidism symptoms include weight loss, heat intolerance, and palpitations, which are not consistent with the client's presentation.

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