Nursing Elites

1. A client with newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus is being seen by the home health nurse. The physician orders include: 1,200-calorie ADA diet, 15 units of NPH insulin before breakfast, and check blood sugar qid. When the nurse visits the client at 5 PM, the nurse observes the man performing a blood sugar analysis. The result is 50 mg/dL. The nurse would expect the client to be

• A. Confused with cold, clammy skin and a pulse of 110
• B. Lethargic with hot, dry skin and rapid, deep respirations
• C. Alert and cooperative with a BP of 130/80 and respirations of 12
• D. Short of breath, with distended neck veins and a bounding pulse of 96

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Low blood sugar levels (50 mg/dL) typically cause confusion, cold clammy skin, and an increased pulse (tachycardia). Option A correctly describes the expected symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include confusion due to the brain's inadequate glucose supply, cold and clammy skin due to sympathetic nervous system activation, and an increased pulse (110 bpm) as the body reacts to low blood sugar levels. Options B, C, and D describe symptoms that are not typically associated with hypoglycemia. Lethargy, hot dry skin, rapid deep respirations, normal vital signs, shortness of breath, distended neck veins, and bounding pulse are more indicative of other conditions or normal physiological responses, not hypoglycemia.

2. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. What is the first step?

• A. Administer the blood through an IV push
• B. Verify that the client's blood type matches the blood product
• C. Ensure the client has eaten before the transfusion
• D. Administer a diuretic before starting the transfusion

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step before administering a blood transfusion is to verify that the client's blood type matches the blood product. This step is crucial to prevent transfusion reactions due to incompatibility. Choice A is incorrect because blood should not be administered through an IV push for a blood transfusion. Choice C is incorrect because it is not necessary for the client to eat before a blood transfusion. Choice D is incorrect because administering a diuretic is not a standard practice before starting a blood transfusion.

3. A client with acute diverticulitis is receiving teaching from a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the instructions?

• A. I will avoid eating fiber until this condition resolves
• B. I will take a laxative daily
• C. I will receive the nutrients I need through my IV fluids
• D. I will eat only solid foods

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. During acute diverticulitis, avoiding fiber is essential as it helps reduce irritation of the intestines. Choice B is incorrect because taking a laxative daily can exacerbate diverticulitis. Choice C is incorrect as IV fluids mainly provide hydration and electrolytes, not all essential nutrients. Choice D is incorrect because during acute diverticulitis, a low-fiber or liquid diet is typically recommended to rest the bowel.

4. How should a healthcare provider assess a patient with potential diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

• A. Monitor blood glucose and check for ketones in urine
• B. Administer insulin and provide fluids
• C. Administer potassium and check for electrolyte imbalance
• D. Administer sodium bicarbonate and monitor urine output

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct answer: To assess a patient with potential diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), healthcare providers should monitor blood glucose and check for ketones in the urine. Elevated blood glucose levels and the presence of ketones in urine are indicative of DKA. Choice B is incorrect because administering insulin and providing fluids are treatments for DKA rather than assessment measures. Choice C is incorrect as administering potassium and checking for electrolyte imbalance are interventions related to managing DKA complications, not initial assessment. Choice D is incorrect because administering sodium bicarbonate and monitoring urine output are not primary assessment actions for DKA.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse take to minimize the risk for injury for this client?

• A. Use a bed exit alarm system
• B. Raise all four side rails while the client is in bed
• C. Apply soft wrist restraints
• D. Dim the lights in the client's room

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Using a bed exit alarm system. A bed exit alarm alerts staff when a client with dementia attempts to leave the bed, reducing the risk of falls. Choice B is incorrect because raising all four side rails can lead to restraint-related injuries and is not recommended. Choice C is incorrect as applying wrist restraints should be avoided due to the risk of injury and decreased mobility. Choice D is incorrect as dimming the lights in the client's room does not directly address the risk of injury associated with dementia.

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