Nursing Elites

1. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer intravenous insulin
• B. Start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline
• C. Monitor serum potassium levels
• D. Obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first intervention in the treatment of a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is to start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline. This is essential for fluid resuscitation to restore intravascular volume and improve perfusion. Administering intravenous insulin can lead to further potassium depletion without first addressing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring serum potassium levels is important but should follow fluid resuscitation to avoid life-threatening hypokalemia. Obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) is necessary to assess the acid-base status but is not the initial priority when managing DKA.

2. A client with DM is being taught about the importance of foot care by a nurse. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Use a heating pad to warm your feet.
• B. Avoid walking barefoot.
• C. Soak your feet in hot water every night.
• D. Wear tight shoes to protect your feet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include is to advise the client to avoid walking barefoot. This recommendation is crucial for clients with diabetes to prevent foot injuries and infections. Walking barefoot can lead to unnoticed wounds or ulcers due to reduced sensation in the feet (neuropathy) common in diabetes. Choice A is incorrect as heating pads can cause burns and should be avoided. Choice C is incorrect because soaking feet in hot water can also lead to burns and skin damage. Choice D is incorrect as tight shoes can increase the risk of pressure sores and restrict blood flow, which is detrimental for individuals with diabetes.

3. An external insulin pump is prescribed for a client with DM. The client asks the nurse about the functioning of the pump. The nurse bases the response on the information that the pump:

• A. Gives small continuous doses of regular insulin subcutaneously, and the client can self-administer a bolus with an additional dosage from the pump before each meal.
• B. Is timed to release programmed doses of regular or NPH insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals.
• C. Is surgically attached to the pancreas and infuses regular insulin into the pancreas, which in turn releases the insulin into the bloodstream.
• D. Continuously infuses small amounts of NPH insulin into the bloodstream while regularly monitoring blood glucose levels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. An external insulin pump delivers small continuous doses of regular insulin subcutaneously throughout the day to meet the basal insulin needs. The client can also self-administer a bolus dose with an additional dosage from the pump before each meal to cover the mealtime insulin needs. Option B is incorrect as insulin pumps do not typically release programmed doses of insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals; instead, they infuse insulin subcutaneously. Option C is incorrect as insulin pumps are not surgically attached to the pancreas; they are worn externally. Option D is incorrect as NPH insulin is not commonly used in insulin pumps, and the pumps do not continuously infuse insulin directly into the bloodstream but rather subcutaneously.

4. The client with DM is being taught about foot care. The nurse instructs the client to:

• A. Avoid hot water when bathing the feet.
• B. Apply a moisturizing lotion to the feet, especially between the toes.
• C. Use a heating pad to warm the feet if they feel cold.
• D. Go barefoot at home to allow the feet to air out.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid hot water when bathing the feet. This instruction is crucial because clients with diabetes may have decreased sensation in their feet, which can put them at risk of burns from hot water. Choice B is incorrect because applying moisturizing lotion between the toes can increase moisture and promote fungal growth. Choice C is incorrect because using a heating pad can also lead to burns due to decreased sensation. Choice D is incorrect as going barefoot can increase the risk of injury and infections in clients with diabetes.

5. Nurse Troy is aware that the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a client with Addison's disease is:

• A. Risk for infection
• B. Excessive fluid volume
• C. Urinary retention
• D. Hypothermia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a client with Addison's disease is 'Risk for infection.' Addison's disease is characterized by corticosteroid deficiency, which leads to immune suppression, making these clients more susceptible to infections. This diagnosis reflects the increased vulnerability of clients with Addison's disease to infections. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Addison's disease does not typically present with excessive fluid volume, urinary retention, or hypothermia as primary concerns.

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