Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has diabetes mellitus and is receiving insulin. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. A fasting blood glucose of 90 mg/dL
• B. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL
• C. A hemoglobin A1c of 6%
• D. A fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, which may necessitate insulin adjustment to better control the client's blood sugar levels. A fasting blood glucose of 90 mg/dL (choice A) is within the normal range, a hemoglobin A1c of 6% (choice C) is indicative of good long-term blood sugar control, and a fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL (choice D) is also within the normal range. Therefore, these findings do not require immediate reporting to the provider.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports tingling and numbness in the hands. The nurse should expect to administer which of the following medications?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate.
• B. Calcium gluconate.
• C. Potassium chloride.
• D. Magnesium sulfate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tingling and numbness in the hands can indicate hypocalcemia, a common complication following a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications like tetany and seizures. Calcium gluconate is the drug of choice for rapidly raising serum calcium levels in hypocalcemic patients. Sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for treating hypocalcemia or related symptoms. Potassium chloride is used to correct potassium imbalances, not calcium. Magnesium sulfate is not the appropriate treatment for hypocalcemia; it is commonly used for conditions like preeclampsia or eclampsia.

3. What guides behavior and decision making based on values and beliefs?

• A. Morals
• B. Beliefs
• C. Ethics
• D. Autonomy

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Morals are the values and beliefs that guide behavior and decision-making. While beliefs are part of the equation, morals specifically dictate how individuals act and make choices. Ethics, on the other hand, refer to a system of moral principles governing conduct. Autonomy, although important, is not directly related to the values and beliefs that guide behavior and decision making.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is in severe pain. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?

• A. How severe is your pain on a scale of 1 to 10?
• B. Where is your pain located?
• C. What medication are you taking for the pain?
• D. When did the pain start?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Where is your pain located?' When a client is experiencing severe pain, determining the location of the pain is crucial as it helps the nurse identify potential causes and select appropriate interventions. Option A may be important but assessing the location of pain takes precedence as it can provide valuable information for immediate management. Option C focuses on the current treatment, which is important but not the first priority. Option D, knowing when the pain started, is relevant but does not help in immediate pain management.

5. A nurse is collecting data from a client who has a newly applied cast to the right lower extremity. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Capillary refill of 1 second
• B. Capillary refill of 5 seconds
• C. Pitting edema
• D. Shortness of breath

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When assessing a client with a newly applied cast, the nurse should expect a capillary refill of approximately 2 seconds, as this indicates adequate circulation. A capillary refill longer than 3 seconds suggests impaired circulation, which is abnormal. Therefore, a capillary refill of 5 seconds is the finding the nurse should expect. Pitting edema and shortness of breath are not typically directly related to a newly applied cast and should not be expected findings in this scenario.

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