Nursing Elites

1. A patient on long-term steroid therapy should be monitored for which condition?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Hypothyroidism
• C. Hypertension
• D. Osteoporosis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Patients on long-term steroid therapy should be monitored for osteoporosis due to the medication's potential to decrease bone density. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. While long-term steroid therapy can also lead to hyperglycemia, hypothyroidism, and hypertension, the primary concern and most common risk associated with prolonged steroid use is osteoporosis.

2. Which nursing instruction should the nurse discuss with the client who is receiving glucocorticoids for Addison’s disease?

• A. Discuss the importance of tapering medications when discontinuing medication
• B. Explain that the dose will need to be decreased during times of stress or infection
• C. Instruct the client to take medication on an empty stomach with a glass of water
• D. Encourage the client to wear a MedicAlert bracelet and carry a card in the wallet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to discuss the importance of tapering medications when discontinuing medication. Tapering glucocorticoids is crucial to prevent adrenal insufficiency, which can occur if the medication is stopped abruptly. Choice B is incorrect because it focuses on adjustments during stress or infection, not discontinuation. Choice C is unrelated to the management of glucocorticoids. Choice D is important for emergency identification but is not directly related to medication management.

3. The nurse supervises care of a client in Buck’s traction. The nurse determines that care is appropriate if which of the following is observed? (Select all that apply)

• A. The nurse removes the foam boot three times per day to inspect the skin
• B. The staff turn the client to the unaffected side
• C. The staff turn the client to the unaffected side and the nurse asks the client to dorsiflex the foot on the affected leg
• D. The nurse asks the client to dorsiflex the foot on the affected leg

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Correct care for a client in Buck’s traction includes turning the client to the unaffected side to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers. Additionally, asking the client to dorsiflex the foot on the affected leg helps prevent foot drop. Removing the foam boot three times per day to inspect the skin is unnecessary and could disrupt the traction, so it is not appropriate. Therefore, choices A and D are incorrect.

4. What intervention would be most important for the nurse to implement for the client with a left nephrectomy?

• A. Assess the intravenous fluids for rate and volume
• B. Change the surgical dressing daily at the same time
• C. Monitor the client’s medication levels daily
• D. Monitor the percentage of each meal eaten

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Assess the intravenous fluids for rate and volume. After a nephrectomy, monitoring intravenous fluids is crucial to ensure proper hydration and kidney function. Choice B is incorrect because changing the surgical dressing daily is important but not the most critical intervention. Choice C is incorrect as monitoring medication levels daily may be necessary but is not the priority after a nephrectomy. Choice D is irrelevant to the immediate postoperative care needed after a nephrectomy.

5. The nurse is analyzing laboratory values for the assigned clients. Which finding, based on the client's medical history, indicates the need for immediate follow-up?

• A. Client with chronic kidney disease and serum creatinine of 1.6 mg/dL
• B. Client with diabetes mellitus and a glycosylated hemoglobin A (HbA1c) of 7.0%
• C. Client with heart failure and a B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) of 140 pg/mL
• D. Client who is male and has anemia with hemoglobin of 16.5 g/dL and hematocrit of 45%

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An HbA1c of 7.0% in a client with diabetes mellitus indicates poor long-term glucose control, necessitating immediate follow-up. Elevated HbA1c levels suggest a higher average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months, increasing the risk of complications associated with diabetes. Choices A, C, and D do not require immediate follow-up based solely on the provided information. A serum creatinine of 1.6 mg/dL in a client with chronic kidney disease, a BNP of 140 pg/mL in a client with heart failure, and hemoglobin of 16.5 g/dL and hematocrit of 45% in a male client with anemia are within acceptable ranges or do not indicate an urgent need for intervention.

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