Nursing Elites

1. An unresponsive patient with type 2 diabetes is brought to the emergency department and diagnosed with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). The nurse will anticipate the need to

• A. give a bolus of 50% dextrose.
• B. insert a large-bore IV catheter.
• C. initiate oxygen via nasal cannula.
• D. administer glargine (Lantus) insulin.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS), severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are common. To address these issues, the priority intervention is to insert a large-bore IV catheter for fluid resuscitation and electrolyte replacement. Giving a bolus of 50% dextrose would worsen the hyperglycemia. Initiating oxygen via nasal cannula may be beneficial for respiratory support but is not the priority in this scenario. Administering glargine (Lantus) insulin is not the initial treatment for HHS as it does not address the underlying severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

2. For a 55-year-old female patient with type 2 diabetes and a nursing diagnosis of imbalanced nutrition: more than body requirements, which goal is most important?

• A. The patient will reach a glycosylated hemoglobin level of less than 7%.
• B. The patient will follow a diet and exercise plan that results in weight loss.
• C. The patient will choose a diet that distributes calories throughout the day.
• D. The patient will state the reasons for eliminating simple sugars in the diet.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important goal for a 55-year-old female patient with type 2 diabetes and imbalanced nutrition due to more than body requirements is to reach a glycosylated hemoglobin level of less than 7%. This goal directly addresses the management of diabetes and is crucial in preventing complications associated with high blood sugar levels. Choice B focuses on weight loss, which may be beneficial but is not as critical as controlling blood sugar levels. Choice C, distributing calories throughout the day, is important for glycemic control but not as immediate as reaching a target HbA1c level. Choice D, stating the reasons for eliminating simple sugars, is a good educational goal but not as urgent as achieving glycemic control.

3. Which of the following is the preferable alternative to firing an employee?

• A. Voluntary resignation
• B. Training
• C. Confrontation
• D. Coaching

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The preferable alternative to firing an employee is voluntary resignation. When an employee voluntarily resigns, it allows them to leave on their terms, maintaining their dignity and possibly avoiding negative consequences associated with being fired. Training, confrontation, and coaching are not alternatives to firing but rather methods that can be used to address performance or behavior issues before resorting to termination.

4. What should the nurse do after a 36-year-old patient treated with intramuscular glucagon for hypoglycemia regains consciousness?

• A. Assess the patient for symptoms of hyperglycemia.
• B. Give the patient a snack of peanut butter and crackers.
• C. Have the patient drink a glass of orange juice or nonfat milk.
• D. Administer a continuous infusion of 5% dextrose for 24 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: After a patient treated with intramuscular glucagon for hypoglycemia regains consciousness, providing a snack of peanut butter and crackers is essential to prevent another episode of hypoglycemia. Peanut butter and crackers contain a combination of protein and carbohydrates, which can help stabilize the patient's blood glucose levels. This choice is the most appropriate immediate action to prevent recurrence of hypoglycemia in this scenario. Assessing for symptoms of hyperglycemia (choice A) is not the immediate priority after treating hypoglycemia. While orange juice or nonfat milk (choice C) can help raise blood sugar, they lack the sustained effect of protein found in peanut butter. Administering a continuous infusion of dextrose (choice D) is excessive and not indicated after the patient has already regained consciousness.

5. After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

• A. 19-year-old with type 1 diabetes who was admitted with possible dawn phenomenon
• B. 35-year-old with type 1 diabetes whose most recent blood glucose reading was 230 mg/dL
• C. 60-year-old with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who has poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa
• D. 68-year-old with type 2 diabetes who has severe peripheral neuropathy and complains of burning foot pain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome who presents with poor skin turgor and dry oral mucosa requires immediate attention. These signs indicate severe dehydration and potential electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to serious complications. Assessing this patient first allows for prompt intervention and monitoring to stabilize their condition. Choice A is less urgent as the patient has possible dawn phenomenon, which is a common early-morning rise in blood glucose levels. Choice B, with a blood glucose reading of 230 mg/dL, indicates hyperglycemia but does not present with signs of severe dehydration like the patient in choice C. Choice D, with peripheral neuropathy and foot pain, is important but not as urgent as addressing severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in the patient with hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome.

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