Nursing Elites

1. In assessing a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus, the nurse notes that the client's respirations have changed from 16 breaths/min with a normal depth to 32 breaths/min and deep, and the client becomes lethargic. Which assessment data should the nurse obtain next?

• A. Pulse oximetry
• B. Blood glucose
• C. Arterial blood gases
• D. Serum electrolytes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul respirations) and lethargy are signs of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which occurs in uncontrolled type 1 diabetes. Checking the blood glucose is the priority to confirm hyperglycemia and guide immediate treatment. Pulse oximetry is not the priority in this situation as the issue is related to altered glucose levels, not oxygenation. Arterial blood gases and serum electrolytes may be important later in the management of DKA but are not the initial priority compared to confirming and addressing the hyperglycemia.

2. The nurse is preparing a client who had a BKA amputation for discharge to home. Which recommendations should the nurse provide this client?

• A. All of the above
• B. Inspect the skin for redness
• C. Use a residual limb shrinker
• D. Wash the stump with soap and water

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Proper care of the residual limb is essential in preventing complications like infection or poor healing. By choosing 'All of the above,' the nurse ensures that the client receives comprehensive care. Inspecting the skin for redness is crucial as it can help in early detection of infections. Using a residual limb shrinker helps reduce swelling and maintain proper shaping of the limb. Washing the stump with soap and water on a daily basis is important for hygiene and preventing infections. Therefore, all the recommendations (choices A, B, and C) are essential for the client's care, making choice A the correct answer. Choice D is incorrect as it does not encompass all the necessary recommendations for the client's care.

3. A client with diabetes mellitus reports feeling shaky, dizzy, and sweaty. The nurse checks the client's blood glucose level and it is 55 mg/dL. What is the nurse's next action?

• A. Give the client a glucagon injection
• B. Encourage the client to eat a high-protein snack
• C. Administer 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate
• D. Recheck the blood glucose level in 15 minutes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, which should be treated with a fast-acting carbohydrate to quickly raise the blood sugar. Administering 15 grams of a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as glucose tablets or juice, is the appropriate initial intervention for hypoglycemia. Giving a glucagon injection is reserved for severe cases or when the client is unconscious. Encouraging the client to eat a high-protein snack is not appropriate for treating acute hypoglycemia, as it is a slower-acting form of glucose. Rechecking the blood glucose level is important but should occur after providing immediate treatment to raise the blood sugar level.

4. A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy and has been prescribed a bowel preparation. What is the most important instruction for the nurse to provide?

• A. Eat a low-fiber diet the day before the procedure
• B. Drink clear liquids 24 hours before the procedure
• C. Take the entire bowel preparation as directed
• D. Avoid all solid foods 12 hours before the procedure

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important instruction for the nurse to provide to a client scheduled for a colonoscopy and prescribed a bowel preparation is to take the entire bowel preparation as directed. Completing the entire bowel preparation as prescribed is crucial to ensure the colon is properly cleansed for the colonoscopy. Incomplete bowel prep can interfere with the visualization of the colon, leading to inaccurate results. Choices A, B, and D are important but not as crucial as ensuring the complete intake of the bowel preparation for an effective procedure.

5. After repositioning an immobile client, the nurse observes an area of hyperemia. What action should the nurse take to assess for blanching?

• A. Document the presence in the client’s record.
• B. Apply light pressure over the area.
• C. Apply heat to the area and reassess in 30 minutes.
• D. Apply cold compresses to reduce the redness.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take to assess for blanching in an area of hyperemia is to apply light pressure over the area. Blanching is the temporary whitening of the skin when pressure is applied and then released, indicating that the blood flow is returning to the area. Applying light pressure helps in determining if the hyperemic area blanches, ensuring that blood flow is adequate. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because documenting findings, applying heat, or using cold compresses are not appropriate actions for assessing blanching in an area of hyperemia.

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