Nursing Elites

1. Knowing that gluconeogenesis helps to maintain blood glucose levels, a healthcare provider should:

• A. Document weight changes due to fatty acid mobilization.
• B. Evaluate the patient's sensitivity to low room temperatures due to decreased adipose tissue insulation.
• C. Protect the patient from sources of infection due to decreased cellular protein deposits.
• D. Do all of the above.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gluconeogenesis is a process where the body synthesizes glucose from non-carbohydrate sources to maintain blood glucose levels. Documenting weight changes due to fatty acid mobilization is important as it can impact the patient's metabolic status. Evaluating the patient's sensitivity to low room temperatures because of decreased adipose tissue insulation is crucial to prevent hypothermia. Protecting the patient from sources of infection due to decreased cellular protein deposits is essential to prevent complications. Therefore, all the options are relevant considerations in managing a patient undergoing gluconeogenesis, making option D the correct answer.

2. An incoherent female client with a history of hypothyroidism is brought to the emergency department by the rescue squad. Physical and laboratory findings reveal hypothermia, hypoventilation, respiratory acidosis, bradycardia, hypotension, and nonpitting edema of the face and pretibial area. Knowing that these findings suggest severe hypothyroidism, Nurse Libby prepares to take emergency action to prevent the potential complication of:

• A. Thyroid storm.
• B. Cretinism.
• C. Myxedema coma.
• D. Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The scenario described with hypothermia, hypoventilation, respiratory acidosis, bradycardia, hypotension, and nonpitting edema of the face and pretibial area is indicative of myxedema coma, a severe and life-threatening complication of hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma requires immediate emergency treatment to prevent further deterioration. Choice A, thyroid storm, is a complication of hyperthyroidism characterized by an increase in body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Choice B, cretinism, refers to untreated congenital hypothyroidism leading to mental and physical growth retardation. Choice D, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is an autoimmune condition leading to hypothyroidism but does not present with the acute, life-threatening symptoms described in the scenario.

3. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents to the emergency department with symptoms of 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 a client with DKA is to start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline for fluid resuscitation. This is crucial to restore intravascular volume and improve perfusion, addressing the dehydration and electrolyte imbalances commonly seen in DKA. Administering insulin without addressing the dehydration can lead to further complications. Monitoring serum potassium levels is important but is not the first priority; potassium levels can shift with fluid resuscitation. Obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) is helpful in assessing acid-base status but is not the initial priority compared to fluid resuscitation.

4. For a male client with hyperglycemia, which assessment finding best supports a nursing diagnosis of Deficient fluid volume?

• A. Cool, clammy skin
• B. Distended neck veins
• C. Increased urine osmolarity
• D. Decreased serum sodium level

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increased urine osmolarity is the best assessment finding supporting a nursing diagnosis of Deficient fluid volume in a male client with hyperglycemia. In hyperglycemia, there is increased glucose in the blood, which leads to osmotic diuresis. This results in the excretion of large amounts of urine that is concentrated (high osmolarity), leading to dehydration and fluid volume deficit. Cool, clammy skin (Choice A) is more indicative of poor perfusion, distended neck veins (Choice B) are associated with fluid volume excess, and decreased serum sodium level (Choice D) could be a result of dilutional hyponatremia due to fluid overload rather than deficient fluid volume.

5. Nurse Perry is caring for a female client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who exhibits confusion, light-headedness, and aberrant behavior. The client is still conscious. The nurse should first administer:

• A. I.M. or subcutaneous glucagon.
• B. I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%.
• C. 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate such as orange juice.
• D. 10 U of fast-acting insulin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a conscious client with hypoglycemia, the initial treatment should involve administering 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as orange juice. This helps rapidly raise the client's blood glucose levels. Choices A and D are incorrect as administering glucagon or fast-acting insulin is not the first-line treatment for hypoglycemia in a conscious client. Choice B, an I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%, is a more invasive and aggressive intervention that is not typically indicated for a conscious client with hypoglycemia.

Similar Questions