Nursing Elites

1. The client with DM who is taking insulin develops a fever and becomes confused. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Check the client's blood glucose level.
• B. Administer a fever-reducing medication.
• C. Give the client fluids to drink.
• D. Notify the health care provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with diabetes mellitus (DM) taking insulin, the development of fever and confusion may indicate hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Checking the blood glucose level is the priority action in this situation. This will help determine if the symptoms are related to high blood sugar levels, guiding further interventions. Administering a fever-reducing medication (choice B) addresses only the symptom of fever and does not address the underlying cause. Providing fluids to drink (choice C) is important but should come after addressing the potential hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Notifying the health care provider (choice D) can be important, but immediate action to evaluate and manage the client's condition should precede contacting the provider.

2. A client with DM is scheduled to have surgery. The nurse should plan to:

• A. Give the client a regular diet as ordered.
• B. Hold the client's insulin on the morning of surgery.
• C. Monitor the client's blood glucose level closely during the perioperative period.
• D. Have the client stop taking insulin 48 hours before surgery.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's blood glucose level closely during the perioperative period. This is essential to ensure that the client's blood glucose levels remain within the target range and to prevent complications such as hypo- or hyperglycemia. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because giving a regular diet as ordered, holding insulin on the morning of surgery, or stopping insulin 48 hours before surgery can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels, posing risks to the client's safety during the surgical procedure.

3. When should a new nurse graduate consider applying for a position as a nurse manager?

• A. When she is comfortable in her current position
• B. When she begins mentoring other new nurses
• C. As soon as a position opens
• D. When she has developed leadership and clinical expertise

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A new nurse graduate should consider applying for a nurse manager position when they have developed both leadership and clinical expertise. This ensures that they are well-prepared for the responsibilities of the role. Choice A is incorrect because being comfortable in the current position does not necessarily equate to having the required skills for a nurse manager role. Choice B is incorrect as mentoring other new nurses, while valuable, may not directly align with the skills needed for a managerial position. Choice C is incorrect as applying for a nurse manager position solely because a position is available does not guarantee readiness for the role.

4. After undergoing a subtotal thyroidectomy, a female client develops hypothyroidism. Dr. Smith prescribes levothyroxine (Levothroid), 25 mcg P.O. daily. For which condition is levothyroxine the preferred agent?

• A. Primary hypothyroidism
• B. Graves' disease
• C. Thyrotoxicosis
• D. Euthyroidism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Levothyroxine is the preferred agent for primary hypothyroidism because it provides the necessary replacement of thyroid hormone in patients with deficient thyroid function. Choice B, Graves' disease, is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism and is typically treated with antithyroid medications or radioactive iodine. Choice C, thyrotoxicosis, refers to the clinical state resulting from excessive thyroid hormone action and is not typically treated with levothyroxine. Choice D, euthyroidism, describes a normal thyroid function and would not require treatment with levothyroxine.

5. A client with Graves' disease is prescribed propranolol. The nurse understands that the purpose of this medication is to:

• A. Treat the underlying cause of the disease
• B. Reduce thyroid hormone production
• C. Alleviate symptoms such as tachycardia and tremors
• D. Increase energy levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Alleviate symptoms such as tachycardia and tremors. Propranolol is a beta-blocker that helps manage symptoms like tachycardia (fast heart rate) and tremors in patients with Graves' disease. Choice A is incorrect because propranolol does not address the underlying cause of Graves' disease, which is autoimmune in nature. Choice B is incorrect because propranolol does not directly reduce thyroid hormone production; it mainly targets the symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because while propranolol may help with symptoms like tachycardia, it is not intended to increase energy levels.

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