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. The client has undergone a thyroidectomy. Which of the following symptoms would indicate a potential complication?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Hyperreflexia
• D. Hypocalcemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypocalcemia is a potential complication of thyroidectomy as it may occur if the parathyroid glands, responsible for calcium regulation, are inadvertently removed or damaged during the procedure. Bradycardia (slow heart rate) is not typically associated with thyroidectomy complications. Tachycardia (fast heart rate) is more commonly seen in hyperthyroidism. Hyperreflexia (exaggerated reflex responses) is not a typical complication of thyroidectomy.

3. A client with DM asks a nurse why it is necessary to rotate injection sites when using an insulin pen. The nurse's best response would be:

• A. To prevent scar tissue from forming under the skin.
• B. To make the injections less painful.
• C. To help the insulin absorb better.
• D. To keep the skin looking healthy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: "To help the insulin absorb better." Rotating injection sites is important as it helps to ensure better insulin absorption and reduces the risk of developing lipodystrophy. Option A is incorrect as rotating sites primarily aims to optimize insulin absorption, not prevent scar tissue. Option B is inaccurate because rotating injection sites does not necessarily make the injections less painful. Option D is incorrect as the primary reason for rotating injection sites is not related to the aesthetics of the skin but rather to enhance insulin absorption and prevent complications.

4. A client with type 1 DM is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse should prioritize which action?

• A. Administering intravenous fluids.
• B. Administering oral glucose.
• C. Administering a fever-reducing medication.
• D. Administering oxygen therapy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering intravenous fluids is the priority in treating DKA for several reasons. DKA is characterized by severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to hyperglycemia. IV fluids help to correct dehydration, restore electrolyte balance, and decrease blood glucose levels. Administering oral glucose (Choice B) would be contraindicated in DKA as the primary issue is high blood glucose levels. Administering a fever-reducing medication (Choice C) is not the priority in managing DKA. Administering oxygen therapy (Choice D) may be necessary in some cases, but correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalances take precedence in the management of DKA.

5. An RN enters a patient's room to place an indwelling urinary catheter, as ordered by the healthcare professional. The client is alert and oriented and tells the RN he wants to leave the hospital now and not receive further treatment. Which of the following actions by the RN would be considered false imprisonment?

• A. The RN tells the client he is not allowed to leave until the physician has released him.
• B. The RN asks the client why he wishes to leave.
• C. The RN asks the client to explain what he understands about his medical diagnosis.
• D. The RN asks the client to sign an against medical advice discharge form.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: False imprisonment occurs when a person is prevented from leaving against their will. By telling the patient they are not allowed to leave, the RN is restricting the patient’s freedom unlawfully. Choice B is focused on understanding the patient's reasons for leaving and does not involve restricting the patient's freedom. Choice C aims to assess the patient's understanding of their medical condition, which is unrelated to false imprisonment. Choice D involves obtaining consent for leaving against medical advice, which is a legal and ethical process and not false imprisonment.

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