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 with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus is being taught about self-care management. Which of the following statements indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will rotate my injection sites to prevent skin damage.
• B. I can stop taking my medication if my blood sugar is normal.
• C. I should monitor my blood sugar levels regularly.
• D. I should follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus should not stop taking their medication even if blood sugar levels are normal. This is because ongoing management is necessary to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications. Choice A is correct as rotating injection sites helps prevent skin damage and improves insulin absorption. Choice C is correct as regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is vital for managing diabetes effectively. Choice D is correct as following a healthy diet and exercising regularly are key components of diabetes management.

3. A client with Addison's disease is being educated about managing the condition during times of stress. The nurse should instruct the client to:

• A. Double the dose of corticosteroids during periods of stress.
• B. Skip the dose of corticosteroids if you feel well.
• C. Decrease fluid intake to prevent hypertension.
• D. Avoid physical activity during stressful times.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clients with Addison's disease should be educated to double their corticosteroid dosage during periods of stress. This is crucial to prevent adrenal crisis, as stress can increase the body's demand for cortisol. Skipping doses when feeling well can lead to an adrenal crisis if stress occurs suddenly. Decreasing fluid intake can exacerbate dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which are already concerns in Addison's disease. Avoiding physical activity during stressful times is not the most appropriate advice; moderate physical activity can be beneficial, as long as the client is adequately managing their corticosteroid regimen.

4. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is experiencing hypoglycemia. What should the nurse instruct the client to do?

• A. Administer insulin immediately
• B. Consume 15 grams of simple carbohydrates
• C. Drink plenty of water
• D. Avoid eating until symptoms resolve

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus experiences hypoglycemia, the nurse should instruct them to consume 15 grams of simple carbohydrates. This is the recommended initial treatment for hypoglycemia as it helps quickly raise blood sugar levels to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Administering insulin immediately (Choice A) would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the hypoglycemia. Drinking plenty of water (Choice C) and avoiding eating until symptoms resolve (Choice D) are not appropriate actions for treating hypoglycemia as they do not address the immediate need to raise blood sugar levels.

5. A healthcare provider caring for a client with severe malnutrition reviews the laboratory results and notes a magnesium level of 1.0 mg/dL. Which electrocardiographic change would the healthcare provider expect to note based on the magnesium level?

• A. Prominent U waves
• B. Prolonged PR interval
• C. Depressed ST segment
• D. Widened QRS complexes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A magnesium level of 1.0 mg/dL can cause a depressed ST segment on the ECG. Magnesium deficiency commonly leads to ST segment depression on an electrocardiogram. Prominent U waves are associated with hypokalemia, prolonged PR interval is seen in conditions like first-degree heart block, and widened QRS complexes are typically related to conditions affecting the conduction system of the heart, such as bundle branch blocks.

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