Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with myxedema coma. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Administer intravenous fluids
• B. Provide a warming blanket
• C. Administer levothyroxine intravenously
• D. Place the client in Trendelenburg position

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In myxedema coma, the priority intervention is to administer levothyroxine intravenously. Myxedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism, and intravenous levothyroxine is crucial to rapidly replace deficient thyroid hormones. Administering intravenous fluids (choice A) may be necessary, but levothyroxine takes precedence. Providing a warming blanket (choice B) can help maintain the client's body temperature, but it does not address the underlying thyroid hormone deficiency. Placing the client in Trendelenburg position (choice D) is not indicated and can potentially worsen the client's condition.

2. Acarbose (Precose), an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, is prescribed for a female client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. During discharge planning, nurse Pauleen would be aware of the client's need for additional teaching when the client states:

• A. If I have hypoglycemia, I should eat some sugar, not dextrose.
• B. The drug makes my pancreas release more insulin.
• C. I should never take insulin while I'm taking this drug.
• D. It's best if I take the drug with the first bite of a meal.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Acarbose (Precose) is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that works by slowing carbohydrate absorption in the intestine, not by stimulating insulin release. Therefore, the client would need additional teaching if they state that the drug makes their pancreas release more insulin (Choice B). Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because during hypoglycemia, it is recommended to consume glucose or dextrose to rapidly raise blood sugar levels. Choice C is incorrect because insulin therapy may still be needed in some cases, even when taking acarbose. Choice D is incorrect because acarbose should be taken at the start of a meal to help reduce postprandial blood glucose levels.

3. Which of the following best describes the nurse's responsibility in obtaining informed consent?

• A. The nurse is responsible for ensuring that the patient understands the procedure and has the opportunity to ask questions.
• B. The nurse should ensure that the patient signs the consent form before the procedure begins.
• C. The nurse is responsible for witnessing the patient sign the consent form and documenting the event.
• D. The nurse should delegate the task of obtaining informed consent to another healthcare provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Informed consent is a process where the healthcare provider, in this case, the nurse, ensures that the patient understands the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives before they agree to it. The nurse plays a crucial role in facilitating this understanding by explaining the information in a clear and understandable manner and providing the patient with the opportunity to ask questions. Choice B is incorrect because merely obtaining the patient's signature on the consent form does not ensure that the patient truly understands what they are consenting to. Choice C is not fully accurate as the nurse's role goes beyond just witnessing the signature; it involves actively ensuring the patient's comprehension. Choice D is incorrect as the responsibility of obtaining informed consent should not be delegated to another healthcare provider, as it is the nurse's duty to ensure proper communication and understanding with the patient.

4. A client with DM is scheduled for surgery. The nurse should plan to:

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

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's blood glucose level closely during the perioperative period. For a client with diabetes mellitus (DM) scheduled for surgery, it is essential to closely monitor blood glucose levels to prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia. Choice B is incorrect because giving the client a regular diet as ordered may not address the specific needs related to managing blood glucose levels in the perioperative period. Choice C is incorrect as abruptly stopping insulin 48 hours before surgery can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels, which is not recommended. Choice D is incorrect because holding the client's insulin on the morning of surgery can also disrupt blood sugar control, potentially leading to complications during the perioperative period.

5. A nurse is assigned to care for a group of clients. On reviewing the clients' medical records, the nurse determines that which client is at risk for deficient fluid volume?

• A. A client with a colostomy
• B. A client with congestive heart failure
• C. A client with decreased kidney function
• D. A client receiving frequent wound irrigations

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Clients with a colostomy are at risk for deficient fluid volume due to the loss of fluid through the colostomy. In colostomy, there can be increased fluid loss through the stoma, which may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Choices B, C, and D do not directly relate to the risk for deficient fluid volume. Clients with congestive heart failure are more prone to fluid overload rather than deficient volume. Clients with decreased kidney function are at risk for fluid retention, not deficient volume. Clients receiving frequent wound irrigations may be at risk for infection, but this does not directly indicate deficient fluid volume.

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