Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease). Which of the following laboratory findings would the nurse expect?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), there is a decrease in aldosterone levels, leading to sodium loss and potassium retention. This imbalance results in hyperkalemia, making choice B the correct answer. Hypernatremia (choice A) is unlikely due to sodium loss. Hyperglycemia (choice C) and hypercalcemia (choice D) are not typically associated with primary adrenal insufficiency.

2. 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.

3. Which of the following is an example of nonmaleficence in nursing practice?

• A. Administering pain medication as prescribed to prevent patient discomfort.
• B. Ensuring that a patient does not receive a treatment that they have refused.
• C. Ensuring that a patient receives appropriate care without causing harm.
• D. Encouraging a patient to express their concerns and fears about a procedure.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm. In nursing practice, ensuring that a patient does not receive a treatment they have refused is an example of nonmaleficence. Choice A focuses on beneficence by providing pain relief. Choice C is more aligned with beneficence as it emphasizes providing appropriate care without harm. Choice D pertains to patient communication but does not directly address the concept of nonmaleficence.

4. The client with DM is being instructed by the nurse about the importance of controlling blood glucose levels. The nurse should emphasize that uncontrolled blood glucose can lead to:

• A. Increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
• B. Improved wound healing.
• C. Reduced need for medication.
• D. Decreased risk of infection.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Uncontrolled blood glucose levels in clients with diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to cardiovascular complications, such as heart disease and stroke. High blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because uncontrolled blood glucose levels do not improve wound healing, reduce the need for medication, or decrease the risk of infection. In fact, uncontrolled blood glucose levels can impair wound healing, require more medications to manage symptoms, and increase the risk of infections due to compromised immune function.

5. The client with DM is being taught about the signs of hyperglycemia. Which symptom should the nurse include?

• A. Excessive thirst
• B. Sweating
• C. Shaking
• D. Hunger

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Excessive thirst, also known as polydipsia, is a hallmark symptom of hyperglycemia. When blood glucose levels are high, the body tries to eliminate the excess glucose through urine, leading to increased urination and subsequent thirst. Sweating, shaking, and hunger are more commonly associated with hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia. Sweating can occur when blood sugar levels drop too low, shaking is a sign of hypoglycemia, and hunger is often a result of low blood sugar levels triggering the body to seek fuel.

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