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 healthcare professional caring for a client who has been receiving intravenous diuretics suspects that the client is experiencing a deficient fluid volume. Which assessment finding would the healthcare professional note in a client with this condition?

• A. Lung congestion
• B. Decreased hematocrit
• C. Increased blood pressure
• D. Decreased central venous pressure (CVP)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Decreased central venous pressure (CVP) is the correct assessment finding in a client with deficient fluid volume. This is because a decrease in CVP indicates reduced blood volume returning to the heart, which is consistent with hypovolemia. Lung congestion (Choice A) would be more indicative of fluid volume excess, not deficiency. Decreased hematocrit (Choice B) may be seen in conditions such as anemia but is not specific to deficient fluid volume. Increased blood pressure (Choice C) is not typically associated with deficient fluid volume; in fact, hypovolemia often leads to decreased blood pressure.

3. A client with DM is preparing for a foot care exam. The nurse should advise the client to:

• A. Wear loose-fitting shoes to protect the feet.
• B. Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of the feet to keep the skin moist.
• C. Avoid using a heating pad to prevent burns on the feet.
• D. Avoid using sharp instruments to trim the toenails.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to avoid using sharp instruments to trim the toenails. This is crucial because using sharp instruments can lead to injuries such as cuts or wounds, increasing the risk of infections, especially in clients with diabetes who have decreased sensation in their feet. Choice A is incorrect because tight shoes can restrict circulation and increase the risk of pressure sores. Choice B is incorrect because applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment, leading to fungal infections. Choice C is incorrect because using a heating pad can lead to burns, which can go unnoticed due to decreased sensation in diabetic feet.

4. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. The nurse should teach the client to take this medication:

• A. With meals
• B. Before bedtime
• C. On an empty stomach in the morning
• D. With a glass of milk

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning to enhance absorption and efficacy. Taking it with meals (Choice A) may interfere with absorption due to food interactions. Taking it before bedtime (Choice B) can lead to difficulties with absorption and may disrupt the sleep cycle. Consuming levothyroxine with a glass of milk (Choice D) is not recommended as calcium in milk can interfere with its absorption. Therefore, the best practice is to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach in the morning to ensure optimal effectiveness.

5. An external insulin pump is prescribed for a client with DM. The client asks the nurse about the functioning of the pump. The nurse bases the response on the information that the pump:

• A. Gives small continuous doses of regular insulin subcutaneously, and the client can self-administer a bolus with an additional dosage from the pump before each meal.
• B. Is timed to release programmed doses of regular or NPH insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals.
• C. Is surgically attached to the pancreas and infuses regular insulin into the pancreas, which in turn releases the insulin into the bloodstream.
• D. Continuously infuses small amounts of NPH insulin into the bloodstream while regularly monitoring blood glucose levels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. An external insulin pump delivers small continuous doses of regular insulin subcutaneously throughout the day to meet the basal insulin needs. The client can also self-administer a bolus dose with an additional dosage from the pump before each meal to cover the mealtime insulin needs. Option B is incorrect as insulin pumps do not typically release programmed doses of insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals; instead, they infuse insulin subcutaneously. Option C is incorrect as insulin pumps are not surgically attached to the pancreas; they are worn externally. Option D is incorrect as NPH insulin is not commonly used in insulin pumps, and the pumps do not continuously infuse insulin directly into the bloodstream but rather subcutaneously.

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