Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is evaluating the health status of a 16-year-old client with a history of Type 1 diabetes. Which laboratory test would provide the most accurate information about long-term blood glucose control?

• A. Blood glucose level
• B. Glycosylated hemoglobin
• C. Urine ketones
• D. Serum insulin level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Glycosylated hemoglobin provides valuable information about blood glucose control over the past 2-3 months. This test measures the average blood sugar levels during this period, offering a more comprehensive view of long-term glycemic control. Choice A, blood glucose level, reflects the blood sugar concentration at the time of testing and may fluctuate throughout the day. Choice C, urine ketones, indicates the presence of ketones and is more relevant for assessing acute complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. Choice D, serum insulin level, evaluates insulin production and is not a direct indicator of long-term blood glucose control in diabetes management.

2. A client with diabetes mellitus is receiving insulin glargine (Lantus). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following side effects?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin used to control blood sugar levels in diabetes. The nurse should monitor the client for hypoglycemia, which is a potential side effect of insulin therapy. Hypoglycemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop too low, leading to symptoms such as shakiness, dizziness, sweating, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is an elevated potassium level, not typically associated with insulin glargine. Hypertension (choice C) is high blood pressure, which is not a common side effect of insulin glargine. Hypercalcemia (choice D) is an elevated calcium level and is not related to the use of insulin glargine.

3. A Hispanic client confides in the nurse that she is concerned that staff may give her newborn the 'evil eye.' The nurse should communicate to other personnel that the appropriate approach is to

• A. Touch the baby after looking at him
• B. Talk very slowly while speaking to him
• C. Avoid touching the child
• D. Look only at the parents

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In some Hispanic cultures, touching the baby after looking at them is believed to prevent the 'evil eye.' Respecting this cultural belief can help build trust and comfort with the client. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not address the specific cultural concern raised by the client. Talking slowly or avoiding touching the child does not relate to the belief in the 'evil eye.' Similarly, focusing only on the parents does not address the client's worry about the newborn receiving the 'evil eye.'

4. The nurse working in a community health clinic that serves recent Somali immigrants notes that most mothers refuse to give permission for routine immunizations of their preschoolers. Which individual is likely to have the most influence on these women's perceptions about their children's healthcare needs?

• A. husbands
• B. clinic healthcare providers
• C. older females
• D. tribal chief

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In many Somali communities, the tribal chief holds significant influence over health decisions. The tribal chief often plays a crucial role in shaping community beliefs and practices, including healthcare decisions. While husbands may have some influence, the tribal chief typically holds more authority in community matters. Clinic healthcare providers have a role in educating and advising, but the tribal chief's influence is often more profound in this cultural context. Older females may have some influence, especially in familial matters, but the tribal chief is usually the key decision-maker in community health issues.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with status epilepticus. The most important nursing assessment of this client is

• A. Intravenous fluid infusion
• B. Level of consciousness
• C. Pulse and respirations
• D. Extremities for injuries

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In status epilepticus, the most crucial nursing assessment is the level of consciousness. Assessing the client's level of consciousness is vital as prolonged seizures can result in hypoxia, brain damage, and require immediate intervention. Pulse and respirations (choice C) are important assessments, but in status epilepticus, the priority is to monitor the client's neurological status. Checking intravenous fluid infusion (choice A) and extremities for injuries (choice D) are not the primary assessments needed in managing a client experiencing status epilepticus.

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