Nursing Elites

1. The client with type 1 DM asks why it is necessary to rotate injection sites when managing insulin therapy. The nurse's best response is:

• A. It helps prevent skin irritation.
• B. It helps prevent scar tissue buildup.
• C. It ensures more consistent insulin absorption.
• D. It makes the injections less painful.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rotating injection sites is necessary to ensure more consistent insulin absorption. This practice helps maintain stable blood glucose levels by preventing the formation of lipohypertrophy (fatty lumps under the skin) at injection sites. Choices A and B are incorrect as the primary purpose of rotating injection sites is not focused on preventing skin irritation or scar tissue buildup. While rotating injection sites may contribute to reducing pain over time, the primary benefit is the consistency in insulin absorption to support glycemic control, making choice D less relevant.

2. What is the approximate duration of action for intermediate-acting insulins like NPH?

• A. 6-8 hours.
• B. 10-14 hours.
• C. 16-20 hours.
• D. 24-28 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: '16-20 hours.' Intermediate-acting insulins like NPH typically have a duration of action of approximately 16-20 hours. This prolonged action makes them effective in managing blood glucose levels over an extended period. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the typical duration of action for intermediate-acting insulins. Choice A (6-8 hours) is too short, choice B (10-14 hours) is also shorter than the typical duration, and choice D (24-28 hours) is too long for intermediate-acting insulins like NPH.

3. Skillful communication is one behavior of an effective leader. Which of the following describes an effective method of communication?

• A. A unit manager meets with a new nurse to discuss what is going well and what improvements the new nurse can make.
• B. A unit manager meets with a new nurse to explain departmental policy.
• C. A unit manager meets with staff after several safety events to unveil new policies designed to prevent further safety events.
• D. A unit manager describes safety events that have occurred on the unit to another nurse manager and discusses ideas for policy improvement with the other manager.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Meeting with a new nurse to discuss progress and areas for improvement is an effective communication method.

4. A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is being educated on foot care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Soak your feet in warm water daily.
• B. Avoid going barefoot to protect your feet.
• C. Inspect your feet daily for any cuts or sores.
• D. Avoid using a heating pad to warm your feet if they are cold.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus regarding foot care is to inspect their feet daily for any cuts or sores. This practice helps in early detection of potential issues like cuts, sores, or infections, which can be challenging to heal due to poor circulation in diabetes. Choice A is incorrect because soaking feet in hot water can lead to burns or skin damage, especially for individuals with diabetes who may have reduced sensation. Choice B is incorrect because going barefoot increases the risk of injuries and infections for individuals with diabetes. Choice D is incorrect because using a heating pad can also impair sensation, increasing the risk of burns or injuries for diabetic individuals.

5. A nurse caring for a group of clients reviews the electrolyte laboratory results and notes a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L on one client's laboratory report. The nurse understands that which client is at highest risk for the development of a potassium value at this level?

• A. The client with colitis
• B. The client with Cushing's syndrome
• C. The client who has been overusing laxatives
• D. The client who has sustained a traumatic burn

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clients who have sustained traumatic burns are at a higher risk of developing hyperkalemia due to cell lysis. When cells are damaged in a traumatic burn, potassium can leak out from the intracellular space into the bloodstream, leading to elevated serum potassium levels. Colitis, Cushing's syndrome, and overuse of laxatives are not typically associated with the same degree of cell damage or potassium shifts seen in traumatic burns, making them less likely to result in such high potassium levels.

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