Nursing Elites

1. The client is being educated by the nurse on home blood glucose monitoring. Which of the following blood glucose measurements indicates hypoglycemia?

• A. 59 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L)
• B. 75 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L)
• C. 108 mg/dL (6 mmol/L)
• D. 119 mg/dL (6.6 mmol/L)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A blood glucose level of 59 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L) is considered hypoglycemia, which is an abnormally low blood sugar level. This level requires immediate attention as it can lead to symptoms such as confusion, shakiness, and even loss of consciousness if left untreated. Choices B, C, and D have blood glucose levels within the normal range or slightly higher, indicating euglycemia or normal blood sugar levels, and not hypoglycemia.

2. What is a priority intervention for a patient experiencing a thyroid storm?

• A. Administering antipyretics.
• B. Cooling the patient.
• C. Administering beta-blockers.
• D. Administering antithyroid medications.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a thyroid storm, the priority intervention is to administer antithyroid medications to reduce thyroid hormone levels quickly. These medications, such as propylthiouracil or methimazole, help inhibit the production of thyroid hormones. Administering antipyretics (choice A) may help reduce fever, but it does not address the underlying cause of the thyroid storm. Cooling the patient (choice B) may provide symptomatic relief but does not address the thyroid hormone dysregulation. Administering beta-blockers (choice C) can help manage symptoms like tachycardia and hypertension, but it does not target the root cause of the thyroid storm.

3. After a lumbar puncture, into which position does the nurse assist the client?

• A. Flat
• B. Semi-Fowler
• C. Side-lying with the head of the bed elevated
• D. Sitting up in a recliner with the feet elevated

Correct answer: A

Rationale: After a lumbar puncture, the client should be positioned flat. This position helps prevent post-procedure spinal headaches and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Keeping the client flat for up to 12 hours is crucial in minimizing these risks. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because elevating the head of the bed or sitting up can increase the risk of complications by altering the pressure in the spinal canal, potentially leading to headaches and fluid leakage.

4. A female client taking oral contraceptives reports to the nurse that she is experiencing calf pain. What action should the nurse implement?

• A. Determine if the client has also experienced breast tenderness and weight gain.
• B. Encourage the client to begin a regular, daily program of walking and exercise.
• C. Advise the client to notify the healthcare provider for immediate medical attention.
• D. Tell the client to stop taking the medication for a week to see if symptoms subside.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Calf pain is indicative of thrombophlebitis, a serious, life-threatening complication associated with the use of oral contraceptives which requires further assessment and possibly immediate medical intervention.

5. The client who has a history of Parkinson's disease for the past 5 years is being assessed by the nurse. What symptoms would this client most likely exhibit?

• A. Loss of short-term memory, facial tics, and grimaces, and constant writhing movements.
• B. Shuffling gait, masklike facial expression, and tremors of the head.
• C. Extreme muscular weakness, easy fatigability, and ptosis.
• D. Numbness of the extremities, loss of balance, and visual disturbances.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Parkinson's Disease, a common neurologic progressive disorder in older clients, is characterized by symptoms such as shuffling gait, masklike facial expression, and tremors of the head and hands. Choice A is incorrect as symptoms like loss of short-term memory, facial tics, and constant writhing movements are not typically associated with Parkinson's disease. Choice C is incorrect as extreme muscular weakness, easy fatigability, and ptosis are more indicative of other conditions like myasthenia gravis. Choice D is incorrect as numbness of the extremities, loss of balance, and visual disturbances are not classic symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

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