Nursing Elites

1. When assessing a male client with pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal medulla that secretes excessive catecholamines, Nurse April is most likely to detect:

• A. A blood pressure of 130/70 mm Hg
• B. A blood glucose level of 130 mg/dl
• C. Bradycardia
• D. A blood pressure of 176/88 mm Hg

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal medulla that secretes excessive catecholamines, leading to symptoms such as hypertension. The normal blood pressure range is around 120/80 mm Hg, so a blood pressure reading of 176/88 mm Hg is most likely to be detected in a client with pheochromocytoma. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because pheochromocytoma typically presents with hypertension, not a normal or low blood pressure (choice A), not related to blood glucose levels (choice B), and not bradycardia (choice C).

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. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer insulin
• B. Encourage increased fluid intake
• C. Monitor for signs of dehydration
• D. Check blood glucose levels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia are classic signs of hyperglycemia, indicating high blood glucose levels. The priority action for the nurse is to check the client's blood glucose levels to assess the severity of hyperglycemia and determine the need for appropriate interventions. Administering insulin (Choice A) may be necessary based on the blood glucose levels but should only be done after confirming the current status. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice B) may exacerbate the symptoms by further diluting the blood glucose concentration. While monitoring for signs of dehydration (Choice C) is important in the long term, the immediate action should focus on determining the blood glucose levels first.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus is scheduled for surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following preoperative actions?

• A. Administer a full dose of insulin before surgery
• B. Hold all oral hypoglycemic agents the day before surgery
• C. Monitor blood glucose levels closely before surgery
• D. Instruct the client to avoid all fluids the morning of surgery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring blood glucose levels closely before surgery is the priority for a client with diabetes mellitus. This allows for early detection of any abnormalities and helps prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia complications that can arise during the perioperative period. Option A is incorrect because insulin dosing should be individualized based on the client's current blood glucose levels and the surgical plan. Option B is incorrect as abruptly holding oral hypoglycemic agents can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Option D is incorrect as adequate fluid intake is important for the client's hydration status and overall well-being before surgery.

5. Which of the following traits is characteristic of a caring leader?

• A. A caring leader serves first and leads second.
• B. A caring leader is aware of the feelings of others.
• C. The traits of a caring leader include respecting coworkers as individuals and empathizing with the needs and concerns of others.
• D. A caring leader is fair and honest.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A caring leader is characterized by respecting coworkers as individuals and empathizing with their needs and concerns. Choice A is more about servant leadership rather than specifically about caring leadership. Choice B, while related to empathy, does not encompass the full spectrum of traits associated with a caring leader. Choice D, being fair and honest, is important in leadership but does not solely define a caring leader.

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