Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following ethical principles is demonstrated when a nurse provides truthful information to a patient?

• A. Veracity
• B. Autonomy
• C. Justice
• D. Nonmaleficence

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Veracity. Veracity is the ethical principle of truthfulness and honesty in communication. When a nurse provides truthful information to a patient, it demonstrates integrity and respect for the patient's right to know the truth about their health condition and treatment. Choice B, Autonomy, refers to respecting the patient's right to make their own decisions. Choice C, Justice, involves fairness and equality in healthcare decisions. Choice D, Nonmaleficence, relates to the obligation to do no harm and prevent harm to the patient.

2. A female client with physical findings suggestive of a hyperpituitary condition undergoes an extensive diagnostic workup. Test results reveal a pituitary tumor, necessitating a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. The evening before the surgery, Nurse Jacob reviews preoperative and postoperative instructions provided to the client earlier. Which postoperative instruction should the nurse emphasize?

• A. You must lie flat for 24 hours after surgery.
• B. You must avoid coughing, sneezing, and blowing your nose.
• C. You must restrict your fluid intake.
• D. You must report ringing in your ears immediately.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Following a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, it is crucial to avoid activities such as coughing, sneezing, and blowing the nose to prevent an increase in intracranial pressure or the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Coughing, sneezing, or nose blowing can strain the surgical site, potentially leading to complications. Lying flat for 24 hours is not typically required after this surgery. Fluid intake should be encouraged to prevent dehydration. Ringing in the ears is not a common complication associated with this type of surgery.

3. Albert refuses his bedtime snack. This should alert the healthcare provider to assess for:

• A. Elevated serum bicarbonate and decreased blood pH.
• B. Signs of hypoglycemia earlier than expected.
• C. Symptoms of hyperglycemia due to NPH insulin peak time.
• D. Presence of sugar in the urine.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a patient like Albert refuses his bedtime snack, it can lead to hypoglycemia, especially if they are on medication such as insulin. Hypoglycemia can occur earlier than expected due to the lack of carbohydrate intake before bedtime. This situation warrants the healthcare provider to monitor for signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Choice A is incorrect because the given scenario is more indicative of hypoglycemia than metabolic alkalosis. Choice C is incorrect as NPH insulin peak time is not directly related to skipping a bedtime snack. Choice D is incorrect as sugar in the urine typically indicates hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia.

4. A healthcare provider caring for a client with severe malnutrition reviews the laboratory results and notes a magnesium level of 1.0 mg/dL. Which electrocardiographic change would the healthcare provider expect to note based on the magnesium level?

• A. Prominent U waves
• B. Prolonged PR interval
• C. Depressed ST segment
• D. Widened QRS complexes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A magnesium level of 1.0 mg/dL can cause a depressed ST segment on the ECG. Magnesium deficiency commonly leads to ST segment depression on an electrocardiogram. Prominent U waves are associated with hypokalemia, prolonged PR interval is seen in conditions like first-degree heart block, and widened QRS complexes are typically related to conditions affecting the conduction system of the heart, such as bundle branch blocks.

5. A client with Addison's disease is receiving corticosteroid therapy. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following potential side effects?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Hypertension
• C. Weight loss
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with Addison's disease is receiving corticosteroid therapy, the nurse should monitor for hypertension as a potential side effect. Corticosteroids can lead to hypertension by causing fluid retention and increased blood volume. Hypoglycemia (Choice A) is not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy; instead, hyperglycemia is more likely. Weight loss (Choice C) is not a typical side effect of corticosteroid therapy; in fact, weight gain is more common due to fluid retention and increased appetite. Hyperkalemia (Choice D) is a potential side effect of Addison's disease itself due to adrenal insufficiency, but it is not directly caused by corticosteroid therapy.

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