Nursing Elites

1. In order to assist an older diabetic patient to engage in moderate daily exercise, which action is most important for the nurse to take?

• A. Determine what type of activities the patient enjoys.
• B. Remind the patient that exercise will improve self-esteem.
• C. Teach the patient about the effects of exercise on glucose levels.
• D. Give the patient a list of activities that are moderate in intensity.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to determine what type of activities the patient enjoys. This approach is crucial as it helps in personalizing the exercise plan to the patient's preferences, making it more likely for them to adhere to it. Choice B is incorrect because focusing on self-esteem may not directly motivate the patient to engage in exercise. Choice C, although important, may not be the initial step as understanding the patient's preferences comes first. Choice D limits the patient's autonomy by not involving them in the decision-making process.

2. The nurse is preparing to teach a 43-year-old man who is newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about home management of the disease. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Ask the patient’s family to participate in the diabetes education program.
• B. Assess the patient’s perception of what it means to have diabetes mellitus.
• C. Demonstrate how to check glucose using capillary blood glucose monitoring.
• D. Discuss the need for the patient to actively participate in diabetes management.

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

3. A 26-year-old patient with diabetes rides a bicycle to and from work every day. Which site should the nurse teach the patient to administer the morning insulin?

• A. Thigh
• B. Buttock
• C. Abdomen
• D. Upper arm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is the abdomen. When a patient engages in physical activities like riding a bicycle, the abdomen is a suitable site for insulin administration due to the consistent absorption rate. The subcutaneous tissue in the abdomen allows for more predictable insulin absorption compared to other sites. The thigh is also a common site for insulin injection but may not be ideal for this patient due to the physical activity involved. The buttock and upper arm are not preferred sites for insulin injection as they can have variable absorption rates and may not be as convenient for self-administration.

4. A few weeks after an 82-year-old with a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes has been placed on metformin (Glucophage) therapy and taught about appropriate diet and exercise, the home health nurse makes a visit. Which finding by the nurse is most important to discuss with the healthcare provider?

• A. Hemoglobin A1C level is 7.9%.
• B. Last eye exam was 18 months ago.
• C. Glomerular filtration rate is decreased.
• D. Patient has questions about the prescribed diet.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important finding to discuss with the healthcare provider is the decreased glomerular filtration rate. In patients on metformin therapy, monitoring kidney function is crucial as metformin is primarily excreted through the kidneys. A decreased glomerular filtration rate can lead to metformin accumulation in the body, increasing the risk of lactic acidosis, a serious adverse effect. The hemoglobin A1C level being 7.9% indicates poor diabetes control but can be addressed through medication adjustments and lifestyle modifications. The patient needing an eye exam after 18 months is important but not as urgent as discussing the decreased glomerular filtration rate. Patient questions about the prescribed diet can be addressed during the visit without the need for immediate healthcare provider intervention.

5. A nurse on a medical-surgical unit is caring for a client who has a new prescription for wrist restraints. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Pad the client's wrists before applying the restraints.
• B. Evaluate the client's circulation every 8 hours after application.
• C. Secure the restraint ties to the bed's side rails.
• D. Remove the restraints every 4 hours to evaluate the client's status.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When applying wrist restraints, it is crucial to secure the restraint ties to the bed's side rails to ensure the client's safety and prevent injury. Padding the client's wrists (Choice A) is not a standard practice and may compromise the effectiveness of the restraints. Evaluating the client's circulation (Choice B) is important but should be done more frequently than every 8 hours to ensure prompt detection of any circulation issues. Removing the restraints every 4 hours (Choice D) is unnecessary and may increase the risk of injury or agitation in the client.

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