Nursing Elites

1. For a 55-year-old female patient with type 2 diabetes and a nursing diagnosis of imbalanced nutrition: more than body requirements, which goal is most important?

• A. The patient will reach a glycosylated hemoglobin level of less than 7%.
• B. The patient will follow a diet and exercise plan that results in weight loss.
• C. The patient will choose a diet that distributes calories throughout the day.
• D. The patient will state the reasons for eliminating simple sugars in the diet.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important goal for a 55-year-old female patient with type 2 diabetes and imbalanced nutrition due to more than body requirements is to reach a glycosylated hemoglobin level of less than 7%. This goal directly addresses the management of diabetes and is crucial in preventing complications associated with high blood sugar levels. Choice B focuses on weight loss, which may be beneficial but is not as critical as controlling blood sugar levels. Choice C, distributing calories throughout the day, is important for glycemic control but not as immediate as reaching a target HbA1c level. Choice D, stating the reasons for eliminating simple sugars, is a good educational goal but not as urgent as achieving glycemic control.

2. When a patient who takes metformin (Glucophage) to manage type 2 diabetes develops an allergic rash from an unknown cause, the healthcare provider prescribes prednisone (Deltasone). The nurse will anticipate that the patient may

• A. require administration of insulin while taking prednisone
• B. develop acute hypoglycemia while taking prednisone
• C. require administration of insulin while taking prednisone
• D. have rashes caused by metformin-prednisone interactions

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient taking metformin develops an allergic rash from an unknown cause and is prescribed prednisone, the nurse should anticipate that the patient may require administration of insulin while taking prednisone. Prednisone can increase blood glucose levels by antagonizing the effects of insulin, leading to hyperglycemia. Therefore, the patient may need additional insulin to manage blood sugar levels effectively. The other options are incorrect as prednisone would not directly cause a need for a higher-calorie diet, acute hypoglycemia, or rashes caused by a metformin-prednisone interaction.

3. A diabetic patient who has reported burning foot pain at night receives a new prescription. Which information should the nurse teach the patient about amitriptyline (Elavil)?

• A. Amitriptyline decreases the depression caused by your foot pain.
• B. Amitriptyline helps prevent transmission of pain impulses to the brain.
• C. Amitriptyline corrects some of the blood vessel changes that cause pain.
• D. Amitriptyline improves sleep and reduces awareness of nighttime pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps in reducing the transmission of pain impulses to the brain. Choice A is incorrect because amitriptyline primarily works on pain transmission rather than directly on depression. Choice C is inaccurate as amitriptyline's mechanism of action is not related to correcting blood vessel changes. Choice D is partially true as amitriptyline can improve sleep, but the primary mechanism related to pain relief is by preventing pain impulses from reaching the brain.

4. An active 28-year-old male with type 1 diabetes is being seen in the endocrine clinic. Which finding may indicate the need for a change in therapy?

• A. Hemoglobin A1C level 6.2%
• B. Blood pressure 146/88 mmHg
• C. Heart rate at rest 58 beats/minute
• D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) level 65 mg/dL

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In a young adult with type 1 diabetes, a blood pressure of 146/88 mmHg may indicate the need for a change in therapy as it is above the recommended target levels. High blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular complications in diabetic patients. Choices A, C, and D are within normal ranges and do not necessarily indicate the need for an immediate change in therapy. A Hemoglobin A1C level of 6.2% is generally considered good control for a diabetic patient, a resting heart rate of 58 beats/minute is normal for an active individual, and an HDL level of 65 mg/dL is considered to be in the desirable range for heart health.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled to be transferred to a long-term care facility. The client's family questions the nurse about the reasons for the transfer. Which of the following responses made by the nurse is appropriate?

• A. The transfer of your family member is being done because the provider knows what's best.
• B. Would you like us to discuss the transfer with your family member?
• C. Why are you so concerned about this transfer?
• D. I know how you feel. My parent had to be transferred to a long-term care facility.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A because it provides a professional and reassuring explanation for the transfer, focusing on the expertise of the healthcare provider. Choice B offers to include the family member in the discussion, which may not address their concerns directly. Choice C appears defensive and does not address the family's inquiry. Choice D shifts the focus to the nurse's personal experience, which may not be relevant or helpful to the family seeking information about their own situation.

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