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ATI Learning System PN Medical Surgical Final Quizlet
1. A client is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Fruity breath odor.
- B. Blood glucose of 450 mg/dL.
- C. Deep, rapid respirations.
- D. Serum potassium of 5.2 mEq/L.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Deep, rapid respirations (Kussmaul breathing). This is a sign of severe acidosis commonly seen in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and requires immediate intervention. Kussmaul breathing helps to compensate for the metabolic acidosis by blowing off carbon dioxide. Prompt intervention is necessary to prevent further deterioration and potential respiratory failure. Fruity breath odor (Choice A) is a classic sign of DKA but does not require immediate intervention. While a blood glucose level of 450 mg/dL (Choice B) is high, it does not pose an immediate threat to the client's life. Serum potassium of 5.2 mEq/L (Choice D) is slightly elevated but not the most critical finding that requires immediate intervention in this scenario.
2. Which problem in a client requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Finger paresthesias related to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- B. Increasing sharp pain related to compartment syndrome.
- C. Increasing burning pain related to a Morton's neuroma.
- D. Increasing sharp pain related to plantar fasciitis.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increasing sharp pain related to compartment syndrome. Compartment syndrome is a serious condition where increased pressure within a muscle compartment compromises circulation and can lead to tissue damage. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent permanent damage to muscles and nerves, including tissue necrosis and nerve injury. Choices A, C, and D do not present the same level of urgency as compartment syndrome, making them less critical for immediate intervention. Carpal tunnel syndrome, Morton's neuroma, and plantar fasciitis may cause discomfort and functional limitations but are not typically considered emergencies requiring urgent intervention like compartment syndrome.
3. Why is a low-protein diet recommended for a client with hepatic encephalopathy?
- A. Hyperglycemia
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Increased ammonia levels
- D. Electrolyte imbalance
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A low-protein diet is recommended for clients with hepatic encephalopathy to reduce ammonia levels. Ammonia, a byproduct of protein metabolism, can accumulate in the blood due to impaired liver function. Elevated ammonia levels can lead to worsening hepatic encephalopathy, a condition characterized by cognitive and neurological disturbances. Therefore, by limiting protein intake, the production of ammonia is reduced, thereby helping to manage hepatic encephalopathy. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because hepatic encephalopathy is not primarily related to hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, or electrolyte imbalance. The focus is on reducing ammonia levels to improve the condition.
4. What instruction should a patient with a history of hypertension be provided when being discharged with a prescription for a thiazide diuretic?
- A. Avoid foods high in potassium.
- B. Take the medication at bedtime.
- C. Monitor weight daily.
- D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction for a patient with a history of hypertension being discharged with a prescription for a thiazide diuretic is to monitor weight daily. This is important because thiazide diuretics can cause fluid imbalances, and monitoring weight daily can help detect significant changes early. Choice A, avoiding foods high in potassium, is not directly related to thiazide diuretics. Choice B, taking the medication at bedtime, may vary depending on the specific medication but is not a universal instruction. Choice D, limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day, is not appropriate as adequate hydration is important to prevent complications like hypokalemia.
5. What action should the nurse take for a patient admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis exhibiting rapid, deep respirations?
- A. Administer the prescribed PRN lorazepam (Ativan).
- B. Start the prescribed PRN oxygen at 2 to 4 L/min.
- C. Administer the prescribed normal saline bolus and insulin.
- D. Encourage the patient to practice guided imagery for relaxation.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis and rapid, deep (Kussmaul) respirations is to administer a normal saline bolus and insulin. The rapid, deep respirations indicate a metabolic acidosis, which requires correction with a saline bolus to prevent hypovolemia and insulin to facilitate glucose re-entry into cells. Oxygen therapy is not necessary since the increased respiratory rate is compensatory and not due to hypoxemia. Encouraging relaxation techniques or administering lorazepam are inappropriate as they can worsen the acidosis by suppressing the compensatory respiratory effort.
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