which strategy should be a priority when the nurse is planning care for a diabetic patient who is uninsured

NCLEX-RN

NCLEX RN Practice Questions With Rationale

1. When planning care for an uninsured diabetic patient, which strategy should be a priority?

A. Obtain less expensive medications
B. Follow evidence-based practice guidelines
C. Assist with dietary changes as the first action
D. Teach about the impact of exercise on diabetes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority when planning care for an uninsured diabetic patient should be to follow evidence-based practice guidelines. By adhering to standardized evidence-based guidelines, the nurse can help reduce healthcare disparities among different socioeconomic groups. While obtaining less expensive medications and assisting with dietary changes are important, the primary concern should be providing care that aligns with established standards of practice. Teaching about the impact of exercise is also valuable but may not be the priority when immediate care planning for an uninsured patient is considered.

2. A client with hyperkalemia may exhibit peaked T waves on an electrocardiogram. This manifestation is an early sign of high potassium levels, but the diagnosis should not be based on this aspect alone. Untreated, hyperkalemia can lead to progressively worsening cardiac instability.

A. A lumbar puncture takes a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the back, which will be analyzed by the lab.
B. The physician will insert a needle at the level of L4-L5 in the spinal cord.
C. The client should lie flat on their back for a specific period following the procedure.
D. The risks of the procedure include headache, back pain, and infection.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A lumbar puncture is performed to obtain cerebrospinal fluid for analysis to investigate various conditions affecting the client. During the procedure, the client is typically positioned on their side or sitting leaning over a table with their back rounded. The physician inserts a needle into the back around the L4-L5 vertebrae to collect the sample. Option A is incorrect because a lumbar puncture does not draw blood but instead collects cerebrospinal fluid. Option C is incorrect as the client should not necessarily lie flat for 24 hours post-procedure. Option D is incorrect as the common risks of a lumbar puncture include headache, back pain, and potential infection, not nausea, rash, or hypotension.

3. A nurse is performing an end-of-shift count of narcotics kept in the locked cabinet. The narcotic log states there should be 26 oxycodone pills left, but there are only 24 in the drawer. What is the first action of the nurse?

A. Perform the count again
B. Contact the pharmacy to determine if the narcotic log is incorrect
C. Check with the last nurse to sign out narcotics from the system
D. Notify the house supervisor that narcotic medications are missing

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The first action the nurse should take in this situation is to perform the count again. This step is crucial to ensure there was no miscount during the initial check. By verifying the count, the nurse can confirm if there is indeed a discrepancy in the number of oxycodone pills. Contacting the pharmacy, checking with the last nurse, or notifying the house supervisor should only be considered after ensuring the count is accurate. It's important to rule out any human error before escalating the issue to others.

4. What consideration is important when caring for a female Muslim patient?

A. Make eye contact
B. Provide long-sleeved gowns or allow her to use her own
C. Touch while talking
D. Assign male caregivers when possible

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a female Muslim patient, providing long-sleeved gowns or allowing her to use her own clothing is crucial. Most Muslim women prefer to cover their whole body, even during examinations. Offering long gowns with long sleeves or allowing the patient to use her own clothing respects her cultural and religious preferences. Making eye contact is not a common practice in some Muslim cultures, so it's important to be mindful of this and respect the patient's preferences. Touching while talking may not be culturally appropriate for some Muslim patients, so it's best to avoid it unless necessary. Assigning female caregivers is often preferred to respect the patient's modesty and religious beliefs. If a male caregiver or physician needs to interact with the patient, the patient's husband may request to be present in the room.

5. Albert is a patient in the hospital who is scheduled for surgery the following morning. After the pre-operative visit from the anesthesia staff member who has obtained surgical consent, Albert asks for an explanation of what type of surgery he is going to have. He states that he's not sure what he just signed. What is your best response?

A. Don't worry, they'll explain it in the operating room.
B. It's standard procedure to get the consent; you don't need to worry.
C. Let me ask the nurse anesthetist to come back and explain it further.
D. Someone will review it with you prior to surgery.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct response is to ensure that the patient fully understands the nature of the surgery they are about to undergo. If the patient expresses uncertainty about the procedure they signed consent for, it indicates a lack of informed consent, which is essential before any surgery. By requesting the nurse anesthetist to return and provide a more detailed explanation, the patient can make an informed decision. Choices A, B, and D do not address the issue of the patient's lack of understanding and the need for informed consent, making them incorrect. Option C is the best course of action to rectify the situation and ensure the patient's understanding and consent are properly obtained.