Nursing Elites

1. A 26-year-old female with type 1 diabetes develops a sore throat and runny nose after caring for her sick toddler. The patient calls the clinic for advice about her symptoms and a blood glucose level of 210 mg/dL despite taking her usual glargine (Lantus) and lispro (Humalog) insulin. The nurse advises the patient to

• A. use only the lispro insulin until the symptoms are resolved
• B. limit calorie intake until the glucose is less than 120 mg/dL
• C. monitor blood glucose every 4 hours and notify the clinic if it continues to rise
• D. decrease carbohydrate intake until glycosylated hemoglobin is less than 7%

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should advise the patient to monitor her blood glucose every 4 hours and notify the clinic if it continues to rise. This is important because the patient is experiencing symptoms of an illness (sore throat and runny nose) that can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. By monitoring frequently, any significant rise in blood glucose can be detected early, enabling prompt intervention. Choice A is incorrect because abruptly stopping glargine (Lantus) insulin can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Choice B is incorrect as limiting calorie intake is not the appropriate immediate action for managing high blood glucose levels. Choice D is also incorrect as adjusting carbohydrate intake based on glycosylated hemoglobin levels is not the immediate action needed in this acute situation.

2. After receiving change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?

• A. 19-year-old with type 1 diabetes who has a hemoglobin A1C of 12%
• B. 23-year-old with type 1 diabetes who has a blood glucose of 40 mg/dL
• C. 40-year-old who is pregnant and has an oral glucose tolerance test result of 202 mg/dL
• D. 50-year-old who uses exenatide (Byetta) and is complaining of acute abdominal pain

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the patient with a blood glucose level of 40 mg/dL (hypoglycemia) needs immediate attention. Hypoglycemia is an emergency situation that requires prompt intervention to prevent adverse effects such as seizures or loss of consciousness. Assessing and managing this patient first is crucial to prevent further deterioration. Choices A, C, and D do not present immediate life-threatening situations requiring urgent intervention like severe hypoglycemia does. While a high hemoglobin A1C level (choice A), an abnormal oral glucose tolerance test result (choice C), and acute abdominal pain (choice D) are important issues, they do not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life compared to severe hypoglycemia.

3. Which of the following clients would most likely be selected for case management?

• A. An adolescent with a gunshot wound who is in the ER.
• B. A young adult with a fractured pelvis.
• C. An elderly client awaiting a hip replacement.
• D. A 41-year-old client admitted for outpatient tonsillectomy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, an elderly client awaiting a hip replacement. This choice is most likely selected for case management because hip replacements are common surgical procedures with high volume in hospitals, making it appropriate for case management. Choices A, B, and D involve acute care conditions but do not typically require the same level of coordination and management that a hip replacement case would. Therefore, they are less likely to be selected for case management.

4. The nurse is assessing a 22-year-old patient experiencing the onset of symptoms of type 1 diabetes. Which question is most appropriate for the nurse to ask?

• A. "Are you anorexic?"
• B. "Is your urine dark colored?"
• C. "Have you lost weight lately?"
• D. "Do you crave sugary drinks?"

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Weight loss is a common symptom in the onset of type 1 diabetes due to the body's inability to use glucose for energy. The lack of insulin leads the body to break down fat and muscle for fuel, causing unintentional weight loss. This is a more relevant question compared to the others, as it directly relates to the metabolic changes associated with type 1 diabetes.

5. Which of the following statements about ethical principles and laws is true?

• A. The government holds the power to enforce ethics.
• B. Laws provide standards that assist in decision making.
• C. Ethics are very specific.
• D. As a standard for measuring actions, ethical principles may be the basis for laws.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'As a standard for measuring actions, ethical principles may be the basis for laws.' This statement is true as ethical principles can influence the creation and implementation of laws. Ethical principles often serve as a foundation for laws by reflecting societal values and moral standards. Choice A is incorrect because while the government may enforce laws, ethics are typically guided by moral principles rather than government enforcement. Choice B is incorrect because laws provide legal standards, not ethical standards, for decision-making. Choice C is incorrect because ethics are not always very specific; they can be broad and encompass various moral values and principles.

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