Nursing Elites

1. A client diagnosed with dementia is disoriented, wandering, has a decreased appetite, and is having trouble sleeping. What is the priority nursing problem for this client?

• A. Disturbed thought processes.
• B. Altered sleep pattern.
• C. Imbalanced nutrition: less than.
• D. Risk for injury.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Risk for injury.' In a client with dementia who is disoriented, wandering, and experiencing sleep disturbances, the priority nursing problem is the risk for injury. Disorientation and wandering behavior can lead to accidents, falls, or other harmful situations, making it crucial for the nurse to address the safety concerns first to prevent any potential harm to the client.

2. The healthcare provider is caring for a client who has just undergone a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Hoarse voice.
• B. Difficulty swallowing.
• C. Numbness and tingling around the mouth.
• D. Sore throat.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Numbness and tingling around the mouth can indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication after thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia can occur due to inadvertent injury or removal of the parathyroid glands during the thyroidectomy, leading to decreased calcium levels. As a result, the client may experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, or spasms. Prompt intervention is necessary to prevent severe complications like tetany or seizures. Therefore, the healthcare provider should address numbness and tingling around the mouth immediately to prevent further deterioration of calcium levels and potential serious outcomes. Choices A, B, and D are not typically associated with immediate post-thyroidectomy complications and can be addressed after ensuring the client's calcium levels are stable.

3. A 9-year-old female client was recently diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Which symptom will her parents most likely report?

• A. Refuses to eat her favorite meals at home.
• B. Drinks more soft drinks than previously.
• C. Voids only one or two times per day.
• D. Gained 10 pounds within one month.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Increased thirst and fluid intake, such as drinking more soft drinks than previously, is a common symptom of diabetes mellitus in children. This increased thirst is due to the body trying to eliminate excess sugar through urination, leading to dehydration and the need for more fluids. The other choices are less likely to be directly related to the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in this scenario.

4. The preceptor is orienting a new graduate nurse to the critical care unit. The preceptor asks the new graduate to state symptoms that most likely indicate the beginning of a shock state in a critically ill client. What findings should the new graduate nurse identify?

• A. Warm skin, hypertension, and constricted pupils.
• B. Bradycardia, hypotension, and respiratory acidosis.
• C. Mottled skin, tachypnea, and hyperactive bowel sounds.
• D. Tachycardia, mental status change, and low urine output.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tachycardia, mental status change, and low urine output are early indicators of shock. In a critically ill client, these findings suggest a decrease in tissue perfusion. Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial to prevent the progression of shock and its complications.

5. A 60-year-old man presents with fatigue, polyuria, and polydipsia. Laboratory tests reveal hyperglycemia and ketonuria. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Type 1 diabetes mellitus
• B. Type 2 diabetes mellitus
• C. Diabetes insipidus
• D. Hyperthyroidism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The presentation of a 60-year-old man with fatigue, polyuria, polydipsia, hyperglycemia, and ketonuria strongly suggests type 1 diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes typically presents with acute symptoms due to absolute insulin deficiency, leading to hyperglycemia and ketonuria. Conversely, type 2 diabetes often presents more insidiously and is associated with relative insulin deficiency and insulin resistance. Diabetes insipidus, a condition characterized by excessive thirst and excretion of large amounts of dilute urine, is due to problems with antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and is not associated with hyperglycemia or ketonuria. Hyperthyroidism, while also presenting with symptoms like fatigue, does not typically manifest with hyperglycemia or ketonuria. Therefore, based on the clinical presentation and laboratory findings, the most likely diagnosis in this case is type 1 diabetes mellitus.

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