Nursing Elites

1. A client is in DKA, secondary to infection. As the condition progresses, which of the following symptoms might the nurse see?

• A. Kussmaul's respirations and a fruity odor on the breath
• B. Shallow respirations and severe abdominal pain
• C. Decreased respirations and increased urine output
• D. Cheyne-Stokes respirations and foul-smelling urine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), as the condition progresses, the body tries to compensate for the acidic environment by increasing the respiratory rate, leading to Kussmaul's respirations. The accumulation of ketones in the body causes a fruity odor on the breath. Option A is correct because Kussmaul's respirations and a fruity odor on the breath are classic signs of DKA. Option B is incorrect because shallow respirations are not typically seen in DKA, and severe abdominal pain is more commonly associated with conditions like pancreatitis. Option C is incorrect as decreased respirations are not a typical finding in DKA, and increased urine output is more commonly seen in conditions like diabetes insipidus. Option D is incorrect because Cheyne-Stokes respirations are not characteristic of DKA, and foul-smelling urine is not a prominent symptom in this condition.

2. What does the mnemonic PERLA stand for in the assessment of the eyes?

• A. Pupils equally reactive to light and accommodation
• B. Patient eyes are equally recessed and responsive to light and acuity
• C. Patient eyes are equally responsive to light and acuity
• D. Pupils equally reactive to light and acuity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Pupils equally reactive to light and accommodation.' PERLA is a mnemonic used in eye assessments to check for Pupils being equally reactive to Light and Accommodation. Choice B is incorrect as it includes irrelevant information about the eyes being recessed. Choice C is incorrect as it is missing the mention of pupils and accommodation. Choice D is incorrect as it misses the mention of accommodation.

3. Steven John has type 1 diabetes mellitus and receives insulin. Which laboratory test will the nurse assess?

• A. Potassium
• B. AST (aspartate aminotransferase)
• C. Serum amylase
• D. Sodium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. Patients with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin are at risk of developing hypokalemia due to insulin's effects on potassium levels. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because AST, serum amylase, and sodium levels are not directly impacted by insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes and are not the primary concern that needs monitoring in this scenario.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who requests information about the prevalence of Tay-Sachs disease. Which of the following resources should the nurse use to obtain this information?

• A. The client's health care provider
• B. A collaborative, user-edited website
• C. The facility's case manager
• D. An evidence-based nursing journal

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An evidence-based nursing journal is the correct choice for the nurse to obtain information about the prevalence of Tay-Sachs disease. These journals contain peer-reviewed research and studies conducted by experts in the field, providing accurate and reliable information. Choice A, the client's health care provider, may have general information but may not provide detailed prevalence data. Choice B, a collaborative, user-edited website, is not a reliable source as the information may be inaccurate or outdated. Choice C, the facility's case manager, is unlikely to have specific prevalence data on Tay-Sachs disease.

5. A nurse is providing an in-service about client rights for a group of nurses. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the service?

• A. A nurse can disclose information to a family member with the client's permission
• B. A nurse can apply restraints on an as-needed basis
• C. A nurse can administer medications without consent to a client as part of a research study
• D. A nurse is responsible for informing clients about treatment options

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement to include in the in-service about client rights is that a nurse can disclose information to a family member with the client's permission. This respects the client's autonomy and privacy. Choice B is incorrect because restraints should only be applied based on a specific assessment and order, not on an as-needed basis. Choice C is incorrect as administering medications without consent is a violation of ethical principles and legal standards. Choice D is incorrect because while nurses should educate clients about treatment options, the ultimate decision lies with the client after being informed.

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