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 are the six levels of consciousness from the most to the least responsive level of consciousness? Number all six using 1 as the most conscious and 6 as the least conscious.

• A. Obtunded, Confused, Lethargic, Comatose, Stuporous, Alert
• B. Confused, Lethargic, Obtunded, Stuporous, Comatose, Alert
• C. Lethargic, Obtunded, Confused, Stuporous, Comatose, Alert
• D. Alert, Confused, Lethargic, Obtunded, Stuporous, Comatose

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct order of the six levels of consciousness from most to least responsive is Alert, Confused, Lethargic, Obtunded, Stuporous, Comatose. Choice A is incorrect because it starts with Obtunded, which is less responsive than Alert. Choice B is incorrect as it doesn't follow the correct order. Choice C is incorrect as Lethargic is more responsive than Obtunded. Therefore, the correct answer is D.

3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to the parent of a toddler who has a new diagnosis of asthma. The parent states she is unable to afford the nebulizer prescribed for the child. Which of the following referrals should the nurse recommend?

• A. Social worker
• B. Pharmacist
• C. Respiratory therapist
• D. Child protective services

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Social worker. A social worker can assist the parent in finding resources to afford the nebulizer. While a pharmacist may provide information about medications and devices, they may not have direct resources to address financial concerns. A respiratory therapist focuses on respiratory care but may not specialize in financial assistance. Referring to child protective services is not appropriate in this scenario as the parent's inability to afford a nebulizer does not indicate neglect or abuse.

4. Round off these numbers to the nearest tenth:

• A. 5.5778 = 5.6, 1.027 = 1.0, 62.999 = 63, 55.123 = 55.1, 96.676 = 96.7
• B. 5.5778 = 5.6, 1.027 = 1.0, 62.999 = 63, 55.123 = 55.1, 96.676 = 96.7
• C. 5.5778 = 5.6, 1.027 = 1.0, 62.999 = 63, 55.123 = 55.1, 96.676 = 96.7
• D. 5.5778 = 5.6, 1.027 = 1.0, 62.999 = 63, 55.123 = 55.1, 96.676 = 96.7

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When rounding off to the nearest tenth, 1.027 becomes 1.0 because the digit in the hundredth's place is less than 5. For the other numbers, they are rounded correctly to the nearest tenth: 5.5778 = 5.6, 62.999 = 63, 55.123 = 55.1, 96.676 = 96.7. Therefore, option B is the most accurate in rounding off these numbers to the nearest tenth. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not round 1.027 to 1.0 as required when rounding to the nearest tenth.

5. What are some of the earliest signs and symptoms of Duchenne's muscular dystrophy?

• A. Clumsiness, difficulty running, climbing, and riding a bicycle
• B. Pain and inflammation in the bones
• C. Deformity of the foot
• D. Infection in the joint leading to arthritis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Clumsiness, difficulty running, climbing, and riding a bicycle are some of the earliest signs and symptoms of Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. Duchenne's muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder characterized by progressive muscle degeneration and weakness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not represent the typical early signs and symptoms of Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. Pain and inflammation in the bones (choice B) are more indicative of conditions like osteomyelitis; deformity of the foot (choice C) is characteristic of talipes or clubfoot; and infection in the joint leading to arthritis (choice D) is more aligned with septic joint or supportive arthritis.

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