Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is being treated in the ER. Which finding would a nurse expect to note as confirming this diagnosis?

• A. Elevated blood glucose level and a low plasma bicarbonate
• B. Decreased urine output
• C. Increased respirations and an increase in pH
• D. Comatose state

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Elevated blood glucose level and a low plasma bicarbonate. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis, reflected by a low plasma bicarbonate. Elevated blood glucose levels are a hallmark of DKA due to the body's inability to use glucose properly. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Decreased urine output is not a specific finding associated with DKA. Increased respirations and an increase in pH are not typical in DKA; in fact, respiratory compensation for the metabolic acidosis in DKA leads to Kussmaul breathing (deep, rapid breathing). A comatose state may occur in severe cases of DKA but is not a confirming finding for the diagnosis.

2. The nurse and an unlicensed nursing assistant are caring for a group of clients. Which nursing intervention should the nurse perform?

• A. Measure the client's output from the indwelling catheter.
• B. Record the client's intake and output on the I & O sheet.
• C. Instruct the client on appropriate fluid restrictions.
• D. Provide water for a client diagnosed with diabetes insipidus.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Instructing the client on appropriate fluid restrictions is a nursing intervention that requires professional judgment and should be performed by the nurse. In this scenario, the nurse should provide education regarding fluid restrictions based on the client's individual needs. Measuring the client's output from the indwelling catheter (choice A) and recording intake and output (choice B) can be tasks delegated to the unlicensed nursing assistant. Providing water for a client diagnosed with diabetes insipidus (choice D) is not appropriate as these clients often require careful fluid management to prevent complications.

3. The client with DM is being taught by the nurse about the importance of monitoring blood glucose levels. The nurse should instruct the client to:

• A. Check blood glucose only when feeling unwell.
• B. Check blood glucose before meals and at bedtime.
• C. Check blood glucose only after meals.
• D. Check blood glucose only in the morning.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check blood glucose before meals and at bedtime. Monitoring blood glucose levels before meals allows the client to adjust their insulin or oral antidiabetic medications based on their current levels. Checking at bedtime helps in ensuring blood glucose levels are at a safe range throughout the night. Option A is incorrect because blood glucose should be monitored regularly as part of diabetes management, not just when feeling unwell. Option C is incorrect because checking only after meals does not provide a complete picture of blood glucose control throughout the day. Option D is incorrect as checking only in the morning does not cover the full spectrum of blood glucose variations that can occur during the day.

4. A client with type 1 DM is experiencing signs of hypoglycemia. The nurse should expect which of the following symptoms?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Polyuria
• C. Flushed skin
• D. Dry mouth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client experiencing hypoglycemia, tachycardia is a common symptom. This occurs due to the release of adrenaline in response to low blood glucose levels, which stimulates the heart to beat faster. Polyuria, the increased production of urine, flushed skin, and dry mouth are not typical symptoms of hypoglycemia. Polyuria is more commonly associated with conditions like diabetes insipidus or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Flushed skin and dry mouth are not direct physiological responses to low blood sugar levels.

5. A male client with a tentative diagnosis of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) has a history of type 2 diabetes that is being controlled with an oral diabetic agent, tolazamide (Tolinase). Which of the following is the most important laboratory test for confirming this disorder?

• A. Serum potassium level
• B. Serum sodium level
• C. Arterial blood gas (ABG) values
• D. Serum osmolarity

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Serum osmolarity is the most important laboratory test for confirming hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS). HHNS is characterized by severe hyperglycemia and dehydration without ketoacidosis. Elevated serum osmolarity indicates increased solute concentration in the blood, which is a hallmark of HHNS. Serum potassium level (Choice A) is important in conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis rather than HHNS. Serum sodium level (Choice B) may be affected in HHNS but is not the primary test for confirming the disorder. Arterial blood gas (ABG) values (Choice C) are more useful in assessing acid-base status, which is not the primary concern in HHNS.

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