Nursing Elites

1. A client with Addison's disease is receiving corticosteroid therapy. The nurse should monitor for which of the following potential side effects?

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hyponatremia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, Hyperglycemia. Corticosteroid therapy can lead to hyperglycemia by increasing blood glucose levels. Corticosteroids can induce insulin resistance, decrease glucose uptake by tissues, and promote gluconeogenesis. While corticosteroid therapy can cause hypoglycemia in some cases, it is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is more commonly associated with conditions like renal failure or certain medications. Hyponatremia (choice D) is typically not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy unless there are other contributing factors present.

2. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents to the emergency department with symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

• A. Administer intravenous insulin
• B. Start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline
• C. Monitor serum potassium levels
• D. Obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first intervention in a client with DKA is to start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline for fluid resuscitation. This is crucial to restore intravascular volume and improve perfusion, addressing the dehydration and electrolyte imbalances commonly seen in DKA. Administering insulin without addressing the dehydration can lead to further complications. Monitoring serum potassium levels is important but is not the first priority; potassium levels can shift with fluid resuscitation. Obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) is helpful in assessing acid-base status but is not the initial priority compared to fluid resuscitation.

3. A client with Cushing's syndrome is being monitored for complications. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Low-grade fever
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Low-grade fever. A low-grade fever may indicate an infection, which is a serious concern in clients with Cushing's syndrome due to their immunosuppressed state. Hypertension and hyperglycemia are common manifestations of Cushing's syndrome and may not require immediate reporting unless severe or uncontrolled. Weight gain is also a common symptom in clients with Cushing's syndrome and may not warrant immediate reporting unless it is sudden and significant.

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

• A. Before meals and at bedtime.
• B. Only after meals.
• C. Only in the morning.
• D. Only when feeling unwell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor blood glucose levels before meals and at bedtime. This timing allows for a comprehensive understanding of how the body responds to food intake and to assess fasting glucose levels. Monitoring blood glucose only after meals (Choice B) may miss important pre-meal fluctuations. Checking glucose levels only in the morning (Choice C) overlooks the impact of meals throughout the day. Monitoring blood glucose only when feeling unwell (Choice D) is reactive and does not provide consistent data for managing diabetes effectively. Therefore, monitoring blood glucose before meals and at bedtime helps in maintaining good glucose control and preventing complications.

5. 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.

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