Nursing Elites

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

• A. Hypoglycemia
• B. Hypertension
• C. Weight loss
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with Addison's disease is receiving corticosteroid therapy, the nurse should monitor for hypertension as a potential side effect. Corticosteroids can lead to hypertension by causing fluid retention and increased blood volume. Hypoglycemia (Choice A) is not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy; instead, hyperglycemia is more likely. Weight loss (Choice C) is not a typical side effect of corticosteroid therapy; in fact, weight gain is more common due to fluid retention and increased appetite. Hyperkalemia (Choice D) is a potential side effect of Addison's disease itself due to adrenal insufficiency, but it is not directly caused by corticosteroid therapy.

2. A client with diabetes mellitus is receiving an oral antidiabetic medication. The nurse should monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypoglycemia. When a client with diabetes mellitus is taking oral antidiabetic medication, the nurse should closely monitor for hypoglycemia, which is a common adverse effect. Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar levels drop below normal range, leading to symptoms like confusion, shakiness, and sweating. Weight gain (Choice A) is not a typical adverse effect of oral antidiabetic medications. Hyperglycemia (Choice C) is the opposite of the desired effect of antidiabetic medications, which aim to lower blood sugar levels. Bradycardia (Choice D) is not directly associated with oral antidiabetic medications; it refers to a slow heart rate.

3. A client with hyperparathyroidism is at risk for which of the following complications?

• A. Hypocalcemia
• B. Osteoporosis
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hyponatremia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A client with hyperparathyroidism is at risk for osteoporosis, not hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, or hyponatremia. Hyperparathyroidism results in increased levels of parathyroid hormone, which causes excessive breakdown of bone tissue to release calcium into the bloodstream. This process can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of osteoporosis. Hypocalcemia is unlikely in hyperparathyroidism as the condition is characterized by elevated calcium levels due to the abnormal activity of the parathyroid glands. Hypokalemia and hyponatremia are not directly associated with hyperparathyroidism; they are more commonly linked to other conditions affecting potassium and sodium levels in the body.

4. Knowing that gluconeogenesis helps to maintain blood glucose levels, a healthcare provider should:

• A. Document weight changes due to fatty acid mobilization.
• B. Evaluate the patient's sensitivity to low room temperatures due to decreased adipose tissue insulation.
• C. Protect the patient from sources of infection due to decreased cellular protein deposits.
• D. Do all of the above.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Gluconeogenesis is a process where the body synthesizes glucose from non-carbohydrate sources to maintain blood glucose levels. Documenting weight changes due to fatty acid mobilization is important as it can impact the patient's metabolic status. Evaluating the patient's sensitivity to low room temperatures because of decreased adipose tissue insulation is crucial to prevent hypothermia. Protecting the patient from sources of infection due to decreased cellular protein deposits is essential to prevent complications. Therefore, all the options are relevant considerations in managing a patient undergoing gluconeogenesis, making option D the correct answer.

5. A healthcare professional is preparing to care for a client with a potassium deficit. The healthcare professional reviews the client's record and determines that the client was at risk for developing the potassium deficit because the client:

• A. Has renal failure.
• B. Requires nasogastric suction.
• C. Has a history of Addison's disease.
• D. Is taking a potassium-sparing diuretic.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nasogastric suction can lead to significant potassium loss due to the continuous drainage of gastric contents, increasing the risk of a potassium deficit. Choices A, C, and D do not directly result in the significant loss of potassium. Renal failure may lead to potassium retention rather than a deficit. Addison's disease is associated with adrenal insufficiency, not potassium depletion. Potassium-sparing diuretics, as the name suggests, typically help retain potassium rather than cause a deficit.

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