Nursing Elites

1. A client with diabetes insipidus is receiving desmopressin therapy. The nurse should monitor for which of the following potential side effects?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyponatremia. Desmopressin, a medication used to treat diabetes insipidus, can cause the retention of water without sodium, leading to dilutional hyponatremia. This occurs because desmopressin increases water reabsorption in the kidneys without affecting sodium levels. Hypernatremia (choice B) is unlikely because desmopressin does not cause excessive sodium retention. Hypokalemia (choice C) and hypercalcemia (choice D) are not typically associated with desmopressin therapy for diabetes insipidus.

2. A client with hyperparathyroidism is being assessed. Which of the following symptoms is the nurse likely to find?

• A. Tetany
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Bone pain
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In hyperparathyroidism, there is excessive production of parathyroid hormone, leading to increased calcium resorption from the bones. This process causes bone pain, making choice C the correct answer. Tetany (choice A) is associated with hypocalcemia, not hyperparathyroidism. Hypocalcemia (choice B) is the opposite condition of hyperparathyroidism, where blood calcium levels are elevated. Hypotension (choice D) is not a typical symptom of hyperparathyroidism.

3. An external insulin pump is prescribed for a client with DM. The client asks the nurse about the functioning of the pump. The nurse bases the response on the information that the pump:

• A. Gives small continuous doses of regular insulin subcutaneously, and the client can self-administer a bolus with an additional dosage from the pump before each meal.
• B. Is timed to release programmed doses of regular or NPH insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals.
• C. Is surgically attached to the pancreas and infuses regular insulin into the pancreas, which in turn releases the insulin into the bloodstream.
• D. Continuously infuses small amounts of NPH insulin into the bloodstream while regularly monitoring blood glucose levels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. An external insulin pump delivers small continuous doses of regular insulin subcutaneously throughout the day to meet the basal insulin needs. The client can also self-administer a bolus dose with an additional dosage from the pump before each meal to cover the mealtime insulin needs. Option B is incorrect as insulin pumps do not typically release programmed doses of insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals; instead, they infuse insulin subcutaneously. Option C is incorrect as insulin pumps are not surgically attached to the pancreas; they are worn externally. Option D is incorrect as NPH insulin is not commonly used in insulin pumps, and the pumps do not continuously infuse insulin directly into the bloodstream but rather subcutaneously.

4. A healthcare provider is educating a client with DM on recognizing symptoms of hypoglycemia. Which symptom should the healthcare provider mention?

• A. Increased thirst
• B. Frequent urination
• C. Sweating
• D. Weight loss

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct symptom to mention when educating a client with diabetes mellitus (DM) on hypoglycemia is sweating. Sweating is a common symptom of hypoglycemia as it occurs due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to low blood sugar levels. Increased thirst (Choice A) and frequent urination (Choice B) are more indicative of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) rather than hypoglycemia. Weight loss (Choice D) is not a typical symptom associated with hypoglycemia.

5. A client with diabetes mellitus is being educated on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Which of the following symptoms should the client be instructed to report immediately?

• A. Shakiness
• B. Sweating
• C. Confusion
• D. Increased thirst

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Confusion is a critical symptom of hypoglycemia that indicates the brain is not receiving enough glucose, potentially leading to serious complications like unconsciousness or seizures. Immediate reporting of confusion is essential for prompt intervention to prevent worsening of hypoglycemia. Shakiness and sweating are early warning signs of hypoglycemia but may not always require immediate intervention. Increased thirst is a symptom commonly associated with hyperglycemia rather than hypoglycemia.

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