Nursing Elites

1. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer insulin
• B. Encourage increased fluid intake
• C. Monitor for signs of dehydration
• D. Check blood glucose levels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia are classic signs of hyperglycemia, indicating high blood glucose levels. The priority action for the nurse is to check the client's blood glucose levels to assess the severity of hyperglycemia and determine the need for appropriate interventions. Administering insulin (Choice A) may be necessary based on the blood glucose levels but should only be done after confirming the current status. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice B) may exacerbate the symptoms by further diluting the blood glucose concentration. While monitoring for signs of dehydration (Choice C) is important in the long term, the immediate action should focus on determining the blood glucose levels first.

2. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The nurse suspects diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following lab findings would confirm this diagnosis?

• A. Serum glucose of 180 mg/dL
• B. Serum bicarbonate of 22 mEq/L
• C. Blood pH of 7.25
• D. Urine specific gravity of 1.020

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A blood pH of 7.25 is a critical finding in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as it indicates metabolic acidosis, which is a hallmark of this condition. In DKA, there is an accumulation of ketones in the blood, leading to increased acidity. The serum glucose level is typically elevated in DKA, often exceeding 250 mg/dL. A serum bicarbonate level less than 18 mEq/L is usually seen in DKA due to the metabolic acidosis. Urine specific gravity is not a specific indicator for DKA and may vary depending on the individual's hydration status. Therefore, the correct lab finding that confirms DKA in this scenario is a blood pH of 7.25.

3. The client with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus is receiving education from the nurse on managing blood glucose levels. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will monitor my blood glucose levels regularly.
• B. I can eat whatever I want as long as I take my medication.
• C. I should exercise regularly to help control my blood sugar.
• D. I will rotate my injection sites to avoid tissue damage.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B indicates a need for further teaching because it suggests that the client can eat whatever they want as long as they take their medication, which is incorrect. Clients with diabetes mellitus need to follow a healthy and balanced diet in addition to taking their medication to effectively manage blood glucose levels. Choices A, C, and D are correct statements for managing diabetes. Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly, engaging in regular exercise to help control blood sugar, and rotating injection sites to avoid tissue damage are all important aspects of diabetes management.

4. Which of the following is a primary goal of nursing?

• A. Assist patients in achieving a peaceful death.
• B. Enhance personal knowledge and skills to improve patient outcomes.
• C. Champion quality of life over quantity of life.
• D. Manage costs to enhance patients' quality of life.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal of nursing is to assist patients in achieving a peaceful death if recovery is not feasible. This involves providing comfort, dignity, and support during the end-of-life process. Choice B is incorrect because while improving personal knowledge and skills is important, it is not the primary goal of nursing. Choice C, advocating for quality of life over quantity of life, is a valid aspect of nursing care but may not always be the primary goal. Choice D, managing costs to enhance patients' quality of life, is not a primary goal of nursing, as the focus should primarily be on patient care and well-being, rather than financial considerations.

5. The nurse is preparing to administer NPH insulin to a client. The nurse should administer the insulin at which site for the best absorption?

• A. The deltoid muscle
• B. The anterior thigh
• C. The abdomen
• D. The gluteal muscle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The abdomen is the preferred site for insulin injection due to its consistent absorption rate. Insulin injected into the abdomen is absorbed more consistently and predictably than in other sites. The deltoid muscle and the anterior thigh are not recommended for insulin injections due to inconsistent absorption rates. The gluteal muscle is avoided for insulin injections due to the risk of hitting the sciatic nerve or causing discomfort to the client.

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