Nursing Elites

1. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. The nurse should instruct the client to do which of the following?

• A. Eat a high-protein snack
• B. Consume 15 grams of simple carbohydrates
• C. Drink a glass of water
• D. Administer an extra dose of insulin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Consuming 15 grams of simple carbohydrates is the recommended treatment for mild hypoglycemia to quickly raise blood sugar levels. Simple carbohydrates are rapidly absorbed and provide a quick source of glucose to combat low blood sugar. Eating a high-protein snack (Choice A) would delay the rise in blood sugar as proteins take longer to be broken down. Drinking water (Choice C) does not directly address the low blood sugar levels associated with hypoglycemia. Administering an extra dose of insulin (Choice D) would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the hypoglycemic state.

2. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which of the following interventions should the healthcare provider include in the care plan?

• A. Encourage oral fluids
• B. Restrict fluid intake
• C. Administer potassium supplements
• D. Increase sodium intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with SIADH is to restrict fluid intake. SIADH leads to water retention and dilution of sodium levels in the body, resulting in hyponatremia. Restricting fluid intake helps prevent further dilutional hyponatremia. Encouraging oral fluids (Choice A) would exacerbate the condition by further increasing fluid retention. Administering potassium supplements (Choice C) is not directly related to managing SIADH. Increasing sodium intake (Choice D) is contraindicated because it can worsen hyponatremia in clients with SIADH.

3. After undergoing a subtotal thyroidectomy, a female client develops hypothyroidism. Dr. Smith prescribes levothyroxine (Levothroid), 25 mcg P.O. daily. For which condition is levothyroxine the preferred agent?

• A. Primary hypothyroidism
• B. Graves' disease
• C. Thyrotoxicosis
• D. Euthyroidism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Levothyroxine is the preferred agent for primary hypothyroidism because it provides the necessary replacement of thyroid hormone in patients with deficient thyroid function. Choice B, Graves' disease, is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism and is typically treated with antithyroid medications or radioactive iodine. Choice C, thyrotoxicosis, refers to the clinical state resulting from excessive thyroid hormone action and is not typically treated with levothyroxine. Choice D, euthyroidism, describes a normal thyroid function and would not require treatment with levothyroxine.

4. Which of the following is true about effective leadership?

• A. Leadership traits can be learned through experience and reflection.
• B. Nurses can learn to become good leaders by acting as good leaders and reflecting on leadership qualities they have and those they can improve upon.
• C. Focus on leadership activities required for the day is essential for effective leadership.
• D. Taking advantage of every opportunity to be a leader is crucial, creating those opportunities as often as possible, especially after gaining experience as a nurse.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is correct because nurses can develop effective leadership skills by actively engaging as good leaders and reflecting on their existing leadership qualities and areas for improvement. This process of self-assessment and continuous improvement is crucial in becoming a successful leader. Choice A is incorrect as leadership traits can be learned through experience and reflection rather than being impossible to acquire from a book. Choice C is incorrect as effective leadership involves focusing on long-term goals and strategies, not just daily activities. Choice D is incorrect because while seizing leadership opportunities is important, it should be done strategically and with a solid foundation of experience in nursing to ensure successful leadership outcomes.

5. The client with DM who is taking insulin develops a fever and becomes confused. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Check the client's blood glucose level.
• B. Administer a fever-reducing medication.
• C. Give the client fluids to drink.
• D. Notify the health care provider.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client with diabetes mellitus (DM) taking insulin, the development of fever and confusion may indicate hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Checking the blood glucose level is the priority action in this situation. This will help determine if the symptoms are related to high blood sugar levels, guiding further interventions. Administering a fever-reducing medication (choice B) addresses only the symptom of fever and does not address the underlying cause. Providing fluids to drink (choice C) is important but should come after addressing the potential hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Notifying the health care provider (choice D) can be important, but immediate action to evaluate and manage the client's condition should precede contacting the provider.

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