Nursing Elites

1. A client with diabetes mellitus is scheduled for surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following preoperative actions?

• A. Administer a full dose of insulin before surgery
• B. Hold all oral hypoglycemic agents the day before surgery
• C. Monitor blood glucose levels closely before surgery
• D. Instruct the client to avoid all fluids the morning of surgery

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring blood glucose levels closely before surgery is the priority for a client with diabetes mellitus. This allows for early detection of any abnormalities and helps prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia complications that can arise during the perioperative period. Option A is incorrect because insulin dosing should be individualized based on the client's current blood glucose levels and the surgical plan. Option B is incorrect as abruptly holding oral hypoglycemic agents can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Option D is incorrect as adequate fluid intake is important for the client's hydration status and overall well-being before surgery.

2. The client has received IV solutions for three (3) days through a 20-gauge IV catheter placed in the left cephalic vein. On morning rounds, the nurse notes the IV site is tender to palpation and a red streak has formed. Which action should the nurse implement first?

• A. Start a new IV in the right hand.
• B. Discontinue the intravenous line.
• C. Complete an incident record.
• D. Place a warm washcloth over the site.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The first action should be to discontinue the intravenous line to prevent further complications such as infection or thrombophlebitis. Starting a new IV in the right hand is not the priority as addressing the current issue is important. Completing an incident record can be done after addressing the immediate concern of the IV site. Placing a warm washcloth over the site does not address the red streak and tenderness, which may indicate an infection that requires discontinuation of the IV line.

3. Which of the following clinical findings would be most concerning in a client with hypothyroidism?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Dry skin
• C. Constipation
• D. Depression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bradycardia in a client with hypothyroidism is the most concerning finding as it may indicate severe hypothyroidism, leading to decreased heart rate. Bradycardia can be a sign of myxedema coma, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Dry skin, constipation, and depression are common symptoms associated with hypothyroidism but are not as acutely concerning as bradycardia.

4. A client with hypoparathyroidism is at risk for which of the following complications?

• A. Hypercalcemia
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypernatremia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hypoparathyroidism is characterized by decreased levels of parathyroid hormone, leading to reduced calcium levels in the blood, which results in hypocalcemia. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because hypoparathyroidism does not typically lead to hypercalcemia, hyperkalemia, or hypernatremia. Hypercalcemia is more commonly associated with hyperparathyroidism, where there is excess secretion of parathyroid hormone.

5. Why is glucose an important molecule in a cell?

• A. Extraction of energy
• B. Synthesis of protein
• C. Building of genetic material
• D. Formation of cell membranes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Glucose is a crucial molecule in cells because it serves as the primary source of energy through cellular respiration. Choice B, the synthesis of protein, is incorrect because proteins are typically synthesized from amino acids, not glucose. Choice C, the building of genetic material, is incorrect because genetic material, such as DNA and RNA, is not directly built from glucose. Choice D, the formation of cell membranes, is also incorrect as cell membranes are primarily composed of lipids and proteins, not glucose.

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