A client with long-standing obesity has been prescribed phentermine/topiramate-ER. What statement by the client suggests that further health education is necessary?

A. I'm so relieved to start this medication. I really don't like having to exercise or change what I eat.

B. It's hard to believe that there are actually medications that can treat obesity.

C. I'm a bit nervous to start this medication because I know I'll need blood tests sometimes.

D. I'm going to have to do some rearranging of my finances to make sure I can afford this medication.

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Choice A suggests the need for further health education as the client expresses a reluctance to exercise or change dietary habits, indicating a lack of understanding about the importance of lifestyle modifications in conjunction with medication for effective weight management. It is important for the client to comprehend that a holistic approach, including lifestyle changes, is crucial for successful obesity treatment and long-term health benefits.

A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What is the priority nursing action?

• A. Administer regular insulin intravenously.
• B. Give oral hypoglycemic agents.
• C. Administer sodium bicarbonate.
• D. Provide a high-calorie diet.

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The priority nursing action for a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is to administer regular insulin intravenously. Insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels and correct acidosis, which are critical in managing DKA. Administering oral hypoglycemic agents is not appropriate in the acute setting of DKA as they may not work quickly enough compared to intravenous insulin. While sodium bicarbonate may be used to correct acidosis, insulin administration is the priority to address both hyperglycemia and acidosis simultaneously. Providing a high-calorie diet is not suitable initially in DKA management; the main focus is on stabilizing the patient's condition through insulin therapy and fluid/electrolyte correction.

Which assessment finding indicates a client's readiness to leave the nursing unit for a bronchoscopy?

• A. Client denies allergies to contrast media.
• B. Skin prep to insertion site completed.
• C. On-call sedation administered.
• D. Oxygen at 2 L/minute via nasal cannula.

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Administering on-call sedation is crucial before a bronchoscopy to ensure the client is comfortable and adequately prepared for the procedure. Sedation helps reduce anxiety, discomfort, and ensures the client remains still during the bronchoscopy, enabling the healthcare provider to perform the procedure effectively.

A 35-year-old woman presents with fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Laboratory tests reveal high TSH and low free T4 levels. What is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Hypothyroidism
• B. Hyperthyroidism
• C. Thyroiditis
• D. Thyroid cancer

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The scenario describes a 35-year-old woman with symptoms of fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance along with high TSH and low free T4 levels. These findings are consistent with the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, there is decreased thyroid hormone production leading to elevated TSH levels as the body tries to stimulate the thyroid to produce more hormone. The low free T4 levels indicate insufficient thyroid hormone in the blood, which can manifest as symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance.

In planning the turning schedule for a bedfast client, it is most important for the nurse to consider what assessment finding?

• A. 4+ pitting edema of both lower extremities.
• B. A Braden risk assessment scale rating score of ten.
• C. Warm, dry skin with a fever of 100° F.
• D. Hypoactive bowel sounds with infrequent bowel movements.

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A low Braden score indicates a high risk for pressure ulcers, making regular turning crucial to prevent skin breakdown.