Nursing Elites

1. A client with newly diagnosed type I diabetes mellitus is being seen by the home health nurse. The physician orders include: 1,200-calorie ADA diet, 15 units of NPH insulin before breakfast, and check blood sugar qid. When the nurse visits the client at 5 PM, the nurse observes the man performing a blood sugar analysis. The result is 50 mg/dL. The nurse would expect the client to be

• A. Confused with cold, clammy skin and a pulse of 110
• B. Lethargic with hot, dry skin and rapid, deep respirations
• C. Alert and cooperative with a BP of 130/80 and respirations of 12
• D. Short of breath, with distended neck veins and a bounding pulse of 96

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Low blood sugar levels (50 mg/dL) typically cause confusion, cold clammy skin, and an increased pulse (tachycardia). Option A correctly describes the expected symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include confusion due to the brain's inadequate glucose supply, cold and clammy skin due to sympathetic nervous system activation, and an increased pulse (110 bpm) as the body reacts to low blood sugar levels. Options B, C, and D describe symptoms that are not typically associated with hypoglycemia. Lethargy, hot dry skin, rapid deep respirations, normal vital signs, shortness of breath, distended neck veins, and bounding pulse are more indicative of other conditions or normal physiological responses, not hypoglycemia.

2. What are the complications of untreated pneumonia?

• A. Sepsis and respiratory failure
• B. Heart failure and kidney failure
• C. Pulmonary embolism and electrolyte imbalance
• D. Liver failure and electrolyte imbalance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Sepsis and respiratory failure. Untreated pneumonia can lead to severe complications such as sepsis, which is a life-threatening response to infection, and respiratory failure, where the lungs can no longer provide enough oxygen to the body. Heart failure and kidney failure (choice B) are not direct complications of untreated pneumonia. Pulmonary embolism and electrolyte imbalance (choice C) are also not commonly associated with untreated pneumonia. Liver failure and electrolyte imbalance (choice D) are not typical complications of pneumonia.

3. A client scheduled to begin chemotherapy is discussing alopecia with a nurse. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

• A. Avoid washing your hair during treatment
• B. Your oncologist might prescribe a cold cap during treatment to reduce hair loss
• C. You'll need to apply sunscreen to the scalp
• D. You'll likely experience regrowth of hair within 6 months after treatment ends

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should inform the client that their oncologist might prescribe a cold cap during treatment to reduce chemotherapy-induced hair loss by cooling the scalp. Choice A is incorrect as washing the hair during treatment is generally recommended. Choice C is incorrect as sunscreen is not typically needed for the scalp in this context. Choice D is incorrect as regrowth of hair can vary among individuals and is not guaranteed within a specific timeframe.

4. How do you assess for dehydration in a pediatric patient?

• A. Check for dry mouth and decreased urine output
• B. Monitor skin turgor and capillary refill
• C. Assess for lethargy and irritability
• D. Monitor blood pressure and heart rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Correct! When assessing for dehydration in a pediatric patient, checking for dry mouth and decreased urine output are crucial indicators. Dry mouth indicates reduced fluid intake or dehydration, while decreased urine output suggests decreased renal perfusion secondary to dehydration. Skin turgor and capillary refill are more indicative of perfusion status rather than dehydration specifically. Lethargy and irritability can be present in dehydrated patients but are more general signs of illness. Monitoring blood pressure and heart rate are important in assessing dehydration severity but are not the initial signs used for assessment.

5. A client with a tracheostomy is experiencing increased secretions and labored breathing. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Administer a bronchodilator
• B. Suction the tracheostomy
• C. Encourage the client to cough
• D. Notify the provider

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to suction the tracheostomy first. When a client with a tracheostomy is experiencing increased secretions and labored breathing, suctioning the tracheostomy is the priority intervention to clear the airway and improve breathing. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice A) may help with breathing but should come after ensuring the airway is clear. Encouraging the client to cough (Choice C) may not be effective in clearing secretions from the tracheostomy. Notifying the provider (Choice D) can be done after ensuring immediate airway clearance.

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