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 action should the nurse take for a client struggling to void after having an indwelling catheter removed?

• A. Assess for bladder distention after 2 hours
• B. Encourage the client to try urinating in a sitting position
• C. Pour warm water over the client's perineum
• D. Restrict the client's fluid intake

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to pour warm water over the client's perineum. This intervention helps stimulate urination after catheter removal by providing warmth and promoting relaxation of the muscles. Assessing for bladder distention after 2 hours (Choice A) is not the initial intervention to facilitate voiding. Encouraging the client to try urinating in a sitting position (Choice B) may be uncomfortable if the client is struggling to void. Restricting the client's fluid intake (Choice D) is not appropriate as it can further exacerbate the issue by concentrating the urine.

3. A client needs a 24-hour urine collection initiated. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the procedure?

• A. I had a bowel movement, but I was able to save the urine.
• B. I have a specimen in the bathroom from about 30 minutes ago.
• C. I flushed what I urinated at 7 am and have saved the rest since.
• D. I drink a lot, so I will fill up the bottle and complete the test quickly.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is correct because it demonstrates the client's understanding of the procedure, which involves discarding the first urine of the day at the specified time and then saving all subsequent urine for the next 24 hours. Choices A, B, and D do not reflect an understanding of the correct procedure. Choice A is incorrect because bowel movements are not part of a 24-hour urine collection. Choice B is incorrect as it does not specify discarding the first urine. Choice D is incorrect as it mentions filling up the bottle quickly, which is not the correct way to collect a 24-hour urine sample.

4. What is the primary intervention for a patient with a pneumothorax?

• A. Insert a chest tube
• B. Administer oxygen
• C. Monitor respiratory rate
• D. Administer analgesics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to insert a chest tube. This intervention is considered the definitive treatment for a pneumothorax as it helps remove air or fluid from the pleural space, re-expanding the lung. Administering oxygen (Choice B) can be supportive but is not the primary intervention to treat a pneumothorax. Monitoring respiratory rate (Choice C) is important but does not address the underlying issue of air in the pleural space. Administering analgesics (Choice D) may help manage pain but does not treat the pneumothorax itself.

5. A healthcare provider is checking a newborn's vital signs. Which of the following methods of temperature measurement should the healthcare provider use?

• A. Rectal
• B. Axillary
• C. Oral
• D. Tympanic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The axillary method is the most appropriate for newborns because it is non-invasive and safe. Rectal temperature measurement can be uncomfortable and poses a risk of injury, especially in newborns. Oral temperature measurement is not recommended for newborns due to their inability to cooperate and potential inaccuracies. Tympanic temperature measurement may not be as accurate in newborns compared to older children or adults.

Similar Questions