Nursing Elites

1. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The nurse suspects diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following lab findings would confirm this diagnosis?

• A. Serum glucose of 180 mg/dL
• B. Serum bicarbonate of 22 mEq/L
• C. Blood pH of 7.25
• D. Urine specific gravity of 1.020

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A blood pH of 7.25 is a critical finding in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) as it indicates metabolic acidosis, which is a hallmark of this condition. In DKA, there is an accumulation of ketones in the blood, leading to increased acidity. The serum glucose level is typically elevated in DKA, often exceeding 250 mg/dL. A serum bicarbonate level less than 18 mEq/L is usually seen in DKA due to the metabolic acidosis. Urine specific gravity is not a specific indicator for DKA and may vary depending on the individual's hydration status. Therefore, the correct lab finding that confirms DKA in this scenario is a blood pH of 7.25.

2. The nurse is providing dietary instructions to a client with DM. The nurse instructs the client to include which item in the diet?

• A. High-fat foods
• B. Low-carbohydrate foods
• C. High-protein foods
• D. High-fiber foods

Correct answer: D

Rationale: High-fiber foods are beneficial for clients with diabetes because they help regulate blood glucose levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar. Additionally, high-fiber foods aid in maintaining satiety, supporting weight management, and preventing constipation. High-fat foods (choice A) are not recommended for clients with diabetes due to their potential negative impact on heart health and weight. While low-carbohydrate foods (choice B) can be part of a diabetes-friendly diet, high-fiber foods are more specifically beneficial for managing blood sugar levels. High-protein foods (choice C) can be included in moderation in a diabetic diet, but they are not the primary focus when it comes to improving glycemic control.

3. Working in a stressful work environment, nursing requires effective nurse managers. Which of the following skills is necessary for a nurse manager to be effective?

• A. Clinical knowledge
• B. Managerial skills
• C. Patient care coordination
• D. Human resource training

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Managerial skills are crucial for nurse managers to be effective. They need to possess skills such as problem-solving and decision-making to handle various challenges in the healthcare setting. Clinical knowledge (choice A) is important for direct patient care but may not be the primary focus of a manager's role. Patient care coordination (choice C) is vital, but managerial skills are more directly related to a nurse manager's effectiveness. Human resource training (choice D) is helpful but not as essential as managerial skills in ensuring effective leadership in a nursing environment.

4. The client with DM is being taught about the signs of hyperglycemia. Which symptom should the nurse include?

• A. Excessive thirst
• B. Sweating
• C. Shaking
• D. Hunger

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Excessive thirst, also known as polydipsia, is a hallmark symptom of hyperglycemia. When blood glucose levels are high, the body tries to eliminate the excess glucose through urine, leading to increased urination and subsequent thirst. Sweating, shaking, and hunger are more commonly associated with hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia. Sweating can occur when blood sugar levels drop too low, shaking is a sign of hypoglycemia, and hunger is often a result of low blood sugar levels triggering the body to seek fuel.

5. A nurse is preparing a plan of care for a client with DM who has hyperglycemia. The priority nursing diagnosis would be:

• A. High risk for deficient fluid volume
• B. Deficient knowledge: disease process and treatment
• C. Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements
• D. Disabled family coping: compromised

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a client with diabetes mellitus (DM) experiencing hyperglycemia would be 'High risk for deficient fluid volume.' Hyperglycemia can lead to osmotic diuresis, causing significant fluid loss and an increased risk of deficient fluid volume. This nursing diagnosis addresses the immediate physiological concern related to fluid balance.\n\nChoice B, 'Deficient knowledge: disease process and treatment,' focuses on the client's understanding of DM, which is important but not the priority when the client is at risk of fluid volume deficit.\n\nChoice C, 'Imbalanced nutrition: less than body requirements,' pertains to inadequate intake of nutrients, which is not the priority concern when fluid volume deficit poses a more immediate threat.\n\nChoice D, 'Disabled family coping: compromised,' addresses a psychosocial aspect and is not the priority over the critical physiological issue of fluid volume deficit in a client with hyperglycemia.

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