Nursing Elites

1. A client with type 1 DM is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The nurse should prioritize which action?

• A. Administering intravenous fluids.
• B. Administering oral glucose.
• C. Administering a fever-reducing medication.
• D. Administering oxygen therapy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering intravenous fluids is the priority in treating DKA for several reasons. DKA is characterized by severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to hyperglycemia. IV fluids help to correct dehydration, restore electrolyte balance, and decrease blood glucose levels. Administering oral glucose (Choice B) would be contraindicated in DKA as the primary issue is high blood glucose levels. Administering a fever-reducing medication (Choice C) is not the priority in managing DKA. Administering oxygen therapy (Choice D) may be necessary in some cases, but correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalances take precedence in the management of DKA.

2. A client with DM is scheduled for surgery. The nurse should plan to:

• A. Monitor the client's blood glucose level closely during the perioperative period.
• B. Give the client a regular diet as ordered.
• C. Have the client stop taking insulin 48 hours before surgery.
• D. Hold the client's insulin on the morning of surgery.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's blood glucose level closely during the perioperative period. For a client with diabetes mellitus (DM) scheduled for surgery, it is essential to closely monitor blood glucose levels to prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia. Choice B is incorrect because giving the client a regular diet as ordered may not address the specific needs related to managing blood glucose levels in the perioperative period. Choice C is incorrect as abruptly stopping insulin 48 hours before surgery can lead to uncontrolled blood sugar levels, which is not recommended. Choice D is incorrect because holding the client's insulin on the morning of surgery can also disrupt blood sugar control, potentially leading to complications during the perioperative period.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with a history of adrenal insufficiency. The nurse should monitor for which of the following signs of an Addisonian crisis?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Severe hypotension
• D. Tachycardia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In an Addisonian crisis, there is a lack of adrenal hormones leading to severe hypotension. Hypertension (choice A) is not a typical sign of Addisonian crisis but can occur in conditions like pheochromocytoma. Hyperglycemia (choice B) is not a characteristic sign of an Addisonian crisis. Tachycardia (choice D) may occur as a compensatory mechanism in response to hypotension, but severe bradycardia is more common in an Addisonian crisis.

4. Which of the following statements is true regarding ethical principles and laws?

• A. The government enforces ethics.
• B. Laws establish standards that aid in decision-making.
• C. Ethics are highly specific.
• D. Ethical principles can serve as the foundation for laws.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Ethical principles can influence the creation of laws but are not equivalent to laws themselves. Laws are established by governing bodies to provide a framework for society, whereas ethical principles guide individuals' moral conduct. Choice A is incorrect because governments enforce laws, not ethics. Choice B is incorrect as laws set legal standards rather than ethical ones. Choice C is incorrect because ethics are principles that guide behavior but are not necessarily highly specific.

5. Which of the following is a primary goal of nursing?

• A. Assist patients in achieving a peaceful death.
• B. Enhance personal knowledge and skills to improve patient outcomes.
• C. Champion quality of life over quantity of life.
• D. Manage costs to enhance patients' quality of life.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal of nursing is to assist patients in achieving a peaceful death if recovery is not feasible. This involves providing comfort, dignity, and support during the end-of-life process. Choice B is incorrect because while improving personal knowledge and skills is important, it is not the primary goal of nursing. Choice C, advocating for quality of life over quantity of life, is a valid aspect of nursing care but may not always be the primary goal. Choice D, managing costs to enhance patients' quality of life, is not a primary goal of nursing, as the focus should primarily be on patient care and well-being, rather than financial considerations.

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