Nursing Elites

1. What is the mechanism of action of corticotropin (Acthar) when prescribed as replacement therapy for a male client who has undergone surgical removal of a pituitary tumor?

• A. It decreases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production and affects the metabolic rate of target organs.
• B. It interacts with plasma membrane receptors to inhibit enzymatic actions.
• C. It interacts with plasma membrane receptors to produce enzymatic actions that affect protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism.
• D. It regulates the threshold for water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corticotropin (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol and other hormones, affecting protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Choice A is incorrect because corticotropin does not decrease cAMP production; instead, it stimulates enzymatic actions. Choice B is incorrect because corticotropin does not inhibit enzymatic actions but rather produces enzymatic actions. Choice D is incorrect because corticotropin's mechanism of action does not involve regulating the threshold for water reabsorption in the kidneys.

2. Dr. Kennedy prescribes glipizide (Glucotrol), an oral antidiabetic agent, for a male client with type 2 diabetes mellitus who has been having trouble controlling the blood glucose level through diet and exercise. Which medication instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Be sure to take glipizide 30 minutes before meals.
• B. Glipizide may cause a low serum sodium level, so make sure you have your sodium level checked monthly.
• C. You won't need to check your blood glucose level after you start taking glipizide.
• D. Take glipizide after a meal to prevent heartburn.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Glipizide should be taken 30 minutes before meals to maximize its glucose-lowering effect.

3. A healthcare provider is educating a client with DM on recognizing symptoms of hypoglycemia. Which symptom should the healthcare provider mention?

• A. Increased thirst
• B. Frequent urination
• C. Sweating
• D. Weight loss

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct symptom to mention when educating a client with diabetes mellitus (DM) on hypoglycemia is sweating. Sweating is a common symptom of hypoglycemia as it occurs due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to low blood sugar levels. Increased thirst (Choice A) and frequent urination (Choice B) are more indicative of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) rather than hypoglycemia. Weight loss (Choice D) is not a typical symptom associated with hypoglycemia.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. The nurse should instruct the client to do which of the following?

• A. Eat a high-protein snack
• B. Consume 15 grams of simple carbohydrates
• C. Drink a glass of water
• D. Administer an extra dose of insulin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Consuming 15 grams of simple carbohydrates is the recommended treatment for mild hypoglycemia to quickly raise blood sugar levels. Simple carbohydrates are rapidly absorbed and provide a quick source of glucose to combat low blood sugar. Eating a high-protein snack (Choice A) would delay the rise in blood sugar as proteins take longer to be broken down. Drinking water (Choice C) does not directly address the low blood sugar levels associated with hypoglycemia. Administering an extra dose of insulin (Choice D) would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the hypoglycemic state.

5. The client is NPO and is receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) via a subclavian line. Which precautions should the nurse implement? Select one that does not apply.

• A. Place the solution on an IV pump at the prescribed rate.
• B. Monitor blood glucose every twelve (12) hours.
• C. Weigh the client weekly, first thing in the morning.
• D. Change the IV tubing every three (3) days.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Precautions for clients receiving TPN include placing the solution on an IV pump to control the rate, monitoring blood glucose levels to detect hyperglycemia, and monitoring intake and output to assess fluid balance. Changing the IV tubing every three days is not a standard precaution for clients receiving TPN via a subclavian line.

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