Nursing Elites

1. A client takes prednisone daily for the treatment of chronic asthma. The nurse should plan to monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Hypertension
• C. Gastric ulcer formation
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Gastric ulcer formation. Prednisone, a corticosteroid, increases the risk of gastric ulcer formation, especially with long-term use. While prednisone can also lead to hyperglycemia (choice A) and hypertension (choice B) as adverse effects, monitoring for gastric ulcer formation is a priority due to its association with corticosteroid therapy. Diarrhea (choice D) is not a common adverse effect of prednisone and is less likely compared to gastric ulcers.

2. 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.

3. A client with a tracheostomy is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. What is the nurse's immediate priority?

• A. Increase the oxygen flow rate
• B. Suction the tracheostomy
• C. Notify the physician immediately
• D. Administer a bronchodilator

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with a tracheostomy is experiencing respiratory distress, the immediate priority for the nurse is to suction the tracheostomy. This action helps clear the airway of secretions and ensures that the client can breathe effectively. Increasing the oxygen flow rate may be necessary but addressing the airway obstruction is more critical. Notifying the physician immediately is important but may cause a delay in addressing the immediate need for airway clearance. Administering a bronchodilator may help with bronchospasm but should not take precedence over ensuring a clear airway in a client with respiratory distress.

4. What intervention is key when managing a client with delirium?

• A. Administer antipsychotic medication to calm the client
• B. Identify any reversible causes of delirium
• C. Provide a low-stimulation environment
• D. Increase environmental stimulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention when managing a client with delirium is to identify any reversible causes. Delirium can be caused by various factors such as infections, medications, dehydration, or metabolic imbalances. Administering antipsychotic medications (Choice A) may worsen delirium and should be avoided unless necessary for specific indications. Providing a low-stimulation environment (Choice C) is beneficial as it can help reduce agitation and confusion in individuals with delirium. Increasing environmental stimulation (Choice D) is contraindicated as it can exacerbate symptoms in delirious patients. Therefore, the priority should be on identifying and addressing reversible causes to effectively manage delirium.

5. A nurse is reinforcing home safety instructions with the parent of a newborn. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the instructions?

• A. Place your baby's crib away from heat vents
• B. Place the crib close to a heater
• C. Place the crib near a window
• D. Place soft toys in the crib

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Place your baby's crib away from heat vents.' Placing the crib away from heat vents is essential to prevent the baby from becoming overheated and to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Choice B is incorrect because placing the crib close to a heater increases the risk of overheating and poses a fire hazard. Choice C is incorrect as placing the crib near a window exposes the baby to drafts and temperature fluctuations. Choice D is incorrect as soft toys in the crib can pose a suffocation risk to the newborn.

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