Nursing Elites

1. Acarbose (Precose), an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, is prescribed for a female client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. During discharge planning, nurse Pauleen would be aware of the client's need for additional teaching when the client states:

• A. If I have hypoglycemia, I should eat some sugar, not dextrose.
• B. The drug makes my pancreas release more insulin.
• C. I should never take insulin while I'm taking this drug.
• D. It's best if I take the drug with the first bite of a meal.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Acarbose (Precose) is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that works by slowing carbohydrate absorption in the intestine, not by stimulating insulin release. Therefore, the client would need additional teaching if they state that the drug makes their pancreas release more insulin (Choice B). Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because during hypoglycemia, it is recommended to consume glucose or dextrose to rapidly raise blood sugar levels. Choice C is incorrect because insulin therapy may still be needed in some cases, even when taking acarbose. Choice D is incorrect because acarbose should be taken at the start of a meal to help reduce postprandial blood glucose levels.

2. A female client with physical findings suggestive of a hyperpituitary condition undergoes an extensive diagnostic workup. Test results reveal a pituitary tumor, necessitating a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. The evening before the surgery, Nurse Jacob reviews preoperative and postoperative instructions provided to the client earlier. Which postoperative instruction should the nurse emphasize?

• A. You must lie flat for 24 hours after surgery.
• B. You must avoid coughing, sneezing, and blowing your nose.
• C. You must restrict your fluid intake.
• D. You must report ringing in your ears immediately.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Following a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, it is crucial to avoid activities such as coughing, sneezing, and blowing the nose to prevent an increase in intracranial pressure or the risk of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Coughing, sneezing, or nose blowing can strain the surgical site, potentially leading to complications. Lying flat for 24 hours is not typically required after this surgery. Fluid intake should be encouraged to prevent dehydration. Ringing in the ears is not a common complication associated with this type of surgery.

3. Clinical manifestations associated with a diagnosis of type 1 DM include all of the following except:

• A. Hypoglycemia.
• B. Hyponatremia.
• C. Ketonuria.
• D. Polyphagia.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clinical manifestations of type 1 diabetes mellitus include hypoglycemia, ketonuria, and polyphagia. Hyponatremia is not typically associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus; it is more commonly linked with other conditions such as syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) or heart failure. Therefore, the correct answer is B: Hyponatremia.

4. A client with hypothyroidism is receiving levothyroxine therapy. The healthcare provider should monitor for which of the following signs of medication overdose?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Weight gain
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Cold intolerance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tachycardia. Tachycardia is a sign of levothyroxine overdose, indicating that the dose may need to be adjusted. Bradycardia (Choice A) is a sign of hypothyroidism, not an overdose of levothyroxine. Weight gain (Choice B) and cold intolerance (Choice D) are also symptoms of hypothyroidism, not medication overdose.

5. A client with DM is being taught about the importance of monitoring blood glucose levels. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor blood glucose:

• A. Before meals and at bedtime.
• B. Only after meals.
• C. Only in the morning.
• D. Only when feeling unwell.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor blood glucose levels before meals and at bedtime. This timing allows for a comprehensive understanding of how the body responds to food intake and to assess fasting glucose levels. Monitoring blood glucose only after meals (Choice B) may miss important pre-meal fluctuations. Checking glucose levels only in the morning (Choice C) overlooks the impact of meals throughout the day. Monitoring blood glucose only when feeling unwell (Choice D) is reactive and does not provide consistent data for managing diabetes effectively. Therefore, monitoring blood glucose before meals and at bedtime helps in maintaining good glucose control and preventing complications.

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