Nursing Elites

1. After taking glipizide (Glucotrol) for 9 months, a male client experiences secondary failure. What would the nurse expect the physician to do?

• A. Initiate insulin therapy.
• B. Switch the client to a different oral antidiabetic agent.
• C. Prescribe an additional oral antidiabetic agent.
• D. Restrict carbohydrate intake to less than 30% of the total caloric intake.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client experiences secondary failure to an oral antidiabetic agent like glipizide, the next step is often to initiate insulin therapy. This is because secondary failure indicates that the current oral antidiabetic medication is no longer effective in managing blood glucose levels, and insulin therapy may be required to adequately control blood sugar. Switching to a different oral antidiabetic agent may not be effective if there is already resistance to the current agent. Adding another oral antidiabetic agent may not address the underlying issue of secondary failure. Restricting carbohydrate intake is important for diabetes management but is not the primary intervention indicated in this scenario of secondary failure to glipizide.

2. A client with hyperthyroidism is prescribed methimazole. The nurse should instruct the client that the purpose of this medication is to:

• A. Decrease thyroid hormone production
• B. Increase thyroid hormone production
• C. Suppress the immune system
• D. Prevent thyroid storm

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decrease thyroid hormone production. Methimazole works by inhibiting the synthesis of thyroid hormones, specifically by blocking the enzyme responsible for this process. By reducing the production of thyroid hormones, methimazole helps to normalize the elevated levels seen in hyperthyroidism. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B, 'Increase thyroid hormone production,' is inaccurate as methimazole actually decreases thyroid hormone production. Choice C, 'Suppress the immune system,' is unrelated to the mechanism of action of methimazole. Choice D, 'Prevent thyroid storm,' is not the primary purpose of methimazole; while it may help prevent worsening of hyperthyroidism, its main action is to reduce thyroid hormone levels.

3. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following findings should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Hyperglycemia
• B. Hypertension
• C. Low-grade fever
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a client with Cushing's syndrome, a low-grade fever should be reported immediately as it may indicate an infection. Clients with Cushing's syndrome are immunosuppressed, making them more susceptible to infections. Hyperglycemia and hypertension are common findings in Cushing's syndrome and are managed as part of the condition. Weight gain is also a common symptom in Cushing's syndrome and may not require immediate reporting unless it is sudden and severe.

4. What health concerns should Nurse Oliver expect a client with hypothyroidism to report?

• A. Increased appetite and weight loss
• B. Puffiness of the face and hands
• C. Nervousness and tremors
• D. Thyroid gland swelling

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Puffiness of the face and hands is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism. This occurs due to fluid retention and is commonly observed in individuals with an underactive thyroid gland. Increased appetite and weight loss (Choice A) are more indicative of hyperthyroidism, where there is an overproduction of thyroid hormones leading to increased metabolism. Nervousness and tremors (Choice C) are associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Thyroid gland swelling (Choice D) typically indicates goiter, which can be present in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism but is not a specific symptom that clients with hypothyroidism commonly report.

5. Nurse Troy is aware that the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a client with Addison's disease is:

• A. Risk for infection
• B. Excessive fluid volume
• C. Urinary retention
• D. Hypothermia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a client with Addison's disease is 'Risk for infection.' Addison's disease is characterized by corticosteroid deficiency, which leads to immune suppression, making these clients more susceptible to infections. This diagnosis reflects the increased vulnerability of clients with Addison's disease to infections. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Addison's disease does not typically present with excessive fluid volume, urinary retention, or hypothermia as primary concerns.

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