Nursing Elites

1. An agitated, confused female client arrives in the emergency department. Her history includes type 1 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and angina pectoris. Assessment reveals pallor, diaphoresis, headache, and intense hunger. A stat blood glucose sample measures 42 mg/dl, and the client is treated for an acute hypoglycemic reaction. After recovery, the nurse teaches the client to treat hypoglycemia by ingesting:

• A. 2 to 5 g of a simple carbohydrate.
• B. 10 to 15 g of a simple carbohydrate.
• C. 18 to 20 g of a simple carbohydrate.
• D. 25 to 30 g of a simple carbohydrate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 10 to 15 g of a simple carbohydrate. In the treatment of hypoglycemia, it is important to administer a specific amount of simple carbohydrates to raise blood glucose levels effectively without causing hyperglycemia. 10 to 15 g of simple carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or regular soft drinks, is recommended to rapidly increase blood sugar levels in clients experiencing hypoglycemia. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they either provide too little or too much glucose, which may not effectively treat the hypoglycemic episode or may lead to rebound hyperglycemia.

2. A client with diabetes mellitus is being educated on the importance of foot care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Soak your feet daily to maintain cleanliness.
• B. Wear tight-fitting shoes to protect your feet.
• C. Apply lotion between your toes to prevent dryness.
• D. Inspect your feet daily for any cuts or sores.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to inspect their feet daily for any cuts or sores. This is crucial for individuals with diabetes as they are at a higher risk of developing foot problems. Soaking feet daily can lead to skin breakdown and infections, making choice A incorrect. Tight-fitting shoes can cause pressure points and increase the risk of foot injuries, so choice B is incorrect. Applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment, increasing the risk of fungal infections, making choice C incorrect.

3. The healthcare professional is educating a client with Cushing's syndrome about dietary management. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare professional include?

• A. Increase sodium intake
• B. Limit protein intake
• C. Limit calcium intake
• D. Increase potassium intake

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For clients with Cushing's syndrome, they are at risk of developing hypokalemia due to increased excretion of potassium. Therefore, it is essential to advise them to increase their potassium intake. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because: A) Increasing sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and hypertension common in Cushing's syndrome. B) Limiting protein intake is not necessary unless there are specific kidney issues that require protein restriction. C) Limiting calcium intake is not typically recommended unless there are underlying conditions such as hypercalcemia.

4. A client with DM is scheduled to have surgery. The nurse should plan to:

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

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor the client's blood glucose level closely during the perioperative period. This is essential to ensure that the client's blood glucose levels remain within the target range and to prevent complications such as hypo- or hyperglycemia. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because giving a regular diet as ordered, holding insulin on the morning of surgery, or stopping insulin 48 hours before surgery can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels, posing risks to the client's safety during the surgical procedure.

5. Nurse Perry is caring for a female client with type 1 diabetes mellitus who exhibits confusion, light-headedness, and aberrant behavior. The client is still conscious. The nurse should first administer:

• A. I.M. or subcutaneous glucagon.
• B. I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%.
• C. 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate such as orange juice.
• D. 10 U of fast-acting insulin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: For a conscious client with hypoglycemia, the initial treatment should involve administering 15 to 20 g of a fast-acting carbohydrate, such as orange juice. This helps rapidly raise the client's blood glucose levels. Choices A and D are incorrect as administering glucagon or fast-acting insulin is not the first-line treatment for hypoglycemia in a conscious client. Choice B, an I.V. bolus of dextrose 50%, is a more invasive and aggressive intervention that is not typically indicated for a conscious client with hypoglycemia.

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