Nursing Elites

1. An incoherent female client with a history of hypothyroidism is brought to the emergency department by the rescue squad. Physical and laboratory findings reveal hypothermia, hypoventilation, respiratory acidosis, bradycardia, hypotension, and nonpitting edema of the face and pretibial area. Knowing that these findings suggest severe hypothyroidism, Nurse Libby prepares to take emergency action to prevent the potential complication of:

• A. Thyroid storm.
• B. Cretinism.
• C. Myxedema coma.
• D. Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The scenario described with hypothermia, hypoventilation, respiratory acidosis, bradycardia, hypotension, and nonpitting edema of the face and pretibial area is indicative of myxedema coma, a severe and life-threatening complication of hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma requires immediate emergency treatment to prevent further deterioration. Choice A, thyroid storm, is a complication of hyperthyroidism characterized by an increase in body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Choice B, cretinism, refers to untreated congenital hypothyroidism leading to mental and physical growth retardation. Choice D, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is an autoimmune condition leading to hypothyroidism but does not present with the acute, life-threatening symptoms described in the scenario.

2. A client with DM is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Give the client a glass of orange juice.
• B. Administer insulin as ordered.
• C. Check the client's blood glucose level.
• D. Notify the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action when a client with DM is experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia is to check the client's blood glucose level. This step is crucial to confirm hypoglycemia before initiating any treatment. Giving the client orange juice (Choice A) is a common intervention for treating hypoglycemia, but it should not be done before confirming the blood glucose level. Administering insulin (Choice B) is not appropriate for hypoglycemia as it would further decrease the blood glucose levels. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice D) can be important, but the immediate priority is to assess the blood glucose level to guide treatment.

3. A client with Cushing's syndrome is being assessed by the nurse. Which of the following clinical manifestations is consistent with this condition?

• A. Moon face
• B. Weight loss
• C. Hyperpigmentation
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct clinical manifestation consistent with Cushing's syndrome is a 'moon face.' Cushing's syndrome is characterized by fat redistribution, leading to the round and full appearance of the face known as a moon face. Choice B, weight loss, is not common in Cushing's syndrome as patients often experience weight gain. Choice C, hyperpigmentation, is more indicative of Addison's disease, not Cushing's syndrome. Choice D, hypotension, is not typically associated with Cushing's syndrome which often presents with hypertension due to excess cortisol.

4. Which of the following symptoms would be most concerning in a client with diabetes insipidus?

• A. Polydipsia
• B. Polyuria
• C. Nocturia
• D. Hypertension

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with diabetes insipidus, excessive thirst (polydipsia) and excessive urination (polyuria) are expected symptoms due to the inability to concentrate urine, leading to dilute urine production. Nocturia, waking up at night to urinate, is also common. However, hypertension is not a typical symptom of diabetes insipidus. The correct answer is D because hypertension may indicate a complication such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, which would require further assessment in a client with diabetes insipidus.

5. The client with DM is being taught about the signs of hyperglycemia. Which symptom should the nurse include?

• A. Excessive thirst
• B. Sweating
• C. Shaking
• D. Hunger

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Excessive thirst, also known as polydipsia, is a hallmark symptom of hyperglycemia. When blood glucose levels are high, the body tries to eliminate the excess glucose through urine, leading to increased urination and subsequent thirst. Sweating, shaking, and hunger are more commonly associated with hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia. Sweating can occur when blood sugar levels drop too low, shaking is a sign of hypoglycemia, and hunger is often a result of low blood sugar levels triggering the body to seek fuel.

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