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. The client with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus is being taught about managing blood glucose levels. Which statement indicates a need for further teaching?

• A. I will rotate my insulin injection sites to avoid tissue damage.
• B. I will monitor my blood glucose levels before each meal.
• C. I can eat unlimited fruit as it is healthy.
• D. I should carry a fast-acting carbohydrate with me at all times.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C indicates a need for further teaching because stating 'I can eat unlimited fruit as it is healthy' is incorrect. While fruits are healthy, they also contain natural sugars that can affect blood glucose levels. Portion control is crucial to managing blood glucose levels effectively. Choices A, B, and D demonstrate correct understanding. Rotating insulin injection sites helps prevent tissue damage, monitoring blood glucose levels before meals aids in managing diabetes effectively, and carrying a fast-acting carbohydrate is essential to treat hypoglycemia promptly.

3. After undergoing a subtotal thyroidectomy, a female client develops hypothyroidism. Dr. Smith prescribes levothyroxine (Levothroid), 25 mcg P.O. daily. For which condition is levothyroxine the preferred agent?

• A. Primary hypothyroidism
• B. Graves' disease
• C. Thyrotoxicosis
• D. Euthyroidism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Levothyroxine is the preferred agent for primary hypothyroidism because it provides the necessary replacement of thyroid hormone in patients with deficient thyroid function. Choice B, Graves' disease, is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism and is typically treated with antithyroid medications or radioactive iodine. Choice C, thyrotoxicosis, refers to the clinical state resulting from excessive thyroid hormone action and is not typically treated with levothyroxine. Choice D, euthyroidism, describes a normal thyroid function and would not require treatment with levothyroxine.

4. Nurse Ronn is assessing a client with possible Cushing's syndrome. In a client with Cushing's syndrome, the nurse would expect to find:

• A. Hypotension.
• B. Thick, coarse skin.
• C. Deposits of adipose tissue in the trunk and dorsocervical area.
• D. Weight gain in arms and legs.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In Cushing's syndrome, the characteristic features include central obesity with deposits of adipose tissue in the trunk and dorsocervical area, often referred to as a 'buffalo hump.' Hypotension (Choice A) is not typically associated with Cushing's syndrome; instead, hypertension is more common. Thick, coarse skin (Choice B) is seen in conditions like hypothyroidism, not specifically in Cushing's syndrome. Weight gain in the arms and legs (Choice D) is not a typical finding in Cushing's syndrome; rather, weight gain is more prominent in the central areas of the body.

5. Which of the following charges could be filed if consent was not obtained before the surgery?

• A. False imprisonment
• B. Libel
• C. Battery
• D. Malpractice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Battery. Performing surgery without obtaining consent is considered battery, as it involves intentional harmful or offensive contact without consent. False imprisonment (choice A) involves unlawful restraint or restriction of a person's freedom of movement, which is not applicable in this scenario. Libel (choice B) refers to written defamation that damages a person's reputation, which is not related to lack of consent in surgery. Malpractice (choice D) pertains to professional negligence or failure to meet a standard of care, which is a separate issue from obtaining consent for surgery.

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