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 nurse is assigned to care for a group of clients. On reviewing the clients' medical records, the nurse determines that which client is at risk for deficient fluid volume?

• A. A client with a colostomy
• B. A client with congestive heart failure
• C. A client with decreased kidney function
• D. A client receiving frequent wound irrigations

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Clients with a colostomy are at risk for deficient fluid volume due to the loss of fluid through the colostomy. In colostomy, there can be increased fluid loss through the stoma, which may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Choices B, C, and D do not directly relate to the risk for deficient fluid volume. Clients with congestive heart failure are more prone to fluid overload rather than deficient volume. Clients with decreased kidney function are at risk for fluid retention, not deficient volume. Clients receiving frequent wound irrigations may be at risk for infection, but this does not directly indicate deficient fluid volume.

3. The healthcare provider is caring for a client with pheochromocytoma. Which of the following interventions should the healthcare provider implement?

• A. Administer beta-blockers to control blood pressure
• B. Encourage a high-sodium diet
• C. Monitor for signs of hyperglycemia
• D. Restrict fluid intake to prevent edema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with pheochromocytoma is to administer beta-blockers to control blood pressure. Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor that can cause severe hypertension. Beta-blockers are used to block the effects of catecholamines and help control blood pressure in these clients. Encouraging a high-sodium diet (Choice B) would not be appropriate as it can worsen hypertension. Monitoring for signs of hyperglycemia (Choice C) is not directly related to managing pheochromocytoma. Restricting fluid intake (Choice D) may lead to dehydration and is not a recommended intervention for this condition.

4. What is the approximate duration of action for intermediate-acting insulins like NPH?

• A. 6-8 hours.
• B. 10-14 hours.
• C. 16-20 hours.
• D. 24-28 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: '16-20 hours.' Intermediate-acting insulins like NPH typically have a duration of action of approximately 16-20 hours. This prolonged action makes them effective in managing blood glucose levels over an extended period. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the typical duration of action for intermediate-acting insulins. Choice A (6-8 hours) is too short, choice B (10-14 hours) is also shorter than the typical duration, and choice D (24-28 hours) is too long for intermediate-acting insulins like NPH.

5. Which of the following ethical principles is involved when protecting a patient's privacy and confidentiality?

• A. Fidelity
• B. Beneficence
• C. Confidentiality
• D. Justice

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Confidentiality is the ethical principle involved in protecting a patient's privacy and ensuring that personal information is not shared inappropriately. Fidelity refers to being faithful to commitments and keeping promises, not directly related to privacy and confidentiality. Beneficence involves doing good for the patient, and justice pertains to fairness and equal treatment, but they are not directly related to protecting privacy and confidentiality.

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