Nursing Elites

1. For a diabetic male client with a foot ulcer, the physician orders bed rest, a wet-to-dry dressing change every shift, and blood glucose monitoring before meals and bedtime. Why are wet-to-dry dressings used for this client?

• A. They contain exudate and provide a moist wound environment.
• B. They protect the wound from mechanical trauma and promote healing.
• C. They debride the wound and promote healing by secondary intention.
• D. They prevent the entrance of microorganisms and minimize wound discomfort.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Wet-to-dry dressings are utilized in this case to debride the wound by removing dead tissue and promoting healing by secondary intention. Choice A is incorrect as wet-to-dry dressings do not provide a moist wound environment; instead, they promote drying to aid in debridement. Choice B is incorrect because their primary purpose is not to protect the wound but to remove dead tissue. Choice D is incorrect as the main function of wet-to-dry dressings is not to prevent the entrance of microorganisms or minimize wound discomfort.

2. A client is admitted to the ER with DKA. In the acute phase, the priority nursing action is to prepare to:

• A. Administer regular insulin intravenously
• B. Administer 5% dextrose intravenously
• C. Correct the acidosis
• D. Apply an electrocardiogram monitor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering regular insulin intravenously is the priority nursing action in the acute phase of DKA. Insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels by promoting cellular uptake of glucose and inhibiting ketone production. Administering dextrose would be counterproductive as it can worsen hyperglycemia. Correcting acidosis is important but usually follows insulin administration. Applying an electrocardiogram monitor is not the priority action in the acute management of DKA.

3. A client with DM is being taught about the importance of foot care by a nurse. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Use a heating pad to warm your feet.
• B. Avoid walking barefoot.
• C. Soak your feet in hot water every night.
• D. Wear tight shoes to protect your feet.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include is to advise the client to avoid walking barefoot. This recommendation is crucial for clients with diabetes to prevent foot injuries and infections. Walking barefoot can lead to unnoticed wounds or ulcers due to reduced sensation in the feet (neuropathy) common in diabetes. Choice A is incorrect as heating pads can cause burns and should be avoided. Choice C is incorrect because soaking feet in hot water can also lead to burns and skin damage. Choice D is incorrect as tight shoes can increase the risk of pressure sores and restrict blood flow, which is detrimental for individuals with diabetes.

4. A nurse manager is reviewing data from the unit. More than 50% of new nurses hired left within 1 year of being hired. Which of the following implementations should the nurse manager consider to improve retention of newly hired nurses?

• A. Increase the length of time new hires spend in training.
• B. Conduct a performance review at 3, 6, and 9 months to review the new nurse’s weaknesses.
• C. Stress the importance of continuity of care to new hires.
• D. Build the manager’s own leadership skills through building relationships with staff members.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: To improve retention of newly hired nurses, the nurse manager should focus on building their own leadership skills and relationships with staff members. By creating a supportive environment and demonstrating effective leadership, the manager can positively impact staff retention. Options A, B, and C do not directly address the core issue of creating a supportive work environment and effective leadership, which are crucial for retaining newly hired nurses.

5. A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is prescribed metformin. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following potential side effects?

• A. Lactic acidosis
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, lactic acidosis. Metformin, a common medication for type 2 diabetes mellitus, can lead to lactic acidosis, particularly in individuals with renal impairment or predisposing factors. Monitoring for signs of lactic acidosis, such as muscle pain, weakness, trouble breathing, dizziness, and slow or uneven heart rate, is crucial to prevent serious complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as metformin does not typically cause hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, or weight gain as its primary side effects.

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