Nursing Elites

1. Steven John has type 1 diabetes mellitus and receives insulin. Which laboratory test will the nurse assess?

• A. Potassium
• B. AST (aspartate aminotransferase)
• C. Serum amylase
• D. Sodium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. Patients with type 1 diabetes receiving insulin are at risk of developing hypokalemia due to insulin's effects on potassium levels. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because AST, serum amylase, and sodium levels are not directly impacted by insulin therapy in type 1 diabetes and are not the primary concern that needs monitoring in this scenario.

2. A nurse reviews the electrolyte results of an assigned client and notes that the potassium level is 5.4 mEq/L. Which of the following would the nurse expect to note on the electrocardiogram as a result of the laboratory value?

• A. ST depression
• B. Inverted T wave
• C. Prominent U wave
• D. Tall peaked T waves

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Tall peaked T waves.' Tall peaked T waves are characteristic ECG changes associated with hyperkalemia. In hyperkalemia, the elevated potassium levels affect the myocardium, leading to changes in the ECG. ST depression (Choice A) is more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia or infarction. Inverted T wave (Choice B) is seen in conditions like myocardial ischemia or CNS events. Prominent U wave (Choice C) is typically associated with hypokalemia or certain medications. Therefore, in this scenario, the nurse would expect to note tall peaked T waves on the electrocardiogram due to the elevated potassium level.

3. Insulin forces which of the following electrolytes out of the plasma and into the cells?

• A. Calcium
• B. Magnesium
• C. Phosphorus
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Insulin forces potassium out of the plasma and into the cells, which can cause hypokalemia. This is because insulin enhances the activity of the sodium-potassium pump in cell membranes, promoting the movement of potassium from the extracellular fluid into the cells. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as insulin does not directly influence the movement of calcium, magnesium, or phosphorus in the same manner as it does with potassium.

4. Which statement about glaucoma is true and accurate?

• A. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an ocular emergency.
• B. Acute angle-closure glaucoma leads to the loss of peripheral vision and tunnel vision.
• C. Primary open-angle glaucoma leads to eye pain, nausea, and vomiting, blurry vision, and halos.
• D. Bubbles are implanted to protect the retina from glaucoma.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Acute angle-closure glaucoma is an ocular emergency.' Acute angle-closure glaucoma is indeed considered an ocular emergency that requires immediate attention to prevent vision loss. Choice B is incorrect because acute angle-closure glaucoma commonly presents with symptoms like severe eye pain, headache, blurred vision, and halos around lights. Choice C is incorrect as these symptoms are more indicative of acute angle-closure glaucoma rather than primary open-angle glaucoma. Choice D is incorrect since bubbles are not typically used to protect the retina from glaucoma; treatment usually involves medications, laser therapy, or surgery to manage intraocular pressure.

5. In which position will you place your patient when they are demonstrating the signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock?

• A. The Trendelenburg position
• B. The supine position
• C. The left lateral position
• D. The right lateral position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, the Trendelenburg position. This position involves placing the patient with their legs elevated higher than their head. It is used to increase blood flow to the upper body, including the brain and heart, in cases of hypovolemic shock. This helps improve perfusion to vital organs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not facilitate the desired redistribution of blood flow needed in hypovolemic shock. The supine position is lying flat on the back, the left lateral position is lying on the left side, and the right lateral position is lying on the right side.

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