Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with hypothyroidism. Which of the following clinical findings would the healthcare provider expect?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Weight loss
• C. Cold intolerance
• D. Diaphoresis

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cold intolerance is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the body's metabolic rate is decreased, leading to a reduced ability to regulate body temperature. As a result, individuals with hypothyroidism often feel cold, especially in their extremities. Tachycardia (A) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism due to the increased metabolic rate. Weight loss (B) is also a typical finding in hyperthyroidism, as the body burns calories at a faster rate. Diaphoresis (D), excessive sweating, is not a typical symptom of hypothyroidism.

2. What is the mechanism of action of corticotropin (Acthar) when prescribed as replacement therapy for a male client who has undergone surgical removal of a pituitary tumor?

• A. It decreases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production and affects the metabolic rate of target organs.
• B. It interacts with plasma membrane receptors to inhibit enzymatic actions.
• C. It interacts with plasma membrane receptors to produce enzymatic actions that affect protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism.
• D. It regulates the threshold for water reabsorption in the kidneys.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Corticotropin (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete cortisol and other hormones, affecting protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism. Choice A is incorrect because corticotropin does not decrease cAMP production; instead, it stimulates enzymatic actions. Choice B is incorrect because corticotropin does not inhibit enzymatic actions but rather produces enzymatic actions. Choice D is incorrect because corticotropin's mechanism of action does not involve regulating the threshold for water reabsorption in the kidneys.

3. Which of the following is a priority nursing diagnosis for a client with Addison's disease?

• A. Fluid volume deficit
• B. Risk for infection
• C. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements
• D. Disturbed body image

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing diagnosis for a client with Addison's disease is 'Fluid volume deficit.' Addison's disease is characterized by adrenal insufficiency, resulting in decreased aldosterone production. Aldosterone plays a key role in sodium and water retention in the body. With its deficiency, there is an increased risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, leading to fluid volume deficit. While infection risk, nutrition issues, and body image disturbances are also important considerations for holistic care, addressing the fluid volume deficit takes precedence due to the immediate physiological impact on the client's health and well-being.

4. Skillful communication is one behavior of an effective leader. Which of the following describes an effective method of communication?

• A. A unit manager meets with a new nurse to discuss what is going well and what improvements the new nurse can make.
• B. A unit manager meets with a new nurse to explain departmental policy.
• C. A unit manager meets with staff after several safety events to unveil new policies designed to prevent further safety events.
• D. A unit manager describes safety events that have occurred on the unit to another nurse manager and discusses ideas for policy improvement with the other manager.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Meeting with a new nurse to discuss progress and areas for improvement is an effective communication method.

5. An external insulin pump is prescribed for a client with DM. The client asks the nurse about the functioning of the pump. The nurse bases the response on the information that the pump:

• A. Gives small continuous doses of regular insulin subcutaneously, and the client can self-administer a bolus with an additional dosage from the pump before each meal.
• B. Is timed to release programmed doses of regular or NPH insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals.
• C. Is surgically attached to the pancreas and infuses regular insulin into the pancreas, which in turn releases the insulin into the bloodstream.
• D. Continuously infuses small amounts of NPH insulin into the bloodstream while regularly monitoring blood glucose levels.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. An external insulin pump delivers small continuous doses of regular insulin subcutaneously throughout the day to meet the basal insulin needs. The client can also self-administer a bolus dose with an additional dosage from the pump before each meal to cover the mealtime insulin needs. Option B is incorrect as insulin pumps do not typically release programmed doses of insulin into the bloodstream at specific intervals; instead, they infuse insulin subcutaneously. Option C is incorrect as insulin pumps are not surgically attached to the pancreas; they are worn externally. Option D is incorrect as NPH insulin is not commonly used in insulin pumps, and the pumps do not continuously infuse insulin directly into the bloodstream but rather subcutaneously.

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