Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with diabetes insipidus. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse monitor?

• A. Serum sodium
• B. Serum potassium
• C. Serum calcium
• D. Serum magnesium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In diabetes insipidus, there is excessive excretion of water leading to dehydration. Monitoring serum sodium levels is crucial because these clients often experience hypernatremia (elevated serum sodium levels) due to the loss of relatively more water than sodium, resulting in a sodium concentration imbalance. While monitoring serum potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels is also important in various conditions, they are not the primary focus in diabetes insipidus.

2. Nurse Ruth is assessing a client after a thyroidectomy. The assessment reveals muscle twitching and tingling, along with numbness in the fingers, toes, and mouth area. The nurse should suspect which complication?

• A. Tetany
• B. Hemorrhage
• C. Thyroid storm
• D. Laryngeal nerve damage

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Tetany.' Tetany is characterized by muscle twitching, tingling, and numbness, which are indicative of hypocalcemia. After a thyroidectomy, accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands can lead to decreased calcium levels, resulting in tetany. Choice B, 'Hemorrhage,' is incorrect as it typically presents with symptoms such as sudden swelling, increased pain, or drop in blood pressure. Choice C, 'Thyroid storm,' is incorrect as it involves a sudden exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, leading to symptoms like fever, tachycardia, and confusion. Choice D, 'Laryngeal nerve damage,' is incorrect as it would manifest with voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or respiratory distress, not the symptoms described in the scenario.

3. A patient with acute congestive heart failure is receiving high doses of a diuretic. On assessment, the nurse notes flat neck veins, generalized muscle weakness, and diminished deep tendon reflexes. Suspecting hyponatremia, what additional signs would the nurse expect to note in this patient if hyponatremia were present?

• A. Dry skin
• B. Decreased urinary output
• C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• D. Increased specific gravity of the urine

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In a patient with hyponatremia, hyperactive bowel sounds are expected due to increased gastrointestinal motility. Dry skin (Choice A) is not a typical sign of hyponatremia. Decreased urinary output (Choice B) is more commonly associated with conditions like dehydration or renal issues, not specifically hyponatremia. Increased specific gravity of the urine (Choice D) is a sign of concentrated urine, which is not a characteristic finding in hyponatremia.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism. Which of the following clinical manifestations is consistent with this condition?

• A. Hypocalcemia
• B. Hypercalcemia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hyperphosphatemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In hyperparathyroidism, there is an overproduction of parathyroid hormone, leading to increased calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia). This occurs as the parathyroid hormone stimulates the release of calcium from the bones and enhances calcium absorption in the intestines and kidneys. Therefore, the correct answer is hypercalcemia (Choice B). Hypocalcemia (Choice A) is not consistent with hyperparathyroidism, as this condition is characterized by high calcium levels. Hypokalemia (Choice C) and hyperphosphatemia (Choice D) are not typically associated with hyperparathyroidism and are not primary manifestations of this condition.

5. A male client with type 1 diabetes mellitus asks the nurse about taking an oral antidiabetic agent. Nurse Jack explains that these medications are only effective if the client:

• A. Prefers to take insulin orally.
• B. Has type 2 diabetes.
• C. Has type 1 diabetes.
• D. Is pregnant and has type 2 diabetes.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Oral antidiabetic agents are specifically designed for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes requires insulin therapy as the primary treatment due to the absence of endogenous insulin production. Therefore, these medications are not effective for individuals with type 1 diabetes like the male client in this scenario. Choice A is incorrect as oral antidiabetic agents are not about preference but rather about treatment efficacy. Choice D is incorrect as being pregnant does not impact the effectiveness of oral antidiabetic agents; they are primarily indicated for type 2 diabetes.

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