Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client with primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease). Which of the following laboratory findings would the nurse expect?

• A. Hypernatremia
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease), there is a decrease in aldosterone levels, leading to sodium loss and potassium retention. This imbalance results in hyperkalemia, making choice B the correct answer. Hypernatremia (choice A) is unlikely due to sodium loss. Hyperglycemia (choice C) and hypercalcemia (choice D) are not typically associated with primary adrenal insufficiency.

2. A client with DM is preparing for a foot care exam. The nurse should advise the client to:

• A. Wear loose-fitting shoes to protect the feet.
• B. Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of the feet to keep the skin moist.
• C. Avoid using a heating pad to prevent burns on the feet.
• D. Avoid using sharp instruments to trim the toenails.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to avoid using sharp instruments to trim the toenails. This is crucial because using sharp instruments can lead to injuries such as cuts or wounds, increasing the risk of infections, especially in clients with diabetes who have decreased sensation in their feet. Choice A is incorrect because tight shoes can restrict circulation and increase the risk of pressure sores. Choice B is incorrect because applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment, leading to fungal infections. Choice C is incorrect because using a heating pad can lead to burns, which can go unnoticed due to decreased sensation in diabetic feet.

3. A healthcare professional reviews a client's electrolyte laboratory report and notes that the potassium level is 3.2 mEq/L. Which of the following would the healthcare professional note on the electrocardiogram as a result of the laboratory value?

• A. U waves
• B. Absent P waves
• C. Elevated T waves
• D. Elevated ST segment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: U waves. A low potassium level (hypokalemia) can manifest as U waves on an ECG. U waves are small, extra deflections seen after the T wave and may indicate cardiac irritability. Absent P waves (Choice B) are associated with conditions like atrial fibrillation. Elevated T waves (Choice C) can be seen in hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. Elevated ST segment (Choice D) is not typically associated with low potassium levels but can be seen in conditions like myocardial infarction.

4. What health concerns should Nurse Oliver expect a client with hypothyroidism to report?

• A. Increased appetite and weight loss
• B. Puffiness of the face and hands
• C. Nervousness and tremors
• D. Thyroid gland swelling

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Puffiness of the face and hands is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism. This occurs due to fluid retention and is commonly observed in individuals with an underactive thyroid gland. Increased appetite and weight loss (Choice A) are more indicative of hyperthyroidism, where there is an overproduction of thyroid hormones leading to increased metabolism. Nervousness and tremors (Choice C) are associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Thyroid gland swelling (Choice D) typically indicates goiter, which can be present in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism but is not a specific symptom that clients with hypothyroidism commonly report.

5. The client has hyperparathyroidism. Which of the following lab findings is consistent with this condition?

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

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hyperparathyroidism leads to increased secretion of parathyroid hormone, which results in elevated calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia). Therefore, the correct lab finding consistent with hyperparathyroidism is hypercalcemia (Choice B). Hypocalcemia (Choice A) is not indicative of hyperparathyroidism as the condition is associated with high calcium levels. Hypokalemia (Choice C) is a low potassium level, which is not typically associated with hyperparathyroidism. Hyperphosphatemia (Choice D) refers to high phosphate levels and is not a characteristic finding in hyperparathyroidism.

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