Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare professional is educating a client with Cushing's syndrome about dietary management. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare professional include?

• A. Increase sodium intake
• B. Limit protein intake
• C. Limit calcium intake
• D. Increase potassium intake

Correct answer: D

Rationale: For clients with Cushing's syndrome, they are at risk of developing hypokalemia due to increased excretion of potassium. Therefore, it is essential to advise them to increase their potassium intake. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because: A) Increasing sodium intake can worsen fluid retention and hypertension common in Cushing's syndrome. B) Limiting protein intake is not necessary unless there are specific kidney issues that require protein restriction. C) Limiting calcium intake is not typically recommended unless there are underlying conditions such as hypercalcemia.

2. A client with hyperthyroidism is prescribed propranolol. The nurse explains that this medication is used to:

• A. Increase thyroid hormone production
• B. Decrease thyroid hormone production
• C. Relieve symptoms such as tachycardia and anxiety
• D. Prevent weight loss

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Propranolol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking the effects of adrenaline, which helps to reduce symptoms such as tachycardia (fast heart rate) and anxiety in individuals with hyperthyroidism. Choices A and B are incorrect because propranolol does not affect thyroid hormone production; it only addresses symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because propranolol does not prevent weight loss associated with hyperthyroidism.

3. 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.

4. A nurse is preparing to administer NPH insulin to a client with DM. The nurse notes that the NPH insulin vial is cloudy. The nurse should:

• A. Obtain a new vial of NPH insulin.
• B. Draw up the cloudy insulin as ordered.
• C. Shake the vial vigorously before drawing up the insulin.
• D. Warm the insulin to room temperature before administration.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to draw up the cloudy insulin as ordered. NPH insulin is inherently cloudy due to its suspension of insulin crystals. Shaking the vial vigorously can lead to denaturation of the insulin molecules, altering its efficacy. Warming NPH insulin is not necessary as it can cause breakdown of insulin molecules. The nurse should gently roll the vial between hands to mix it before drawing it up to ensure an even distribution of insulin in the suspension.

5. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following findings should the healthcare provider report?

• A. Hypotension
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Weight loss
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia is a common finding due to increased cortisol levels leading to insulin resistance. This can have serious implications such as diabetes mellitus and should be promptly reported for appropriate management. Hypotension (choice A) is more commonly associated with Addison's disease, not Cushing's syndrome. Weight gain rather than weight loss (choice C) is typically observed in clients with Cushing's syndrome. While hypokalemia (choice D) can occur in Cushing's syndrome due to excess cortisol affecting potassium levels, it is not as critical as hyperglycemia and may not be the priority for immediate reporting.

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