Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following laboratory findings would be expected?

• A. Decreased blood glucose levels
• B. Decreased urine ketones
• C. Increased serum bicarbonate
• D. Increased anion gap

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), there is an excess of ketone bodies produced due to the breakdown of fatty acids for energy, leading to metabolic acidosis. An increased anion gap is a characteristic laboratory finding in DKA. The increased anion gap is a result of the accumulation of ketoacids and lactic acid in the blood, contributing to metabolic acidosis. Therefore, the correct answer is an increased anion gap. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because in DKA, blood glucose levels are typically elevated, urine ketones are increased due to the breakdown of fatty acids, and serum bicarbonate is usually decreased as it is consumed in an attempt to buffer the acidosis.

2. A client with hypothyroidism is at risk for which of the following complications?

• A. Thyroid storm
• B. Myxedema coma
• C. Cushing's syndrome
• D. Diabetic ketoacidosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Myxedema coma is a severe, life-threatening complication that can occur in individuals with untreated or inadequately treated hypothyroidism. It is characterized by extreme hypothyroidism leading to decreased mental status, hypothermia, bradycardia, and respiratory depression. Thyroid storm (Choice A) is a severe complication of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Cushing's syndrome (Choice C) results from prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, not related to hypothyroidism. Diabetic ketoacidosis (Choice D) is a complication of uncontrolled diabetes, not directly associated with hypothyroidism.

3. Which of the following is a primary goal of nursing?

• A. Assist patients in achieving a peaceful death.
• B. Enhance personal knowledge and skills to improve patient outcomes.
• C. Champion quality of life over quantity of life.
• D. Manage costs to enhance patients' quality of life.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The primary goal of nursing is to assist patients in achieving a peaceful death if recovery is not feasible. This involves providing comfort, dignity, and support during the end-of-life process. Choice B is incorrect because while improving personal knowledge and skills is important, it is not the primary goal of nursing. Choice C, advocating for quality of life over quantity of life, is a valid aspect of nursing care but may not always be the primary goal. Choice D, managing costs to enhance patients' quality of life, is not a primary goal of nursing, as the focus should primarily be on patient care and well-being, rather than financial considerations.

4. During a physical assessment of a client with type 2 DM, a nurse notes the following findings: fasting blood glucose of 120 mg/dl, temperature of 101°F, pulse 88 bpm, respirations 22/min, and BP 140/84 mmHg. Which finding should concern the nurse the most?

• A. Pulse
• B. BP
• C. Respiration
• D. Temperature

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Temperature.' A temperature of 101°F indicates a fever, which can be a sign of infection. In individuals with diabetes, infections can lead to significant complications and affect blood glucose control. Monitoring and addressing infections promptly are crucial in individuals with diabetes to prevent worsening of their condition. Choice A, 'Pulse,' is within the normal range (60-100 bpm) and does not indicate an immediate concern. Choice B, 'BP,' while slightly elevated, is not as acutely concerning as an elevated temperature in this scenario. Choice C, 'Respiration,' falls within the normal range (12-20 breaths/min) and is not the most concerning finding among the options provided.

5. Nurse managers need several qualities to be effective. A nurse manager is working hard to fully understand how patient outcomes are measured on the unit and how budget changes could impact patient outcomes. Which of the following qualities does this best describe?

• A. Leadership
• B. Business sense
• C. Clinical expertise
• D. Financial management

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Business sense.' Nurse managers need to understand how financial decisions impact patient outcomes, which requires a strong understanding of business principles. Leadership (choice A) is important but doesn't specifically address understanding financial and outcome-based impacts. Clinical expertise (choice C) is essential for patient care but doesn't directly relate to understanding budget changes and their impact. Financial management (choice D) is more about managing finances directly rather than understanding the broader implications of budget changes on patient outcomes.

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