Nursing Elites

1. The client with hypothyroidism is being educated by the healthcare provider about taking levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Take the medication with meals
• B. Take the medication at bedtime
• C. Take the medication on an empty stomach in the morning
• D. Take the medication with a glass of milk

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach in the morning. This instruction is essential to enhance absorption and efficacy of the medication. Taking levothyroxine with meals, at bedtime, or with a glass of milk can interfere with its absorption and effectiveness, leading to suboptimal treatment outcomes.

2. A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following interventions should be the nurse's priority?

• A. Administer intravenous insulin
• B. Start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline
• C. Monitor serum potassium levels
• D. Obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline. In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), the priority intervention is fluid resuscitation with normal saline to restore intravascular volume and improve perfusion. Administering insulin without first addressing dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can lead to further complications. Monitoring serum potassium levels and obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) are important aspects of DKA management but come after initial fluid resuscitation.

3. In a 29-year-old female client who is being successfully treated for Cushing's syndrome, nurse Lyzette would expect a decline in:

• A. Serum glucose level.
• B. Hair loss.
• C. Bone mineralization.
• D. Menstrual flow.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum glucose level. In Cushing's syndrome, there is excess cortisol production which can lead to hyperglycemia. Successful treatment of Cushing's syndrome aims to normalize cortisol levels, resulting in a decline in serum glucose levels. Choice B, hair loss, is not specifically associated with Cushing's syndrome or its treatment. Choice C, bone mineralization, is often compromised in Cushing's syndrome due to the effects of excess cortisol on bones; however, successful treatment would aim to improve bone health rather than decline it. Choice D, menstrual flow, is not directly linked to Cushing's syndrome or its treatment, so a decline in menstrual flow would not be an expected outcome of successful treatment.

4. A client with type 1 DM is taught to take NPH and regular insulin every morning. The nurse should provide which instructions to the client?

• A. Take the NPH insulin first, then the regular insulin.
• B. Take the regular insulin first, then the NPH insulin.
• C. It does not matter which insulin is drawn up first.
• D. Contact the healthcare provider if the order for insulin is unclear.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to take the regular insulin first, then the NPH insulin. Regular insulin should be drawn up before NPH insulin to prevent contamination of the regular insulin vial with the longer-acting insulin. Choice A is incorrect as it suggests taking the NPH insulin first, which is not the recommended practice. Choice C is incorrect because the order of drawing up insulin does matter to prevent contamination. Choice D is not the most appropriate action in this scenario, as the nurse should provide clear instructions to the client based on best practices.

5. A client with terminal pancreatic cancer asks questions about a do not resuscitate order. Which of the following statements should be included in the RN's teaching to the client?

• A. When a heart ceases to beat, the client is pronounced clinically dead.
• B. Physicians must write do not resuscitate (DNR) orders.
• C. A DNR order can be written after the healthcare provider has discussed it with the client and family.
• D. A DNR requires a court decision.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A DNR order is typically written after the healthcare provider has discussed the implications with the patient and their family. This ensures that the patient and family are fully informed before making such a critical decision. Choice A is incorrect because pronouncing clinical death is a medical determination, not directly related to DNR orders. Choice B is incorrect because while physicians commonly write DNR orders, the discussion with the patient and family is crucial. Choice D is incorrect because a DNR order does not require a court decision; it is a decision made in collaboration with the healthcare team and the patient or family.

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