The agitated client is hospitalized with tachycardia, dyspnea, and intermittent chest palpitations. The client's BP is 170/110 mm Hg, and HR is 130 bpm. The client's health history reveals thinning hair, recent 10-lb weight loss, increased appetite, fine hand and tongue tremors, hyperreflexic tendon reflexes, and smooth, moist skin. Which prescribed intervention should be the nurse's priority?
- A. 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and cardiac enzyme levels.
- B. Obtain thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 levels.
- C. Propranolol 2 mg IV q15 min or until symptoms are controlled.
- D. Propylthiouracil 600-mg oral loading dose; then 200 mg orally q4h.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Propranolol provides rapid symptomatic relief of thyrotoxicosis by controlling cardiac and psychomotor manifestations.
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Which electrolyte replacement should the nurse anticipate being ordered by the health-care provider in the client diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) who has just been admitted to the ICU?
- A. Glucose.
- B. Potassium.
- C. Calcium.
- D. Sodium.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: DKA causes potassium depletion due to acidosis and diuresis; replacement is anticipated to prevent arrhythmias. Glucose is not an electrolyte, and calcium/sodium are less critical.
A woman with hypothyroidism asks the nurse why the doctor told her she cannot have a sedative. The nurse's response is based on which of the following facts?
- A. Sedatives potentiate thyroid replacement medication.
- B. Clients with hypothyroidism have increased susceptibility to all sedative drugs.
- C. Sedatives will have a paradoxical effect on clients with hypothyroidism.
- D. Sedatives would cause fluid retention and hypernatremia.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hypothyroidism increases sensitivity to sedatives, risking excessive sedation or respiratory depression.
The nurse is planning to address diabetic meal planning with the client recently diagnosed with type 1 DM. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Encourage use of non-nutritive sweeteners that contain no calories.
- B. Emphasize the importance of keeping regular mealtimes every day.
- C. Teach the client how to count the carbohydrates in meals and snacks.
- D. Ask the client to identify favorite foods and the client's usual mealtimes.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Asking about favorite foods and usual mealtimes is an assessment question used in obtaining a thorough diet history; the nurse should take this action first prior to beginning teaching.
The nurse is developing a plan of care for the client diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who has developed an infection in the adrenal gland. Which client problem is highest priority?
- A. Altered body image.
- B. Activity intolerance.
- C. Impaired coping.
- D. Fluid volume deficit.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Adrenal infection may impair aldosterone production, causing fluid volume deficit (hypovolemia), a priority. Body image, activity, and coping are psychosocial and secondary.
The charge nurse of an intensive care unit is making assignments for the night shift. Which client should be assigned to the most experienced intensive care nurse?
- A. The client diagnosed with respiratory failure who is on a ventilator and requires frequent sedation.
- B. The client diagnosed with lung cancer and iatrogenic Cushing's disease with ABGs of pH 7.35, PaO2 88, PaCO2 44, and HCO3 22.
- C. The client diagnosed with Addison's disease who is lethargic and has a BP of 80/45, P 124, and R 28.
- D. The client diagnosed with hyperthyroidism who has undergone a thyroidectomy two (2) days ago and has a negative Trousseau's sign.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Addison’s with hypotension (80/45), tachycardia (124), and lethargy suggests adrenal crisis, requiring an experienced nurse. Ventilator care, stable Cushing’s, and post-thyroidectomy are less acute.