Nokea
A client is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Fruity breath odor.
- B. Blood glucose of 450 mg/dL.
- C. Deep, rapid respirations.
- D. Serum potassium of 5.2 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Deep, rapid respirations in DKA indicate Kussmaul respirations, a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis.
2. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent respiratory failure and further acidosis.
3. Administering IV fluids and insulin can help correct acidosis and stabilize breathing.
4. Fruity breath odor (A) and high blood glucose (B) are common in DKA but do not require immediate intervention.
5. Serum potassium of 5.2 mEq/L (D) is slightly elevated but not as urgent as addressing respiratory distress.
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A patient with anemia is prescribed ferrous sulfate. What advice should the nurse give regarding the administration of this medication?
- A. Take with dairy products to increase absorption.
- B. Take on an empty stomach for best absorption.
- C. Avoid vitamin C while taking this medication.
- D. Take before bedtime.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Take on an empty stomach for best absorption. Ferrous sulfate is best absorbed on an empty stomach to maximize its effectiveness. When taken with food or dairy products (Choice A), the absorption of iron is reduced. Vitamin C actually enhances the absorption of iron, so avoiding it (Choice C) is not recommended. Taking the medication before bedtime (Choice D) may lead to gastrointestinal side effects and is not optimal for absorption.
A client with a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is learning to self-administer insulin. Which instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Store the insulin in the freezer.
- B. Administer the insulin at the same site each time.
- C. Rotate injection sites within the same region.
- D. Shake the vial vigorously before drawing up the insulin.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Rotate injection sites within the same region. This is important to prevent lipohypertrophy and ensure proper insulin absorption. Administering insulin at the same site each time (B) can lead to tissue damage. Storing insulin in the freezer (A) can alter its effectiveness. Shaking the vial vigorously (D) can cause air bubbles and affect insulin dosage accuracy. Rotation of injection sites within the same region is crucial for consistent absorption and preventing complications.
A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing severe dyspnea. What position should the nurse encourage the patient to assume?
- A. Supine
- B. Prone
- C. High Fowler's
- D. Trendelenburg
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: High Fowler's. This position helps improve lung expansion and breathing efficiency by maximizing chest expansion. Sitting upright reduces pressure on the diaphragm, allowing for better ventilation. Supine (A) position can worsen dyspnea by restricting lung expansion. Prone (B) position is not ideal for COPD patients as it can hinder breathing. Trendelenburg (D) position, where the patient's feet are elevated above the head, can increase pressure on the diaphragm and impair breathing, making it inappropriate for a patient experiencing severe dyspnea.
A patient with gout is prescribed allopurinol. What should the nurse include in the patient teaching?
- A. Take the medication with food.
- B. Increase intake of high-purine foods.
- C. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
- D. Expect immediate pain relief.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take the medication with food. Allopurinol can cause stomach upset, so taking it with food can help minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Taking it on an empty stomach may increase the risk of nausea or stomach pain. Choice B is incorrect because increasing high-purine foods can exacerbate gout symptoms. Choice C is incorrect because limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration, which is not recommended for gout patients. Choice D is incorrect because allopurinol does not provide immediate pain relief; it works to lower uric acid levels over time to prevent gout attacks.
A patient with cirrhosis of the liver and ascites is scheduled for a paracentesis. What should the nurse do to prepare the patient for the procedure?
- A. Have the patient void immediately before the procedure.
- B. Position the patient flat in bed.
- C. Administer a full liquid diet.
- D. Encourage the patient to ambulate for 30 minutes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Have the patient void immediately before the procedure. This step is crucial to prevent accidental puncture of the bladder during paracentesis. Voiding helps empty the bladder, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring a safer procedure.
Incorrect choices:
B: Position the patient flat in bed - Incorrect, as the patient should be in a sitting position with legs dangling over the side of the bed during the procedure.
C: Administer a full liquid diet - Incorrect, as a full liquid diet is not necessary for paracentesis preparation.
D: Encourage the patient to ambulate for 30 minutes - Incorrect, as ambulation is not relevant to preparing for paracentesis.