A client with Addison's disease is receiving corticosteroid therapy. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following potential side effects?
- A. Hypoglycemia
- B. Hypertension
- C. Weight loss
- D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client with Addison's disease is receiving corticosteroid therapy, the nurse should monitor for hypertension as a potential side effect. Corticosteroids can lead to hypertension by causing fluid retention and increased blood volume. Hypoglycemia (Choice A) is not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy; instead, hyperglycemia is more likely. Weight loss (Choice C) is not a typical side effect of corticosteroid therapy; in fact, weight gain is more common due to fluid retention and increased appetite. Hyperkalemia (Choice D) is a potential side effect of Addison's disease itself due to adrenal insufficiency, but it is not directly caused by corticosteroid therapy.
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A client with type 1 DM is experiencing hypoglycemia. Which symptom should the nurse expect to observe?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Polyuria
- C. Flushed skin
- D. Dry mouth
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tachycardia. In hypoglycemia, the body releases adrenaline in response to low blood glucose levels, leading to symptoms such as tachycardia (rapid heart rate). Choice B, polyuria, refers to excessive urination and is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia. Choice C, flushed skin, is not a common symptom of hypoglycemia; instead, pale skin and sweating are more characteristic. Choice D, dry mouth, is not directly associated with hypoglycemia; rather, it can be a symptom of hyperglycemia or dehydration.
A client with Addison's disease is at risk for which of the following complications?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypovolemia
- C. Hypernatremia
- D. Hypokalemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A client with Addison's disease is at risk for hypovolemia. Addison's disease is characterized by adrenal insufficiency, particularly cortisol and aldosterone deficiency. Aldosterone deficiency leads to impaired sodium and water retention, resulting in decreased blood volume and hypovolemia. This condition can cause hypotension, not hypertension (Choice A), as reduced blood volume leads to decreased pressure. Hypernatremia (Choice C) is unlikely in Addison's disease because of the loss of sodium along with water in hypovolemia. Hypokalemia (Choice D) can occur due to aldosterone deficiency, but it is not the primary complication associated with Addison's disease.
A client with Cushing's syndrome is scheduled for surgery to remove an adrenal tumor. The nurse should monitor for which of the following complications postoperatively?
- A. Hyperglycemia
- B. Hypotension
- C. Hypokalemia
- D. Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Postoperative hypotension is a common complication after adrenal tumor removal in a client with Cushing's syndrome. This occurs due to the sudden withdrawal of cortisol, which leads to a relative adrenal insufficiency state. Hyperglycemia (Choice A) is more common preoperatively due to excessive cortisol levels. Hypokalemia (Choice C) and Hyponatremia (Choice D) are also associated with Cushing's syndrome but are less likely to be immediate postoperative complications compared to hypotension.
A healthcare professional is monitoring a client newly diagnosed with DM for signs of complications. Which sign or symptom, if exhibited in the client, indicates that the client is at risk for chronic complications of diabetes if blood glucose levels are not adequately managed?
- A. Polyuria
- B. Diaphoresis
- C. Pedal edema
- D. Proteinuria
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Proteinuria is the correct answer because it indicates kidney damage, which is a common complication of uncontrolled diabetes. Elevated blood glucose levels over time can damage the kidneys, leading to proteinuria. Polyuria (excessive urination) is a symptom of diabetes but does not specifically indicate a risk for chronic complications. Diaphoresis (excessive sweating) and pedal edema (swelling of the lower limbs) are not direct indicators of chronic complications related to uncontrolled diabetes.
The nurse is caring for a client with hypothyroidism. Which of the following clinical findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Weight loss
- C. Cold intolerance
- D. Diaphoresis
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Cold intolerance is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism. In hypothyroidism, the body's metabolic rate is decreased, leading to a decreased ability to regulate body temperature. This results in a feeling of being cold most of the time. Tachycardia (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Weight loss (Choice B) and diaphoresis (Choice D) are also more characteristic of hyperthyroidism, where there is an increased metabolic rate and excess heat production.