A client with Addison's disease started taking hydrocortisone in a divided daily dose last week. It is most important for the nurse to monitor which serum laboratory value?
- A. Osmolarity
- B. Glucose
- C. Albumin
- D. Platelets
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hydrocortisone can affect blood glucose levels, making it important to monitor for hyperglycemia.
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A client uses triamcinolone (Kenalog), a corticosteroid ointment, to manage pruritus caused by a chronic skin rash. The client calls the clinic nurse to report increased erythema with purulent exudate at the site. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Schedule an appointment for the client to see the healthcare provider
- B. Advise the client to apply more corticosteroid cream
- C. Recommend using an antibiotic ointment.
- D. Instruct the client to stop using the medication for 24 hours.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Increased erythema and purulent exudate suggest infection. The client needs evaluation and possible treatment with antibiotics.
A client with Cushing's syndrome is recovering from an elective laparoscopic procedure. Which assessment finding warrants immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Irregular apical pulse
- B. Purple marks on the skin of the abdomen
- C. Quarter size blood spot on dressing
- D. Pitting ankle edema
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: An irregular apical pulse could indicate cardiac complications, which are a risk in clients with Cushing's syndrome due to fluid and electrolyte imbalances.
All are true about TAPSE (Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion), except
- A. Normal TAPSE is >17 mm
- B. Reliable measure of RV systolic function
- C. Can be measured using either M-mode or 2D echo
- D. TAPSE is measured at septal aspect of tricuspid annulus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: TAPSE is measured at the lateral aspect of the tricuspid annulus, not the septal aspect.
A toddler who has been hospitalized for vomiting due to gastroenteritis is sleeping and difficult to wake up. Assessment reveals vital signs of a regular heart rate of 230 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 30 per minute, BP of 84/52, and capillary refill time of 3 seconds. Which dysrhythmia does the nurse suspect in this child?
- A. Rapid atrial flutter
- B. Supraventricular tachycardia
- C. Sinus bradycardia
- D. Rapid atrial fibrillation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Supraventricular tachycardia is characterized by a very rapid heart rate, which can lead to decreased cardiac output and symptoms such as lethargy and difficulty waking, as seen in this toddler.
The following criteria are indications for further investigation of premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) that could require suppressive therapy EXCEPT
- A. multiform PVCs
- B. disappear during exercise
- C. R-on-T phenomenon
- D. extreme frequency of beats
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: PVCs that disappear during exercise are less concerning and do not necessarily require suppressive therapy.