A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Administer insulin
- B. Encourage increased fluid intake
- C. Monitor for signs of dehydration
- D. Check blood glucose levels
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia are classic signs of hyperglycemia, indicating high blood glucose levels. The priority action for the nurse is to check the client's blood glucose levels to assess the severity of hyperglycemia and determine the need for appropriate interventions. Administering insulin (Choice A) may be necessary based on the blood glucose levels but should only be done after confirming the current status. Encouraging increased fluid intake (Choice B) may exacerbate the symptoms by further diluting the blood glucose concentration. While monitoring for signs of dehydration (Choice C) is important in the long term, the immediate action should focus on determining the blood glucose levels first.
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An incoherent female client with a history of hypothyroidism is brought to the emergency department by the rescue squad. Physical and laboratory findings reveal hypothermia, hypoventilation, respiratory acidosis, bradycardia, hypotension, and nonpitting edema of the face and pretibial area. Knowing that these findings suggest severe hypothyroidism, Nurse Libby prepares to take emergency action to prevent the potential complication of:
- A. Thyroid storm.
- B. Cretinism.
- C. Myxedema coma.
- D. Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The scenario described with hypothermia, hypoventilation, respiratory acidosis, bradycardia, hypotension, and nonpitting edema of the face and pretibial area is indicative of myxedema coma, a severe and life-threatening complication of hypothyroidism. Myxedema coma requires immediate emergency treatment to prevent further deterioration. Choice A, thyroid storm, is a complication of hyperthyroidism characterized by an increase in body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Choice B, cretinism, refers to untreated congenital hypothyroidism leading to mental and physical growth retardation. Choice D, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is an autoimmune condition leading to hypothyroidism but does not present with the acute, life-threatening symptoms described in the scenario.
A client with Cushing's syndrome is being monitored for complications. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hyperglycemia
- C. Low-grade fever
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Low-grade fever. A low-grade fever may indicate an infection, which is a serious concern in clients with Cushing's syndrome due to their immunosuppressed state. Hypertension and hyperglycemia are common manifestations of Cushing's syndrome and may not require immediate reporting unless severe or uncontrolled. Weight gain is also a common symptom in clients with Cushing's syndrome and may not warrant immediate reporting unless it is sudden and significant.
The nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism. Which of the following clinical manifestations is consistent with this condition?
- A. Hypocalcemia
- B. Hypercalcemia
- C. Hypokalemia
- D. Hyperphosphatemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In hyperparathyroidism, there is an overproduction of parathyroid hormone, leading to increased calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia). This occurs as the parathyroid hormone stimulates the release of calcium from the bones and enhances calcium absorption in the intestines and kidneys. Therefore, the correct answer is hypercalcemia (Choice B). Hypocalcemia (Choice A) is not consistent with hyperparathyroidism, as this condition is characterized by high calcium levels. Hypokalemia (Choice C) and hyperphosphatemia (Choice D) are not typically associated with hyperparathyroidism and are not primary manifestations of this condition.
The healthcare provider is assessing a client with suspected diabetes insipidus. Which of the following clinical manifestations would support this diagnosis?
- A. Polyuria and polydipsia
- B. Hypertension and bradycardia
- C. Weight gain and edema
- D. Oliguria and thirst
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst) are classic clinical manifestations of diabetes insipidus. In this condition, there is a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone, leading to the inability of the kidneys to concentrate urine effectively, resulting in increased urine output (polyuria) and consequent thirst (polydipsia). Hypertension and bradycardia (Choice B) are not typical findings in diabetes insipidus. Weight gain and edema (Choice C) are more indicative of conditions such as heart failure or nephrotic syndrome. Oliguria (decreased urine output) and thirst (Choice D) are contradictory symptoms to what is seen in diabetes insipidus.
The client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is being educated about lifestyle modifications. Which of the following recommendations is appropriate?
- A. Avoiding all forms of physical exercise
- B. Limiting carbohydrate intake to less than 30 grams per day
- C. Increasing physical activity to help control blood glucose levels
- D. Consuming a high-protein, low-fat diet
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to increase physical activity to help control blood glucose levels. Physical activity is essential in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus as it helps improve insulin sensitivity, control weight, and regulate blood sugar levels. Avoiding all forms of physical exercise (Choice A) is incorrect as exercise plays a crucial role in diabetes management. While limiting carbohydrate intake (Choice B) can be beneficial, setting a strict limit of less than 30 grams per day is too restrictive and may not be suitable for everyone. Consuming a high-protein, low-fat diet (Choice D) is generally a healthy choice, but it is not the primary lifestyle modification recommended for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus.
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