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A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is admitted with hyperglycemia. Which laboratory result requires the most immediate intervention?
- A. Serum glucose of 350 mg/dL.
- B. Serum potassium of 2.8 mEq/L.
- C. Serum sodium of 136 mEq/L.
- D. Serum bicarbonate of 20 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum potassium of 2.8 mEq/L. Hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, especially in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia. Immediate intervention is needed to prevent cardiac complications.
A: Serum glucose of 350 mg/dL is high but not immediately life-threatening.
C: Serum sodium of 136 mEq/L is within normal range and does not require immediate intervention.
D: Serum bicarbonate of 20 mEq/L is slightly low but does not pose an immediate risk to the patient's life.
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A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is being treated with risperidone (Risperdal). Which side effect should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Weight loss
- C. Hyperactivity
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hyperglycemia. Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic medication known to cause metabolic side effects such as hyperglycemia. The nurse should monitor the client for signs and symptoms of high blood sugar levels, such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Hypertension (choice A) is not a common side effect of risperidone. Weight loss (choice B) is less likely as risperidone is associated with weight gain. Hyperactivity (choice C) is not a typical side effect of risperidone. Therefore, monitoring for hyperglycemia is essential in clients taking risperidone.
A client with cirrhosis of the liver is experiencing pruritus. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help relieve the client's symptoms?
- A. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- B. Apply lotion to the skin.
- C. Encourage a high-protein diet.
- D. Provide a warm bath.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apply lotion to the skin. Pruritus in cirrhosis is often due to dry skin. Applying lotion helps hydrate the skin, reducing itching. Acetaminophen (A) can worsen liver damage. High-protein diet (C) is not directly related to pruritus relief. Warm bath (D) may further dry the skin.
A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus presents to the clinic with a foot ulcer. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client to promote healing of the ulcer?
- A. Apply a heating pad to the ulcer twice daily.
- B. Wear tight-fitting shoes to protect the ulcer.
- C. Keep the ulcer clean and dry.
- D. Limit walking to reduce pressure on the ulcer.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Keep the ulcer clean and dry. This instruction is essential for promoting healing of the foot ulcer in a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Keeping the ulcer clean helps prevent infection, while keeping it dry promotes a better environment for healing.
A: Applying a heating pad can increase the risk of burns and should be avoided.
B: Wearing tight-fitting shoes can cause further damage and hinder healing.
D: Limiting walking may reduce pressure on the ulcer, but mobility is important for circulation and overall health. Keeping the ulcer clean and dry is the most critical instruction.
A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin). Which sign of digoxin toxicity should the nurse teach the client to report?
- A. Increased appetite.
- B. Yellow or blurred vision.
- C. Weight gain.
- D. Nasal congestion.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Yellow or blurred vision. Digoxin toxicity can lead to visual disturbances, such as yellow or blurred vision, due to its effects on the optic nerve. The nurse should teach the client to report this symptom immediately as it indicates a serious adverse effect. Increased appetite (A), weight gain (C), and nasal congestion (D) are not specific signs of digoxin toxicity and are more commonly associated with other health conditions or side effects of medications. It is crucial for the nurse to emphasize the importance of monitoring and reporting any visual changes to prevent serious complications from digoxin toxicity.
A client with Addison's disease is being treated with fludrocortisone (Florinef). Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Hyperkalemia.
- B. Hyponatremia.
- C. Hypernatremia.
- D. Hypocalcemia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hypernatremia. Fludrocortisone is a mineralocorticoid that promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion, leading to an increase in sodium levels. Addison's disease involves low levels of cortisol and aldosterone, so fludrocortisone is used to replace aldosterone. Monitoring for hypernatremia is crucial to prevent complications like hypertension and fluid retention. Hyperkalemia (A) is not expected due to the drug's potassium-excreting effect. Hyponatremia (B) is unlikely as the drug promotes sodium retention. Hypocalcemia (D) is not directly related to fludrocortisone therapy.