The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who was admitted with renal insufficiency. An expected laboratory finding for this patient may be
- A. an increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- B. a normal serum creatinine level.
- C. increased ability to excrete drugs.
- D. hypokalemia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Increased ability to excrete drugs.
Rationale:
1. Renal insufficiency impairs kidney function, leading to decreased excretion of drugs.
2. In elderly patients with renal insufficiency, there may be compensatory mechanisms to enhance drug excretion.
3. This increased ability to excrete drugs helps prevent drug accumulation and potential toxicity.
Summary:
A: Increased GFR is not expected in renal insufficiency; it typically decreases.
B: Serum creatinine level would likely be elevated in renal insufficiency, not normal.
D: Hypokalemia is not a typical lab finding in renal insufficiency; hyperkalemia is more common.
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An individual with type 2 diabetes who takes glipizide has begun a formal exercise program at a local gym. While exercising on the treadmill, the individual becomes pale, diaphoretic, shaky, and has a headache. The individual feels as though she is going to pass out. What is the individual’s priority action?
- A. Drink additional water to prevent dehydration.
- B. Eat something with 15 g of simple carbohydrates.
- C. Go to the first-aid station to have glucose checked.
- D. Take another dose of the oral agent.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eat something with 15 g of simple carbohydrates. In this scenario, the individual is exhibiting signs of hypoglycemia due to the combination of glipizide (which can lower blood sugar) and exercise. The priority action is to raise blood sugar levels quickly to prevent further complications. Consuming simple carbohydrates, like glucose tablets or juice, will rapidly increase blood sugar levels. This is crucial to prevent the individual from passing out or experiencing more serious consequences.
Choice A is incorrect because while hydration is important, it is not the immediate priority in this situation. Choice C is incorrect as going to the first-aid station may waste valuable time when immediate action is needed. Choice D is incorrect as taking another dose of the oral agent can further lower blood sugar levels and worsen the hypoglycemia.
A patient with long-standing type 1 diabetes presents to the emergency department with a loss of consciousness and seizure activity. The patient has a history of renal insufficiency, gastroparesis, and peripheral diabetic neuropathy. Emergency personnel reported a blood glucose of 32 mg/dL on scene. When providing discharge teaching for this patient and family, the nurse instructs on the need to do which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Administer glucagon 1 mg intramuscularly any time the blood glucose is less than 70 mg/dL.
- B. Administer 15 grams of carbohydrate orally for severe episodes of hypoglycemia.
- C. Discontinue the insulin pump by removing the infusion set catheter.
- D. Increase home blood glucose monitoring and report patterns of hypoglycemia to the provider.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer 15 grams of carbohydrate orally for severe episodes of hypoglycemia. In this scenario, the patient is experiencing severe hypoglycemia (blood glucose of 32 mg/dL) leading to loss of consciousness and seizure activity. Administering 15 grams of carbohydrate orally is crucial to rapidly raise the blood glucose levels and address the hypoglycemia. This immediate intervention can help reverse the symptoms and prevent further complications.
The incorrect choices:
A: Administering glucagon intramuscularly is typically reserved for severe hypoglycemia when the patient cannot take anything by mouth. In this case, oral intake is preferred for faster absorption.
C: Discontinuing the insulin pump is not necessary in this situation since the primary concern is treating the acute hypoglycemia. Removing the infusion set can lead to hyperglycemia if not managed properly.
D: Increasing home blood glucose monitoring and reporting patterns of hyp
Which of the following are appropriate nursing interventions for the patient in myxedema coma? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Administer levothyroxine as prescribed.
- B. Encourage the intake of foods high in sodium.
- C. Initiate passive rewarming interventions.
- D. Monitor airway and respiratory effort.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
1. Administering levothyroxine is crucial in treating myxedema coma as it helps replace the deficient thyroid hormone.
2. This intervention addresses the underlying cause of myxedema coma, which is severe hypothyroidism.
3. Levothyroxine administration can help reverse the symptoms of myxedema coma and improve the patient's condition.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
- B: Encouraging high sodium intake is not appropriate as myxedema coma is associated with fluid retention and sodium may exacerbate this.
- C: Passive rewarming interventions are not relevant for myxedema coma, as the condition is not typically related to hypothermia.
- D: While monitoring airway and respiratory effort is important in general patient care, it is not a specific intervention for myxedema coma.
Which of the following patients is at the highest risk for hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome?
- A. An 18-year-old college student with type 1 diabetes who exercises excessively
- B. A 45-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes who forgets to take her insulin in the morning
- C. A 75-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease who has recently started on insulin injections
- D. An 83-year-old, long-term care resident with type 2 diabetes and advanced Alzheimer’s disease who recently developed influenza
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the 83-year-old long-term care resident with type 2 diabetes and advanced Alzheimer's disease who recently developed influenza is at the highest risk for hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). This patient has multiple risk factors for HHS, including age, type 2 diabetes, advanced Alzheimer's disease, and the added stress of influenza, which can exacerbate hyperglycemia. The combination of these factors can lead to severe hyperglycemia, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances characteristic of HHS.
Choice A is incorrect because although excessive exercise can lead to hypoglycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes, it is not a risk factor for HHS. Choice B is incorrect as forgetting to take insulin can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetes, not HHS. Choice C is incorrect as starting insulin injections in a patient with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease does not automatically increase the risk
The patient has just returned from having an arteriovenous fistula placed. The patient asks, “When will they be able to use this and take this other catheter out?” The nurse should reply,
- A. “It can be used immediately, so the catheter can come out anytime.”
- B. “It will take 2 to 4 weeks to heal before it can be used.”
- C. “The fistula will be usable in about 4 to 6 weeks.”
- D. “The fistula was made using graft material, so it depends on the manufacturer.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: “The fistula will be usable in about 4 to 6 weeks.” This is because arteriovenous fistulas typically require a maturation period of 4 to 6 weeks before they can be used for dialysis. During this time, the fistula will develop into a strong, durable access point for hemodialysis.
Choice A is incorrect because the fistula needs time to mature before it can be used, and immediate use may damage it. Choice B is incorrect as it underestimates the maturation period required. Choice D is incorrect as the maturation time does not depend on the manufacturer but on the patient's physiology and healing process.