During a physical assessment of a client with type 2 DM, a nurse notes the following findings: fasting blood glucose of 120 mg/dl, temperature of 101°F, pulse 88 bpm, respirations 22/min, and BP 140/84 mmHg. Which finding should concern the nurse the most?
- A. Pulse
- B. BP
- C. Respiration
- D. Temperature
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Temperature.' A temperature of 101°F indicates a fever, which can be a sign of infection. In individuals with diabetes, infections can lead to significant complications and affect blood glucose control. Monitoring and addressing infections promptly are crucial in individuals with diabetes to prevent worsening of their condition.
Choice A, 'Pulse,' is within the normal range (60-100 bpm) and does not indicate an immediate concern. Choice B, 'BP,' while slightly elevated, is not as acutely concerning as an elevated temperature in this scenario. Choice C, 'Respiration,' falls within the normal range (12-20 breaths/min) and is not the most concerning finding among the options provided.
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A client with hyperthyroidism is prescribed methimazole. The nurse should instruct the client that the purpose of this medication is to:
- A. Decrease thyroid hormone production
- B. Increase thyroid hormone production
- C. Suppress the immune system
- D. Prevent thyroid storm
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decrease thyroid hormone production. Methimazole works by inhibiting the synthesis of thyroid hormones, specifically by blocking the enzyme responsible for this process. By reducing the production of thyroid hormones, methimazole helps to normalize the elevated levels seen in hyperthyroidism. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B, 'Increase thyroid hormone production,' is inaccurate as methimazole actually decreases thyroid hormone production. Choice C, 'Suppress the immune system,' is unrelated to the mechanism of action of methimazole. Choice D, 'Prevent thyroid storm,' is not the primary purpose of methimazole; while it may help prevent worsening of hyperthyroidism, its main action is to reduce thyroid hormone levels.
A nursing student needs to administer potassium chloride intravenously as prescribed to a client with hypokalemia. The nursing instructor determines that the student is unprepared for this procedure if the student states that which of the following is part of the plan for preparation and administration of the potassium?
- A. Obtaining a controlled IV infusion pump
- B. Monitoring urine output during administration
- C. Diluting an appropriate amount of normal saline
- D. Preparing the medication for bolus administration
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is preparing the medication for bolus administration (Choice D). Potassium should never be administered as a bolus because it can cause cardiac arrest. It must always be diluted and given slowly. Obtaining a controlled IV infusion pump (Choice A) is essential for accurate delivery, monitoring urine output during administration (Choice B) helps assess the client's response, and diluting an appropriate amount of normal saline (Choice C) is necessary to prevent irritation and ensure safe administration.
A client with diabetes insipidus is being treated with desmopressin. The nurse should monitor for which of the following side effects?
- A. Hyponatremia
- B. Hypernatremia
- C. Hypokalemia
- D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyponatremia. Desmopressin, a medication used in diabetes insipidus, can cause water retention by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys. This excess water retention can lead to dilutional hyponatremia, where sodium levels in the body become too low. Monitoring for hyponatremia is crucial to prevent complications such as neurological symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because desmopressin is not known to cause hypernatremia, hypokalemia, or hypercalcemia.
A client with DM is being taught about the importance of foot care by a nurse. Which instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Use a heating pad to warm your feet.
- B. Avoid walking barefoot.
- C. Soak your feet in hot water every night.
- D. Wear tight shoes to protect your feet.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include is to advise the client to avoid walking barefoot. This recommendation is crucial for clients with diabetes to prevent foot injuries and infections. Walking barefoot can lead to unnoticed wounds or ulcers due to reduced sensation in the feet (neuropathy) common in diabetes. Choice A is incorrect as heating pads can cause burns and should be avoided. Choice C is incorrect because soaking feet in hot water can also lead to burns and skin damage. Choice D is incorrect as tight shoes can increase the risk of pressure sores and restrict blood flow, which is detrimental for individuals with diabetes.
Which of the following actions could be considered a breach of patient confidentiality?
- A. Discussing patient information with other healthcare providers in a private setting.
- B. Sharing patient information with family members without the patient's consent.
- C. Discussing patient information in public areas where others may overhear.
- D. Sharing patient information in a private, secure setting with other healthcare providers involved in the patient's care.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Discussing patient information in public areas where others may overhear is considered a breach of patient confidentiality because it compromises the privacy and confidentiality of the patient's health information. Choices A and D are not breaches of confidentiality as discussing patient information with other healthcare providers in a private setting or in a private, secure setting with those involved in the patient's care is appropriate. Choice B is also incorrect as sharing patient information with family members without the patient's consent could potentially be a breach of privacy but is not the best answer in this context.