During the physical examination, Nurse Noah expects to assess which sign in a female client with a serum calcium level of 7.2 mg/dl?
- A. Trousseau's sign
- B. Homans' sign
- C. Hegar's sign
- D. Goodell's sign
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Trousseau's sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia, characterized by carpal spasm when a blood pressure cuff is inflated above systolic pressure and maintained for a few minutes. This occurs due to increased neuromuscular irritability associated with low serum calcium levels. Homans' sign is used to assess for deep vein thrombosis and involves calf pain upon dorsiflexion of the foot. Hegar's sign is a softening of the lower uterine segment seen in pregnancy, while Goodell's sign is softening of the cervix also seen in pregnancy. Therefore, in this scenario, the correct assessment related to hypocalcemia would be Trousseau's sign.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which of the following is an example of nonmaleficence in nursing practice?
- A. Administering pain medication as prescribed to prevent patient discomfort.
- B. Ensuring that a patient does not receive a treatment that they have refused.
- C. Ensuring that a patient receives appropriate care without causing harm.
- D. Encouraging a patient to express their concerns and fears about a procedure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm. In nursing practice, ensuring that a patient does not receive a treatment they have refused is an example of nonmaleficence. Choice A focuses on beneficence by providing pain relief. Choice C is more aligned with beneficence as it emphasizes providing appropriate care without harm. Choice D pertains to patient communication but does not directly address the concept of nonmaleficence.
A client with type 1 DM is taught to take NPH and regular insulin every morning. The nurse should provide which instructions to the client?
- A. Take the NPH insulin first, then the regular insulin.
- B. Take the regular insulin first, then the NPH insulin.
- C. It does not matter which insulin is drawn up first.
- D. Contact the healthcare provider if the order for insulin is unclear.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to take the regular insulin first, then the NPH insulin. Regular insulin should be drawn up before NPH insulin to prevent contamination of the regular insulin vial with the longer-acting insulin. Choice A is incorrect as it suggests taking the NPH insulin first, which is not the recommended practice. Choice C is incorrect because the order of drawing up insulin does matter to prevent contamination. Choice D is not the most appropriate action in this scenario, as the nurse should provide clear instructions to the client based on best practices.
What is the approximate duration of action for intermediate-acting insulins like NPH?
- A. 6-8 hours.
- B. 10-14 hours.
- C. 16-20 hours.
- D. 24-28 hours.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: '16-20 hours.' Intermediate-acting insulins like NPH typically have a duration of action of approximately 16-20 hours. This prolonged action makes them effective in managing blood glucose levels over an extended period. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the typical duration of action for intermediate-acting insulins. Choice A (6-8 hours) is too short, choice B (10-14 hours) is also shorter than the typical duration, and choice D (24-28 hours) is too long for intermediate-acting insulins like NPH.
A client with hyperparathyroidism is being assessed. Which of the following symptoms is the nurse likely to find?
- A. Tetany
- B. Hypocalcemia
- C. Bone pain
- D. Hypotension
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In hyperparathyroidism, there is excessive production of parathyroid hormone, leading to increased calcium resorption from the bones. This process causes bone pain, making choice C the correct answer. Tetany (choice A) is associated with hypocalcemia, not hyperparathyroidism. Hypocalcemia (choice B) is the opposite condition of hyperparathyroidism, where blood calcium levels are elevated. Hypotension (choice D) is not a typical symptom of hyperparathyroidism.
A client with Addison's disease is receiving corticosteroid therapy. The nurse should monitor for which of the following potential side effects?
- A. Hypoglycemia
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hyperglycemia
- D. Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, Hyperglycemia. Corticosteroid therapy can lead to hyperglycemia by increasing blood glucose levels. Corticosteroids can induce insulin resistance, decrease glucose uptake by tissues, and promote gluconeogenesis. While corticosteroid therapy can cause hypoglycemia in some cases, it is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is more commonly associated with conditions like renal failure or certain medications. Hyponatremia (choice D) is typically not a common side effect of corticosteroid therapy unless there are other contributing factors present.