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Early this morning, a female client had a subtotal thyroidectomy. During evening rounds, Nurse Tina assesses the client, who now has nausea, a temperature of 105°F (40.5°C), tachycardia, and extreme restlessness. What is the most likely cause of these signs?
- A. Diabetic ketoacidosis
- B. Thyroid crisis
- C. Hypoglycemia
- D. Tetany
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Thyroid crisis. Thyroid crisis, also known as thyroid storm, is a life-threatening condition that can occur after a thyroidectomy. Symptoms include high fever, tachycardia, extreme restlessness, and other signs of severe hyperthyroidism. Diabetic ketoacidosis (choice A) is a complication of diabetes characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis, not typically seen post-thyroidectomy. Hypoglycemia (choice C) is low blood sugar levels and would not present with the symptoms described. Tetany (choice D) is a condition of involuntary muscle spasms due to low calcium levels and is not directly related to the symptoms observed in this scenario.
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A patient with acute congestive heart failure is receiving high doses of a diuretic. On assessment, the nurse notes flat neck veins, generalized muscle weakness, and diminished deep tendon reflexes. Suspecting hyponatremia, what additional signs would the nurse expect to note in this patient if hyponatremia were present?
- A. Dry skin
- B. Decreased urinary output
- C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
- D. Increased specific gravity of the urine
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a patient with hyponatremia, hyperactive bowel sounds are expected due to increased gastrointestinal motility. Dry skin (Choice A) is not a typical sign of hyponatremia. Decreased urinary output (Choice B) is more commonly associated with conditions like dehydration or renal issues, not specifically hyponatremia. Increased specific gravity of the urine (Choice D) is a sign of concentrated urine, which is not a characteristic finding in hyponatremia.
The healthcare provider is assessing a client with hypothyroidism. Which of the following symptoms would the provider expect to find?
- A. Weight loss
- B. Heat intolerance
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Diarrhea
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bradycardia is a common symptom of hypothyroidism because the condition leads to a decreased metabolic rate. Weight loss (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the metabolic rate is increased. Heat intolerance (Choice B) is also more indicative of hyperthyroidism due to increased sensitivity to heat. Diarrhea (Choice D) is not a typical symptom of hypothyroidism; rather, constipation is more common due to the slow-down of the digestive system.
An agitated, confused female client arrives in the emergency department. Her history includes type 1 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and angina pectoris. Assessment reveals pallor, diaphoresis, headache, and intense hunger. A stat blood glucose sample measures 42 mg/dl, and the client is treated for an acute hypoglycemic reaction. After recovery, the nurse teaches the client to treat hypoglycemia by ingesting:
- A. 2 to 5 g of a simple carbohydrate.
- B. 10 to 15 g of a simple carbohydrate.
- C. 18 to 20 g of a simple carbohydrate.
- D. 25 to 30 g of a simple carbohydrate.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 10 to 15 g of a simple carbohydrate. In the treatment of hypoglycemia, it is important to administer a specific amount of simple carbohydrates to raise blood glucose levels effectively without causing hyperglycemia. 10 to 15 g of simple carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets, fruit juice, or regular soft drinks, is recommended to rapidly increase blood sugar levels in clients experiencing hypoglycemia. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they either provide too little or too much glucose, which may not effectively treat the hypoglycemic episode or may lead to rebound hyperglycemia.
A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is being discharged after receiving initial treatment. What should the nurse emphasize as a crucial instruction?
- A. Take insulin as prescribed, even if you are not eating.
- B. Avoid all forms of physical exercise to prevent hypoglycemia.
- C. Monitor blood glucose levels regularly and report any changes.
- D. Stop taking oral antidiabetic medication if your blood glucose levels are normal.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly is a critical aspect of managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. This allows the individual to track their blood sugar levels, understand the effectiveness of the treatment plan, and detect any fluctuations promptly. Option A is incorrect because insulin should be taken based on a prescribed schedule that correlates with meals to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Option B is incorrect as physical exercise is beneficial for managing diabetes but should be done cautiously with adjustments in insulin or food intake. Option D is incorrect because discontinuing oral antidiabetic medications without healthcare provider guidance can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels.
A new nurse is working hard to follow the established procedures on the unit and is focusing on being as efficient as possible. Which of the following best describes this nurse's behavior?
- A. The nurse is demonstrating the concept of efficiency, which involves following established procedures to complete tasks in the most effective way possible.
- B. The nurse is demonstrating the concept of task orientation, which focuses on completing tasks efficiently without necessarily considering the impact on patient care.
- C. The nurse is demonstrating the concept of patient-centered care, which focuses on providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences and needs.
- D. The nurse is demonstrating the concept of transformational leadership, which involves inspiring and motivating others to achieve a higher level of performance.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The nurse is demonstrating the concept of efficiency by following established procedures to complete tasks effectively. Efficiency in healthcare involves optimizing processes and resources to achieve the best outcomes. Choice B is incorrect as task orientation refers to focusing on task completion without considering broader aspects like patient care. Choice C is incorrect as patient-centered care emphasizes individual patient needs and preferences rather than operational efficiency. Choice D is incorrect as transformational leadership involves inspiring and motivating others, not specifically related to task efficiency.