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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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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.
Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor in a client with Cushing's syndrome?
- A. Blood glucose levels
- B. Serum calcium levels
- C. Serum potassium levels
- D. Serum sodium levels
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood glucose levels. In Cushing's syndrome, there is excess cortisol in the body which leads to increased blood glucose levels due to its effect on glucose metabolism. Elevated blood glucose levels are a common finding in individuals with Cushing's syndrome. Monitoring blood glucose levels is crucial as it helps in assessing and managing hyperglycemia in these patients.
Choice B, serum calcium levels, is not typically a priority in monitoring for Cushing's syndrome. While abnormalities in calcium levels can occur in some endocrine disorders, hypercalcemia is not a hallmark of Cushing's syndrome.
Choice C, serum potassium levels, and Choice D, serum sodium levels, are not directly associated with Cushing's syndrome. While electrolyte imbalances can occur in various conditions, they are not specifically linked to Cushing's syndrome as blood glucose levels are.
The healthcare provider is monitoring a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which of the following findings should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?
- A. Hyperglycemia
- B. Hypertension
- C. Low-grade fever
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In a client with Cushing's syndrome, a low-grade fever should be reported immediately as it may indicate an infection. Clients with Cushing's syndrome are immunosuppressed, making them more susceptible to infections. Hyperglycemia and hypertension are common findings in Cushing's syndrome and are managed as part of the condition. Weight gain is also a common symptom in Cushing's syndrome and may not require immediate reporting unless it is sudden and severe.
The client with type 2 DM is learning to manage blood glucose levels. When should the client monitor blood glucose?
- A. Only when feeling unwell.
- B. Only before meals.
- C. Before meals and at bedtime.
- D. Only after meals.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor blood glucose before meals and at bedtime. This timing allows the client to assess fasting levels and make informed decisions about mealtime insulin or medication doses. Monitoring only when feeling unwell (choice A) is not sufficient for proper glucose management as it may miss important trends. Monitoring only before meals (choice B) is helpful but does not provide a complete picture of the client's glucose control throughout the day. Monitoring only after meals (choice D) is less beneficial than monitoring before meals as it does not capture fasting levels. Therefore, monitoring before meals and at bedtime (choice C) is the most comprehensive approach to maintain good glucose control and prevent complications.
A client with type 2 DM is being treated with metformin (Glucophage). The nurse should include which instruction when teaching the client about this medication?
- A. Take the medication with meals.
- B. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
- C. Take the medication before bedtime.
- D. Avoid taking the medication if you miss a meal.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client taking metformin (Glucophage) is to take the medication with meals. This helps reduce gastrointestinal side effects and improves absorption. Choice B is incorrect because taking metformin on an empty stomach can increase the risk of side effects. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific recommendation to take metformin before bedtime. Choice D is incorrect as missing a meal should not lead to avoiding the medication, but the client should take it with the next meal as prescribed.