The client has been vomiting and has had numerous episodes of diarrhea. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor?
- A. Serum calcium.
- B. Serum phosphorus.
- C. Serum potassium.
- D. Serum sodium.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: During episodes of vomiting and diarrhea, there is a risk of significant potassium loss, leading to potential electrolyte imbalances. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial in this situation to assess and manage any abnormalities promptly. Serum calcium (Choice A) is not typically affected by vomiting and diarrhea. Serum phosphorus (Choice B) levels are not commonly altered by these symptoms. Serum sodium (Choice D) may be affected in severe cases of dehydration, but potassium monitoring is a higher priority due to its potential for rapid depletion in vomiting and diarrhea.
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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 nurse manager is focusing on improving communication on the unit. Which of the following best describes the importance of this focus?
- A. The nurse manager's focus on communication is essential to ensure that all staff members are informed, understand their roles, and can work together effectively to provide quality care.
- B. The nurse manager's focus on communication is important to ensure that information is shared effectively and that there is a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities on the unit.
- C. The nurse manager's focus on communication is crucial to ensuring that all staff members are working together effectively and that there is a shared understanding of the unit's goals and priorities.
- D. The nurse manager's focus on communication is vital to creating an open and transparent environment where staff members feel comfortable sharing information and concerns.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Effective communication is essential for ensuring that all staff members are informed, understand their roles, and can collaborate effectively to provide quality care. Choice B focuses more on information sharing and understanding roles but lacks emphasis on effective teamwork and quality care provision. Choice C mentions staff working together effectively and understanding unit goals, but it does not explicitly highlight the importance of staff being informed and understanding their roles. Choice D emphasizes creating an open environment for sharing information and concerns, which is important but does not encompass the broader aspects of effective communication as described in choice A.
The nurse is caring for a client with hyperaldosteronism. Which of the following laboratory results would the nurse expect?
- A. Hypokalemia
- B. Hypernatremia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hypocalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In hyperaldosteronism, there is an excess of aldosterone production, leading to increased sodium retention and potassium excretion by the kidneys. This results in hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Therefore, the correct answer is hypokalemia (Choice A). Hypernatremia (Choice B) is an incorrect choice as hyperaldosteronism primarily affects potassium and not sodium levels. Hyperkalemia (Choice C) is also incorrect because hyperaldosteronism causes potassium excretion, leading to low levels. Hypocalcemia (Choice D) is not typically associated with hyperaldosteronism; instead, it is more related to conditions affecting calcium regulation.
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.
A client is taking NPH insulin daily every morning. The nurse instructs the client that the most likely time for a hypoglycemic reaction to occur is:
- A. 2-4 hours after administration
- B. 6-14 hours after administration
- C. 16-18 hours after administration
- D. 18-24 hours after administration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 6-14 hours after administration. NPH insulin has an onset of action within 1-2 hours, a peak action at 6-14 hours, and a duration of action of 16-24 hours. The peak action period, which is when the risk of hypoglycemia is highest, falls between 6-14 hours after administration. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the typical action profile of NPH insulin.