The client with DM who is taking insulin develops a fever and becomes confused. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Check the client's blood glucose level.
- B. Administer a fever-reducing medication.
- C. Give the client fluids to drink.
- D. Notify the health care provider.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In a client with diabetes mellitus (DM) taking insulin, the development of fever and confusion may indicate hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Checking the blood glucose level is the priority action in this situation. This will help determine if the symptoms are related to high blood sugar levels, guiding further interventions. Administering a fever-reducing medication (choice B) addresses only the symptom of fever and does not address the underlying cause. Providing fluids to drink (choice C) is important but should come after addressing the potential hyperglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. Notifying the health care provider (choice D) can be important, but immediate action to evaluate and manage the client's condition should precede contacting the provider.
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The nurse is caring for a client with congestive heart failure. On assessment, the nurse notes that the client is dyspneic and that crackles are audible on auscultation. The nurse suspects excess fluid volume. What additional signs would the nurse expect to note in this client if excess fluid volume is present?
- A. Weight loss
- B. Flat neck and hand veins
- C. An increase in blood pressure
- D. A decreased central venous pressure (CVP)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An increase in blood pressure is a common sign of fluid volume excess in clients with congestive heart failure due to the increased amount of fluid in the vascular system. Weight loss (Choice A) is not typically associated with fluid volume excess. Flat neck and hand veins (Choice B) are signs of fluid volume deficit, not excess. A decreased central venous pressure (CVP) (Choice D) is not expected in a client with fluid volume excess.
A client with diabetes mellitus is scheduled for surgery. The nurse should prioritize which of the following preoperative actions?
- A. Administer a full dose of insulin before surgery
- B. Hold all oral hypoglycemic agents the day before surgery
- C. Monitor blood glucose levels closely before surgery
- D. Instruct the client to avoid all fluids the morning of surgery
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Monitoring blood glucose levels closely before surgery is the priority for a client with diabetes mellitus. This allows for early detection of any abnormalities and helps prevent hypo- or hyperglycemia complications that can arise during the perioperative period. Option A is incorrect because insulin dosing should be individualized based on the client's current blood glucose levels and the surgical plan. Option B is incorrect as abruptly holding oral hypoglycemic agents can lead to uncontrolled blood glucose levels. Option D is incorrect as adequate fluid intake is important for the client's hydration status and overall well-being before surgery.
The client has been diagnosed with primary aldosteronism. Which of the following clinical findings would the nurse expect?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Hyponatremia
- D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Primary aldosteronism involves the overproduction of aldosterone by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone increases potassium excretion, leading to hypokalemia. Therefore, in primary aldosteronism, the nurse would expect to find hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia (choice A), hyponatremia (choice C), or hypercalcemia (choice D).
A client is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The nurse anticipates which of the following medications to be ordered?
- A. Levothyroxine
- B. Propylthiouracil
- C. Lithium
- D. Metoprolol
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Propylthiouracil. Propylthiouracil is an antithyroid medication used to manage hyperthyroidism by inhibiting the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Levothyroxine (Choice A) is typically used to treat hypothyroidism, the opposite of hyperthyroidism. Lithium (Choice C) is not used to treat hyperthyroidism but is commonly used to manage bipolar disorder. Metoprolol (Choice D) is a beta-blocker that may be used to manage symptoms like tachycardia associated with hyperthyroidism, but it is not the primary treatment for the condition.
The client with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus is being taught about self-care management. Which of the following statements indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will rotate my injection sites to prevent skin damage.
- B. I can stop taking my medication if my blood sugar is normal.
- C. I should monitor my blood sugar levels regularly.
- D. I should follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Clients with type 2 diabetes mellitus should not stop taking their medication even if blood sugar levels are normal. This is because ongoing management is necessary to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications. Choice A is correct as rotating injection sites helps prevent skin damage and improves insulin absorption. Choice C is correct as regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is vital for managing diabetes effectively. Choice D is correct as following a healthy diet and exercising regularly are key components of diabetes management.