The nurse is caring for a client with Addison's disease. The client exhibits signs of hypotension, dehydration, and confusion. The nurse should anticipate administering which of the following medications?
- A. Insulin
- B. Hydrocortisone
- C. Levothyroxine
- D. Methimazole
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In Addison's disease, the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol. Hydrocortisone is a glucocorticoid medication that is used to replace deficient cortisol levels in patients with Addison's disease. It helps stabilize blood pressure and fluid balance. Insulin (Choice A) is used to manage diabetes, not Addison's disease. Levothyroxine (Choice C) is a thyroid hormone replacement used to treat hypothyroidism, not Addison's disease. Methimazole (Choice D) is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, not Addison's disease.
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The client with hyperthyroidism is receiving propylthiouracil (PTU). The nurse should monitor for which of the following potential side effects?
- A. Leukopenia
- B. Hyperglycemia
- C. Hypertension
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Leukopenia. Propylthiouracil can lead to bone marrow suppression, resulting in leukopenia. Monitoring white blood cell counts is crucial to detect this potential side effect early. Choice B, hyperglycemia, is not typically associated with propylthiouracil use. Choice C, hypertension, is not a common side effect of propylthiouracil. Choice D, weight gain, is also not a typical side effect of propylthiouracil therapy.
A client is admitted to the ER with DKA. In the acute phase, the priority nursing action is to prepare to:
- A. Administer regular insulin intravenously
- B. Administer 5% dextrose intravenously
- C. Correct the acidosis
- D. Apply an electrocardiogram monitor
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering regular insulin intravenously is the priority nursing action in the acute phase of DKA. Insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels by promoting cellular uptake of glucose and inhibiting ketone production. Administering dextrose would be counterproductive as it can worsen hyperglycemia. Correcting acidosis is important but usually follows insulin administration. Applying an electrocardiogram monitor is not the priority action in the acute management of DKA.
A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus presents to the emergency department with symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer intravenous insulin
- B. Start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline
- C. Monitor serum potassium levels
- D. Obtain an arterial blood gas (ABG)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct first intervention in a client with DKA is to start an intravenous line and infuse normal saline for fluid resuscitation. This is crucial to restore intravascular volume and improve perfusion, addressing the dehydration and electrolyte imbalances commonly seen in DKA. Administering insulin without addressing the dehydration can lead to further complications. Monitoring serum potassium levels is important but is not the first priority; potassium levels can shift with fluid resuscitation. Obtaining an arterial blood gas (ABG) is helpful in assessing acid-base status but is not the initial priority compared to fluid resuscitation.
A healthcare professional is reviewing the medication orders for a client with hypothyroidism. Which of the following medications should the healthcare professional question?
- A. Levothyroxine
- B. Amiodarone
- C. Calcium supplements
- D. Aspirin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Amiodarone. Amiodarone can affect thyroid function and potentially worsen hypothyroidism, so its use should be carefully considered or questioned in clients with this condition. Levothyroxine (Choice A) is the mainstay therapy for hypothyroidism and should not be questioned in this scenario. Calcium supplements (Choice C) are not typically contraindicated in clients with hypothyroidism and may be needed if there is a deficiency. Aspirin (Choice D) is not directly related to thyroid function and is not a medication that would typically be questioned in a client with hypothyroidism.
A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is experiencing hypoglycemia. What should the nurse instruct the client to do?
- A. Administer insulin immediately
- B. Consume 15 grams of simple carbohydrates
- C. Drink plenty of water
- D. Avoid eating until symptoms resolve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus experiences hypoglycemia, the nurse should instruct them to consume 15 grams of simple carbohydrates. This is the recommended initial treatment for hypoglycemia as it helps quickly raise blood sugar levels to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Administering insulin immediately (Choice A) would further lower blood sugar levels, worsening the hypoglycemia. Drinking plenty of water (Choice C) and avoiding eating until symptoms resolve (Choice D) are not appropriate actions for treating hypoglycemia as they do not address the immediate need to raise blood sugar levels.