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The nurse is caring for a patient with head trauma who was admitted to the surgical intensive care unit following a motorcycle crash. What is an important assessment that will assist the nurse in early identification of an endocrine disorder commonly associated with this condition?
- A. Daily weight
- B. Fingerstick glucose
- C. Lung sound auscultation
- D. Urine osmolality
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Urine osmolality. In head trauma patients, the risk of developing diabetes insipidus (DI) is high due to damage to the posterior pituitary. Monitoring urine osmolality helps identify DI early, as low urine osmolality indicates impaired concentration ability. This is crucial for prompt treatment to prevent dehydration. Choices A and B are important but not specific to endocrine disorders. Choice C is relevant for respiratory assessment, not endocrine disorders.
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An individual with type 2 diabetes who takes glipizide has begun a formal exercise program at a local gym. While exercising on the treadmill, the individual becomes pale, diaphoretic, shaky, and has a headache. The individual feels as though she is going to pass out. What is the individual’s priority action?
- A. Drink additional water to prevent dehydration.
- B. Eat something with 15 g of simple carbohydrates.
- C. Go to the first-aid station to have glucose checked.
- D. Take another dose of the oral agent.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Eat something with 15 g of simple carbohydrates. In this scenario, the individual is exhibiting signs of hypoglycemia due to the combination of glipizide (which can lower blood sugar) and exercise. The priority action is to raise blood sugar levels quickly to prevent further complications. Consuming simple carbohydrates, like glucose tablets or juice, will rapidly increase blood sugar levels. This is crucial to prevent the individual from passing out or experiencing more serious consequences.
Choice A is incorrect because while hydration is important, it is not the immediate priority in this situation. Choice C is incorrect as going to the first-aid station may waste valuable time when immediate action is needed. Choice D is incorrect as taking another dose of the oral agent can further lower blood sugar levels and worsen the hypoglycemia.
The patient undergoes a cardiac catheterization that requires the use of contrast dyes during the procedure. To detect signs of contrast-induced kidney injury, the nurse should
- A. not be concerned unless urine output decreases.
- B. evaluate the patient’s serum creatinine for up to 72 hours after the procedure.
- C. obtain an order for a renal ultrasound.
- D. evaluate the patient’s postvoid residual volume to detect intrarenal injury.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
1. Contrast dyes can cause kidney injury due to their nephrotoxic effects.
2. Serum creatinine levels are a reliable indicator of kidney function.
3. Evaluating serum creatinine for up to 72 hours after the procedure allows detection of any contrast-induced kidney injury.
4. Monitoring serum creatinine helps in early identification and intervention for renal complications.
Summary:
A: Incorrect. Urine output alone is not a definitive indicator of kidney injury.
C: Incorrect. Renal ultrasound is not typically used for detecting contrast-induced kidney injury.
D: Incorrect. Postvoid residual volume is not specific for contrast-induced kidney injury.
In calculating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) results for women, the creatinine clearance is usually:
- A. the same as for men.
- B. greater than that for men.
- C. multiplied by 0.85.
- D. multiplied by 1.15.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: the same as for men. GFR is calculated based on factors like age, weight, and serum creatinine levels, which are not directly influenced by gender. Therefore, the creatinine clearance for women is the same as for men. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because there is no inherent biological difference between men and women that would cause a difference in creatinine clearance for GFR calculation.
The most significant clinical finding of acute adrenal crisis associated with fluid and electrolyte imbalance is
- A. fluid volume excess.
- B. hyperglycemia.
- C. hyperkalemia
- D. hypernatremia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for the correct answer (C: hyperkalemia):
1. Adrenal crisis leads to adrenal insufficiency, causing decreased cortisol levels.
2. Cortisol plays a crucial role in regulating potassium levels.
3. With decreased cortisol, potassium levels can rise, leading to hyperkalemia.
4. Hyperkalemia can result in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
Summary:
A: Fluid volume excess is not typical in adrenal crisis.
B: Hyperglycemia can be present but is not the most significant finding.
D: Hypernatremia is not a typical feature of adrenal crisis.
The nurse is caring for an elderly patient who was admitted with renal insufficiency. An expected laboratory finding for this patient may be
- A. an increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- B. a normal serum creatinine level.
- C. increased ability to excrete drugs.
- D. hypokalemia.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Increased ability to excrete drugs.
Rationale:
1. Renal insufficiency impairs kidney function, leading to decreased excretion of drugs.
2. In elderly patients with renal insufficiency, there may be compensatory mechanisms to enhance drug excretion.
3. This increased ability to excrete drugs helps prevent drug accumulation and potential toxicity.
Summary:
A: Increased GFR is not expected in renal insufficiency; it typically decreases.
B: Serum creatinine level would likely be elevated in renal insufficiency, not normal.
D: Hypokalemia is not a typical lab finding in renal insufficiency; hyperkalemia is more common.