Laboratory results
Glucose (fasting)
70-110 mg/dL
(3.9-6.1 mmol/L)
180 mg/dL
(10.0 mmol/L)
The nurse is preparing to administer insulin aspart subcutaneously at 0700 to a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of following actions would be a priority for the nurse to take?
- A. Choose a site on the clients arm for the injection
- B. Give the client breakfast within 15 minutes
- C. Recheck the capillary blood glucose level in 1 hour
- D. Reinforce teaching about signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin aspart is rapid-acting, peaking within 1-3 hours. Administering it at 0700 requires breakfast within 15 minutes to prevent hypoglycemia. Site selection is routine, rechecking glucose later is secondary, and teaching is not urgent.
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Laboratory Reference Ranges
Glucose (random)
71-200 mg/dL
(3.9-11.1 mmol/L)
The student nurse completes a clinical rotation in the emergency department. The instructor knows the student is able to prioritize care appropriately when the student visits which client first?
- A. 9 year-old crying with pain and swelling of the left ankle after a popping sound while playing soccer
- B. 29-year-old with neck swelling and increased pain 2 days after thyroidectomy
- C. 43-year-old with blood glucose of 423 mg/dL (23.5 mmol/L), dehydration, and trace ketones in urine
- D. 72-year-old who is incontinent with acute altered mental status and is yelling at staff
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Neck swelling and pain post-thyroidectomy suggest possible hematoma or airway compromise, a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate assessment. Other conditions, while serious, are less immediately critical.
The nurse is caring for a man who had a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy earlier today. He says he has to spit a lot. What nursing action is essential?
- A. Ask him to blow his nose.
- B. Do a glucose test on his mouth secretions.
- C. Have him rinse his mouth with water.
- D. Ask him if he needs an antiemetic.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Excessive spitting may indicate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which contains glucose; testing secretions confirms this serious complication.
The nurse is reinforcing education about lifestyle modifications for a client newly diagnosed with Meniere disease. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I need to enroll in a smoking cessation program.
- B. I need to restrict the amount of potassium in my diet.
- C. I will lie down and avoid walking unassisted during acute attacks.
- D. I will limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol that I consume.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Restricting potassium isn't indicated for Ménière's disease; a low-sodium diet is typically recommended to reduce fluid retention. Smoking cessation, lying down during attacks, and limiting caffeine/alcohol are appropriate.
The nurse has reinforced teaching with a client who has anxiety and a new prescription for alprazolam. Which of the following statements by the client would indicate a correct understanding of the teaching?
- A. I can continue to take my prescribed muscle relaxant as needed.
- B. I can omit the medication on days when I do not feel anxious.
- C. I should eliminate aged cheese and processed meats from my diet.
- D. I will discontinue the medication and notify my health care provider if I become pregnant.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine, and its use during pregnancy can pose risks to the fetus. Discontinuing and notifying the provider is critical. Muscle relaxants may enhance sedation, skipping doses disrupts therapeutic levels, and dietary restrictions like avoiding tyramine are not required for alprazolam.
A client was re-admitted to the hospital following a recent skull fracture. Which finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?
- A. Lethargy
- B. Agitation
- C. Ataxia
- D. Hearing loss
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lethargy. The level of consciousness or responsiveness is the most important measure of the client's rising intracranial pressure, requiring immediate attention.
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