The nurse is caring for a 20-year-old female client.
Nurses' Notes
Urgent Care Clinic
0845: The parent brought the client to the clinic due to vomiting and weakness. The parent states that the client has experienced
sore throat and nasal congestion for the past week. The client has had 4 episodes of emesis during the past 24 hours and
diffuse, constant abdominal pain. The parent also reports that the client has had increased thirst and urine output over the
past 2 months.
The client's last menstrual period ended approximately 6 weeks ago with no abnormalities. Pregnancy status is unknown. The
client does not take any medications and does not use tobacco, alcohol, or recreational substances. Family history includes
hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
The client appears drowsy and is oriented to person and time only. The abdomen is soft without rigidity or rebound
tenderness, and bowel sounds are normal. No blood is present in emesis. Respirations are rapid and deep. Breath sounds
are clear.
Vital signs are T 98.8 F (37.1 C), P 128, RR 30, and BP 88/60 mm Hg.
Finger-stick blood glucose level is 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L).
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range, 0900
Glucose, serum (random)
≤200 mg/dL
(<11.1 mmol/L),
573 mg/dL
(31.8 mmol/L)
Potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
(3.5-5.0 mmol/L),
5.7 mEq/L
(5.7 mmol/L)
The nurse reinforces teaching about managing diabetes mellitus during an acute illness. For each of the statements made by the client,click to specify whether the statement indicates correct understanding or incorrect understanding
- A. I should not take insulin if I cannot eat due to nausea.
- B. I should drink extra fluids to stay hydrated when I am experiencing an illness.
- C. I will check my blood glucose levels more frequently if I am experiencing an illness
- D. I need to check my urine for ketones if my blood glucose levels are persistently elevated
- E. I will reduce my carbohydrate intake if I experience high blood glucose levels during an
illness.
Correct Answer:
Rationale: When a client with diabetes mellitus experiences an infection or another illness, the release of stress hormones can cause increased insulin
resistance, which increases the blood glucose level and leads the body to break down fats for energy (ketosis). This can precipitate diabeti
ketoacidosis (DKA) as break down of fatty acids produces ketones. Interventions for managing diabetes mellitus and preventing DKA durin
an illness include:
• Increasing fluid intake to help clear ketones from the system and prevent dehydration during illness
• Checking blood glucose levels more frequently (eg, every 4 hr) to monitor for hyperglycemia
• Monitoring the urine for ketones if blood glucose levels are persistently elevated (>240 mg/dL [13.3 mmol/L]) for early detection of
impending DKA
• Consuming beverages that contain glucose and replacing electrolytes if nausea and vomiting are present
• Notifying the health care provider of persistently elevated blood glucose levels, ketones in the urine, high fever, nausea, vomiting, or
diarrhea
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The nurse is caring for a 24-year-old client.
Nurses' Notes
Emergency Department
1300:
The client is brought to the emergency department after a motor vehicle collision in which the driver's side airbag deployed.
The client was driving the vehicle and was not restrained by a seat belt. The client reports shortness of breath and chest
pain on inspiration and expiration.
History and Physical
Body System ,Findings
Neurological,
Awake, alert, and oriented to person; pupils equal, round, and reactive to light and accommodation; client is
agitated and moves all extremities spontaneously but does not follow commands
Integumentary, Superficial lacerations to the face; diffuse bruising noted on upper extremities and chest wall
Pulmonary,
Vital signs: RR 30, SpOz 92% via nonrebreather mask; unilateral chest wall expansion observed on inspiration;
left-sided tracheal deviation noted; breath sounds diminished throughout the right lung field
Cardiovascular,
Vital signs: P 104, BP 90/58; S1 and S2 heard on auscultation; all pulses palpable; no extremity peripheral edema
noted
Psychosocial ,Alcohol odor noted on the client's breath
Diagnostic Results
Chest X-ray
Accumulation of air in the pleural cavity, tracheal deviation to the left. Findings consistent with a tension pneumothorax.
A new chest tube collection device is attached and set to water seal suction. Which of the following observations are expected? Select all
that apply.
- A. A drainage tube coiled on the floor next to the chest tube collection device
- B. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber
- C. Occlusive sterile gauze dressing present over the tubing insertion site
- D. The chest tube collection device positioned below the chest tube insertion site
- E. Tidaling in the water seal chamber with inspiration and expiration
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: Chest tube drainage collection containers must always remain upright and be dependent to (lower than) the client's chest to prevent
gravitational reflux of any secretions back into the pleural cavity (Option 4).
An occlusive sterile gauze dressing should cover the chest tube insertion site. An occlusive dressing (eg, petroleum gauze) protects
against infection and prevents atmospheric air from entering the pleural space if a leak is present (Option 3).
The water level in the water seal chamber rises with inspiration and falls with expiration due to changes in intrapleural pressure, a
process known as tidaling. This movement indicates negative pressure is being maintained. Tidaling is not expected when the device is
connected to suction; therefore, the nurse should disconnect suction to assess tidaling (Option 5).
The nurse is caring for a 68-year-old client in the emergency department.
Nurses' Notes,
Emergency Department
1020:
The client reports shortness of breath, a 2-lb weight gain over the past week, and lower extremity swelling. The client
reports slight chest discomfort during activity that is relieved with rest. Medical history is significant for hypertension.
myocardial infarction, heart failure, coronary artery disease, and chronic stable angina. Current medications include
metoprolol, furosemide, potassium chloride, lisinopril, and aspirin. The client takes all medications as prescribed except
one; he states, "I do not take that water pill because I got tired of having to go to the bathroom all the time."
S1 and S2 are present; a prominent S3 is heard. Respirations are labored with inspiratory crackles in the middle and at the
base of the lungs. The abdomen is soft and nontender with normoactive bowel sounds. There is 3+ pitting edema in the
bilateral lower extremities.
Vital Signs,
1020
T ,98.8 F (37.1 C)
P, 60
RR, 24
BP, 168/96
SpO2, 90% on room air
Which of the following prescriptions are indicated for this client? Select all that apply.
- A. 12-lead ECG
- B. Chest x-ray
- C. Current weight
- D. Orthostatic vital signs
- E. Serum electrolyte levels
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E
Rationale: This client's medical history includes hypertension, myocardial infarction, heart failure (HF), coronary artery disease, and chronic stable
angina, which place the client at high risk for several complications. When assisting in planning care for a client with a history of HF who is
experiencing dyspnea and chest discomfort, the nurse should anticipate the following prescriptions:
• A 12-lead ECG to assist in identifying acute dyshythmias and acute coronary syndromes (eg, myocardial infarction, unstable angina)
(Option 1)
• Chest x-ray to visualize pulmonary congestion, cardiomegaly, and the presence of other potential causes for the client's dyspnea (eg,
pneumonia, pleural effusion). Common causes of pleural effusions include HF (Option 2).
• The client's current weight to establish a baseline indicator of fluid volume status (Option 3)
• Serum electrolyte levels to identify fluid and electrolyte imbalances that may impair myocardial contractility (Option 5)
The nurse is caring for a 20-year-old female client.
Nurses' Notes
Urgent Care Clinic
0845: The parent brought the client to the clinic due to vomiting and weakness. The parent states that the client has experienced
sore throat and nasal congestion for the past week. The client has had 4 episodes of emesis during the past 24 hours and
diffuse, constant abdominal pain. The parent also reports that the client has had increased thirst and urine output over the
past 2 months.
The client's last menstrual period ended approximately 6 weeks ago with no abnormalities. Pregnancy status is unknown. The
client does not take any medications and does not use tobacco, alcohol, or recreational substances. Family history includes
hypertension and diabetes mellitus.
The client appears drowsy and is oriented to person and time only. The abdomen is soft without rigidity or rebound
tenderness, and bowel sounds are normal. No blood is present in emesis. Respirations are rapid and deep. Breath sounds
are clear.
Vital signs are T 98.8 F (37.1 C), P 128, RR 30, and BP 88/60 mm Hg.
Finger-stick blood glucose level is 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L).
Laboratory Results
Laboratory Test and Reference Range, 0900
Glucose, serum (random)
≤200 mg/dL
(<11.1 mmol/L),
573 mg/dL
(31.8 mmol/L)
Potassium
3.5-5.0 mEq/L
(3.5-5.0 mmol/L),
5.7 mEq/L
(5.7 mmol/L)
The nurse has reviewed the information from the Laboratory Results. The client is transferred to an inpatient care facility. Which of the following orders should the nurse expect for the client? Select all that apply
- A. insulin IV infusion
- B. continuous cardiac monitoring
- C. hourly finger-stick blood glucose level
- D. 5% dextrose in 0.9% sodium chloride IV infusion
- E. rectal sodium polystyrene sulfonate
- F. strict intake and output monitoring
Correct Answer: A,B,C,G
Rationale: Management of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) initially focuses on IV fluid resuscitation to reverse hypovolemia and then correction of
hyperglycemia, electrolyte abnormalities, and acid-base imbalance. Appropriate interventions include:
• Continuous insulin IV infusion to correct hyperglycemia. IV insulin has a more rapid onset of action than subcutaneous insulin, whic
allows faster and more precise management of the blood glucose level (Option 1).
• Continuous cardiac monitoring to detect dyshythmias related to metabolic acidosis or electrolyte abnormalities (Option 2).
• Hourly finger-stick blood glucose level checks to monitor for treatment effectiveness and detect any hypoglycemia related to the
insulin infusion (Option 3).
• Isotonic IV fluid (eg, 0.9% sodium chloride) to replace fluid losses and strict intake and output monitoring to evaluate the
effectiveness of fluid resuscitation and monitor for signs of acute kidney injury (Option 6).
• Frequent monitoring of arterial blood gas levels and electrolyte levels.
Nurses' Notes
Initial Clinic Visit
1100:
The client has experienced enuresis at night for the past 2 weeks and frequently requests to use the
bathroom while at school. The client was previously toilet trained with no nighttime bed wetting for 6 months;
the client recently relocated to a new home and school where the client lives with parents.
The parent reports that the client has recently demonstrated fatigue, irritability, and multiple behavioral
outbursts that resemble past temper tantrums. The client frequently reports feeling thirsty. No dysuria or
urinary hesitancy is reported.
Weight and height were in the 40th percentiles at the previous visit a year ago. Growth charts today show
the client's weight in the 20th percentile and height in the 40th percentile.
The client appears tired and irritable. Dry mucous membranes are noted with no increased work of
breathing. The lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally. No cardiac murmur is heard.
The nurse is reinforcing teaching to the client and the parents about management of type 1 diabetes mellitus and prescribed insulin therapy. For each potential instruction, click to specify whether the instruction is appropriate or not appropriate to
include in the teaching
- A. Track carbohydrate intake
- B. Rotate insulin injection sites
- C. Wear a medical alert bracelet
- D. Demonstrate insulin injections on a doll
- E. Store unopened insulin vials at room temperature
Correct Answer:
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by insulin deficiency and management requires insulin therapy for blood glucose
control. The nurse should provide dietary teaching and instructions for insulin administration. Appropriate instructions to
include in the teaching include:
• Track carbohydrate intake to guide insulin administration and maintain blood glucose levels. Exogenous insulin
administration increases the risk of hypoglycemia. Carbohydrate intake should be relatively consistent each day to avoid
hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
• Rotate insulin injection sites to prevent tissue scarring or loss of subcutaneous tissue (ie, lipoatrophy).
• Wear a medical alert bracelet to indicate type 1 DM in the event of hypoglycemia and unconsciousness.
• Demonstrate insulin injections on a doll before performing injections on the child to help prepare the client and family.
Insulin vials that remain unopened should be stored in the refrigerator until opened and can be used up to the expiration date.
Once opened, the vial can be stored at room temperature for approximately 1 month. Injections are less painful when the vial
is stored at room temperature, and lipodystrophy is less likely. Storing the unopened vials at room temperature is not
appropriate to include in the teaching
Nurses' Notes
Initial Clinic Visit
1100:
The client has experienced enuresis at night for the past 2 weeks and frequently requests to use the
bathroom while at school. The client was previously toilet trained with no nighttime bed wetting for 6 months;
the client recently relocated to a new home and school where the client lives with parents.
The parent reports that the client has recently demonstrated fatigue, irritability, and multiple behavioral
outbursts that resemble past temper tantrums. The client frequently reports feeling thirsty. No dysuria or
urinary hesitancy is reported.
Weight and height were in the 40th percentiles at the previous visit a year ago. Growth charts today show
the client's weight in the 20th percentile and height in the 40th percentile.
The client appears tired and irritable. Dry mucous membranes are noted with no increased work of
breathing. The lungs are clear to auscultation bilaterally. No cardiac murmur is heard.
Which of the following statements by the client's parent indicates a correct understanding of the teaching about management for type 1 diabetes mellitus? Select all that apply
- A. I may need to administer insulin more frequently when my child is ill
- B. Insulin requirements will change as my child grows
- C. Insulin should be injected deeply enough to reach the muscle
- D. Overnight social events should be avoided to prevent changes in my child's routine
- E. Proper diet and exercise can eliminate the need for insulin during adulthood.
Correct Answer: A,B
Rationale: Clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) have impaired insulin production due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta
cells. Because clients with type 1 DM do not produce insulin, lifelong insulin replacement is required. Insulin requirements
will change with growth and development
Insulin requirements may increase because stressful events (eg, illness) cause blood glucose levels to rise. When the
client is ill, the parent should be instructed to notify the health care provider, monitor blood glucose levels closely, test the urine
for ketones, increase insulin administration per sliding scale, and monitor for signs of dehydration
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