Which electrolyte imbalance should be closely monitored in patients on diuretics?
- A. Hypokalemia
- B. Hyponatremia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Hypercalcemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Patients on diuretics are at risk of developing hypokalemia due to increased potassium excretion by the kidneys. Hypokalemia can lead to serious consequences such as cardiac arrhythmias. Hyponatremia (choice B) is an imbalance of sodium levels and is not typically associated with diuretic use. Hyperkalemia (choice C) is the opposite condition where potassium levels are elevated and is less common in patients on diuretics. Hypercalcemia (choice D) is an excess of calcium in the blood and is not directly related to diuretic use. Therefore, monitoring for hypokalemia is crucial in patients taking diuretics.
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A healthcare provider is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following tests is an indicator of long-term blood glucose control?
- A. Fasting blood glucose
- B. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
- C. Random blood glucose
- D. Postprandial blood glucose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). HbA1c provides a measure of long-term blood glucose control over the past 2-3 months. This test reflects the average blood glucose levels during this period, making it a valuable tool in managing diabetes. Choices A, C, and D are not indicators of long-term blood glucose control. Fasting blood glucose measures the current glucose level after a period of not eating, random blood glucose provides a snapshot of the current glucose level, and postprandial blood glucose measures the glucose level after a meal.
What is the best intervention for a patient experiencing respiratory distress?
- A. Administer oxygen
- B. Administer bronchodilators
- C. Administer IV fluids
- D. Provide chest physiotherapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Administering oxygen is the best intervention for a patient experiencing respiratory distress because it helps improve oxygenation and alleviate respiratory distress. Oxygen therapy is crucial in ensuring that the patient receives an adequate supply of oxygen to meet the body's demands. Administering bronchodilators (Choice B) may be beneficial in specific respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD but may not be the primary intervention in all cases of respiratory distress. Administering IV fluids (Choice C) may be necessary in cases of dehydration or shock but would not directly address respiratory distress. Providing chest physiotherapy (Choice D) can help mobilize secretions in conditions like cystic fibrosis but is not the first-line intervention for respiratory distress.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a new diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?
- A. Massage the affected extremity every 4 hours.
- B. Encourage the client to remain on bed rest.
- C. Apply cold packs to the affected extremity.
- D. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to apply cold packs to the affected extremity. Cold packs help reduce swelling and pain by causing vasoconstriction. Massaging the affected extremity could dislodge a clot, leading to serious complications. Encouraging bed rest may increase the risk of clot propagation, while frequent ambulation is contraindicated as it can dislodge clots.
What is the best nursing intervention for a patient experiencing fluid overload?
- A. Administer diuretics
- B. Administer IV fluids
- C. Provide oral fluids
- D. Provide chest physiotherapy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The best nursing intervention for a patient experiencing fluid overload is to administer diuretics. Diuretics help the body to remove excess fluid by increasing urine output. This intervention is crucial in managing fluid overload. Administering IV fluids (Choice B) would worsen the condition by adding more fluids to the already overloaded system. Providing oral fluids (Choice C) is not appropriate as it would further contribute to the fluid overload. Chest physiotherapy (Choice D) is not indicated in the treatment of fluid overload and would not address the underlying issue of excess fluid accumulation.
What is the best method to monitor fluid balance in a patient receiving diuretics?
- A. Monitor daily weight
- B. Monitor intake and output
- C. Monitor blood pressure
- D. Monitor edema
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The best method to monitor fluid balance in a patient receiving diuretics is to monitor daily weight. Daily weighing is a precise way to assess changes in fluid status as it reflects variations in total body water. Monitoring intake and output (choice B) is also important but may not provide as accurate a measurement as daily weight. Monitoring blood pressure (choice C) is essential but does not directly measure fluid balance. Monitoring edema (choice D) is helpful to assess fluid status visually but may not be as sensitive as daily weight measurements in detecting subtle changes in fluid balance.