A client is admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and is receiving an IV infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride and insulin. Two hours later, the client's serum laboratory results show a decrease in the serum blood glucose from 580 to 430 mg/dL (32.2 to 23.86 mmol/L). It is most
important for the nurse to monitor which additional laboratory result?
Reference Range

Serum potassium.

Urine ketones.

Serum sodium.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Serum potassium. Insulin therapy causes potassium to move into cells, which can lead to hypokalemia. Monitoring serum potassium is critical because significant drops can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and other complications.
B.   Urine ketones. While monitoring ketones is important for assessing the resolution of DKA, it is not as immediately critical as monitoring potassium levels.
C.   Serum sodium. Sodium levels are important but typically do not change as rapidly as potassium levels during DKA treatment.
D.   Blood urea nitrogen (BUN). BUN levels provide information about kidney function and hydration status but are less immediately critical than potassium levels in the context of insulin therapy for DKA.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Resume antithyroid drug therapy.
Antithyroid medications are typically not resumed immediately post-thyroidectomy unless specifically directed by the healthcare provider. The focus post-surgery is often on managing potential complications and ensuring proper healing.

B. Anticipate and monitor for hypothermia.
Hypothermia is not a common concern following thyroidectomy. The nurse should monitor for other more relevant complications such as bleeding, airway obstruction, and hypocalcemia.

C. Prepare to administer radioactive iodine treatments.
Radioactive iodine treatment is usually not administered immediately post-thyroidectomy. It may be considered later, depending on the reason for the thyroidectomy and the individual treatment plan.

D. Maintain a semi-Fowler position.
This is the correct intervention. Maintaining the client in a semi-Fowler position helps reduce strain on the surgical site, facilitates breathing, and minimizes the risk of complications such as bleeding and edema in the neck area. It is an essential part of postoperative care for
thyroidectomy patients.

A. BRCA1 and BRCA2 provide protection of mature, functioning breast and ovarian cells. B. The choice of treatment is best determined by the sensitivity of these genetic markers. C. Mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 identify a client's risk for cancerous cell development in breast tissue. D. The prognosis of breast cancer is most successful when these markers are inherited mutations.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. BRCA1 and BRCA2 provide protection of mature, functioning breast and ovarian cells. This is not accurate; BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are involved in DNA repair, and mutations in these genes increase cancer risk.
B. The choice of treatment is best determined by the sensitivity of these genetic markers. While genetic markers can influence treatment decisions, this option does not directly address the role of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in cancer risk.
C. Mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 identify a client's risk for cancerous cell development in breast tissue. This is correct. Mutations in these genes significantly increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
D. The prognosis of breast cancer is most successful when these markers are inherited mutations.
This statement is incorrect. The presence of BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations influences risk, not necessarily prognosis or treatment success.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care for a client who is 12 hours post-thyroidectomy?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is preparing a client with breast cancer for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic testing. Which pathophysiological process should the nurse use to support client teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is preparing to administer a narcotic analgesic to a client with a fractured femur who also has obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

Exhibits The nurse should place the client in a position to promote

An infant is unresponsive and gasping for breath. Prior to starting CPR, which site should the nurse palpate for a pulse?

Exhibits Which may have caused the change in the Glasgow Coma Scale score between 2000 and 2400? Select all that apply.

A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives a prescription for chest physiotherapy (CPT) to help mobilize secretions. Following the therapy, which finding indicates to the nurse that the intervention was effective?

The nurse identifies the presence of clear fluid on the surgical dressing of a client who just returned to the unit following lumbar spinal surgery. Which action should the nurse implement immediately?

The nurse is collecting a heelstick blood specimen for a neonatal screen, which includes thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, prior to the discharge of a 2-day- old client. When the parents ask why these tests are being conducted, which explanation should the nurse provide?