A client with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is admitted to the hospital for an emergency cholecystectomy. The client explains to the nurse about experiencing difficulty at home in keeping blood glucose levels under 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/L). To prevent the client from developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the plan of care?
a) Obtain a fingerstick glucose every 6 hours.
b) Ensure IV fluids are infusing continuously.
c) Test urine for the presence of ketones.
d) Teach the client how to manage sick days.

The correct answer is: c) Test urine for the presence of ketones.

Choice A reason: Obtaining a fingerstick glucose every 6 hours is important for monitoring blood glucose levels and ensuring they are within the target range. However, it is not the most critical intervention for preventing diabetic ketoacidosis. Testing for ketones provides more specific information on the development of DK

Obtain a fingerstick glucose every 6 hours.

Ensure IV fluids are infusing continuously.

Test urine for the presence of ketones.

Teach the client how to manage sick days.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Obtaining a fingerstick glucose every 6 hours is important for monitoring blood glucose levels and ensuring they are within the target range. However, it is not the most critical intervention for preventing diabetic ketoacidosis. Testing for ketones provides more specific information on the development of DKA.

Choice B reason: Ensuring IV fluids are infusing continuously is crucial for maintaining hydration and preventing electrolyte imbalances, particularly in a client who may be at risk for DKA. However, this intervention is supportive and not as directly related to detecting the onset of DKA as testing for ketones.

Choice C reason: Testing urine for the presence of ketones is the most important intervention. The presence of ketones indicates that the body is breaking down fat for energy instead of using glucose, which is a hallmark of diabetic ketoacidosis. Early detection of ketones allows for prompt intervention to prevent the progression of DKA.

Choice D reason: Teaching the client how to manage sick days is essential for long-term diabetes management and preventing complications during illness. However, for the immediate prevention of DKA in the hospital setting, testing for ketones is more urgent and directly related to detecting and managing the condition.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Keeping toenails trimmed short is important for foot care, especially in clients with PAD, but it is not the highest priority.

Choice B reason: Applying a heating pad to soothe leg pain can provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of PAD or reduce cardiovascular risk.

Choice C reason: Enrolling in a smoking cessation program is the highest priority. Smoking significantly exacerbates PAD and increases the risk of further cardiovascular events, including heart attacks. Quitting smoking is crucial for improving vascular health and reducing the risk of complications.

Choice D reason: Reducing intake of high saturated fats and salt is important for overall cardiovascular health but is not as immediate or impactful as smoking cessation in reducing the risk of complications from PAD and MI.

A. Upper midabdominal pain described as gnawing and burning. B. Marked loss of weight and appetite over the last 3 or 4 months. C. Severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea after eating spicy foods. D. Frequent use of chewable and liquid antacids for indigestion.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Upper midabdominal pain described as gnawing and burning is a classic symptom of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). This type of pain is typically located in the epigastric region and is often relieved by eating or taking antacids, which aligns with the presentation of PUD.

Choice B reason: Marked loss of weight and appetite over the last 3 or 4 months can occur in various gastrointestinal conditions, but it is not specific enough to support a diagnosis of PUD. This symptom alone does not provide enough evidence for PUD.

Choice C reason: Severe abdominal cramps and diarrhea after eating spicy foods might indicate irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or another gastrointestinal condition. These symptoms are not typically associated with PUD.

Choice D reason: Frequent use of chewable and liquid antacids for indigestion can indicate chronic gastrointestinal discomfort, but it does not specifically point to PUD. It suggests ongoing gastric issues but lacks specificity for diagnosing PUD.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is developing a teaching plan for a client with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) who has a history of a myocardial infarction (MI) and smokes two packs of cigarettes daily. Which instruction has the greatest priority?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is obtaining the admission history for a client with suspected peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Which subjective data reported by the client supports this medical diagnosis?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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A client who is postmenopausal, obese, and is a smoker, has developed an intolerance to fatty foods and believes she is at risk for developing gallbladder problems. Which instruction should the nurse provide to help reduce the client's risk for gallbladder disease?

The nurse administers regular insulin SUBQ at 0700 to a client with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), after which the client eats one-half of the breakfast provided. At 1000, the client reports being hungry. Which action should the nurse implement?

The nurse is preparing to obtain a rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) test for a client who was exposed to the virus eight days ago. The client is experiencing fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

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