A nurse in an emergency department is caring for an older adult client who has diabetes mellitus and is in a hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Evaluate the client's understanding of diabetes management.

Administer potassium supplements.

Initiate a continuous infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride.

Chek for improvements in the client's level of consciousness.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Evaluate the client's understanding of diabetes management: While it is important to assess the client’s understanding of diabetes management to prevent future hyperglycemic episodes, this is not the immediate priority. The client's current hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state needs urgent intervention to stabilize their condition before educational measures can be effective.

B) Administer potassium supplements: Potassium supplementation may be necessary, especially if the client is hypokalemic, but it is not the first action. Electrolyte levels should be monitored and corrected as part of the treatment, but the initial priority is to address the severe dehydration and hyperglycemia.

C) Initiate a continuous infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride: This is the most critical first step. Clients in a hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state are typically severely dehydrated due to osmotic diuresis. Initiating a continuous infusion of isotonic saline helps to restore intravascular volume, improve perfusion, and stabilize hemodynamics, which is essential before addressing other issues.

D) Check for improvements in the client's level of consciousness: Monitoring the client's level of consciousness is important as it provides information about their neurological status and response to treatment. However, this is a subsequent action after initiating fluid resuscitation, which directly addresses the immediate life-threatening aspects of the hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Provide a detailed account of the feelings and sounds the client will experience:
While explaining the procedure can be helpful, it might increase anxiety for someone with claustrophobia by focusing on potentially distressing details. It's more effective to use relaxation techniques or medications to manage acute anxiety.

B) Obtain a prescription for clonazepam:
Clonazepam, a benzodiazepine, can help reduce anxiety and is often used to manage claustrophobia during procedures like an MRI. This medication can help the client stay calm and more comfortable during the scan.

C) Obtain a prescription for ziprasidone:
Ziprasidone is an antipsychotic medication and is not typically used for managing situational anxiety or claustrophobia. Using an appropriate anxiolytic like clonazepam is more effective in this context.

D) Inform the client that the time spent in the MRI machine will only be 5 min:
This statement is misleading as MRI scans usually take longer than 5 minutes. Providing inaccurate information can undermine trust and increase anxiety if the procedure takes longer than stated.

A. Muscle twitching B. Bounding pulse C. Hypertension D. Decreased bowel sounds

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Muscle twitching:
Muscle twitching, also known as tetany, is a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels increase neuromuscular excitability, leading to symptoms such as muscle cramps, spasms, and twitching. This is a key clinical sign that helps in diagnosing hypocalcemia.
B) Bounding pulse:
A bounding pulse is not typically associated with hypocalcemia. Instead, it is more often seen in conditions such as fluid overload or hyperdynamic circulatory states, where there is increased cardiac output or vascular volume.
C) Hypertension:
Hypertension is not a common manifestation of hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia is more likely to cause hypotension due to its effect on cardiac contractility and vascular tone, rather than causing high blood pressure.
D) Decreased bowel sounds:
Decreased bowel sounds are not commonly associated with hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia affects neuromuscular function, but it typically causes increased gastrointestinal motility rather than decreased motility, which would lead to hyperactive bowel sounds rather than decreased ones.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse in an emergency department is caring for an older adult client who has diabetes mellitus and is in a hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has claustrophobia and is scheduled for an MRI to evaluate potential pericarditis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has hypocalcemia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has an electrolyte imbalance with an elevated magnesium level of 3.3 mEq/L. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

A nurse is reviewing the medical record for a client who has hypothyroidism and is experiencing myxedema coma. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

A nurse is teaching a client who has asthma and a prescription for an inhaler. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A nurse is providing preventative dietary teaching to a client who has a family history of cholelithiasis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A nurse is providing teaching about food selection to a client who has iron-deficiency anemia. Which of the following client statements should the nurse identify as an understanding of the teaching?

A nurse is performing discharge planning for a client who has osteoarthritis. Which of the following Interventions should the nurse identify as the priority?

A nurse is creating a plan of care for a client who has generalized anxiety disorder and was recently admitted following a stressful life event. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

A nurse is teaching a client who has generalized anxiety disorder and a new prescription of buspirone. The nurse should instruct the client to notify the provider of which of the following findings as an adverse effect of buspirone?