The practical nurse (PN) is caring for an adolescent with type 1 diabetes mellitus who presents with an HbA1c of 11% (97 mmol/mol), thirst, and blurred vision.
Which action should the PN take first?
Review prior insulin prescriptions.
Check blood pressure.
Obtain point-of-care glucose.
Assess urine for ketones.
The Correct Answer is C
The first action the PN should take is to obtain a point-of-care glucose test. This will provide immediate information about the patient's blood sugar level and help guide further interventions.
Option A, reviewing prior insulin prescriptions, is important but not the first priority.
Option B, checking blood pressure, is also important but not the most immediate concern.
Option D, assessing urine for ketones, can provide useful information about the presence of ketones in the urine, which can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not the first action that should be taken.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe respiratory infections, especially in infants and young children. RSV is easily spread through contact with respiratory secretions from infected individuals, and can survive on surfaces for several hours. Therefore, it is important to avoid exposing other children to RSV, especially those who are under 6 months old or have a weakened immune system. The practical nurse (PN) should advise the mother not to take her infant to the birthday party to prevent the spread of RSV to other children. The PN can provide education on how to prevent the spread of RSV, such as washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
For a child with heart failure, the greatest priority for the practical nurse (PN) is to conserve the child's energy. Clustered care activities and rest periods will help to conserve the child's energy and minimize the workload on the heart.
Monitoring therapeutic levels of phenytoin (A) is not relevant to the care of a child with heart failure. Increasing fluid intake (B) is not a priority intervention for a child with heart failure, as excessive fluid intake can worsen heart failure. Restricting intake of foods high in sugar (D) may be necessary for a child with heart failure, but it is not the greatest priority for the PN to address.
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