What is the priority of care for a patient with Cushing's syndrome?
Administering corticosteroid medications
Assessing for signs of infection
Providing emotional support
Monitoring blood glucose levels
The Correct Answer is B
A. Administering corticosteroid medications is incorrect. In Cushing's syndrome, the body already has excess cortisol, either due to endogenous overproduction or prolonged corticosteroid use. The priority is to reduce cortisol levels, not increase them.
B. Assessing for signs of infection is correct. Excess cortisol suppresses the immune system, making patients with Cushing's syndrome highly susceptible to infections. These infections may not present with typical signs (e.g., fever) due to immune suppression, so vigilant assessment is a priority to prevent complications.
C. Providing emotional support is important, as patients may experience body image issues and mood changes, but it is not the immediate priority when life-threatening complications like infection are possible.
D. Monitoring blood glucose levels is also important, since hyperglycemia is common due to cortisol’s effects on glucose metabolism. However, infection risk poses a more immediate threat to patient safety, making infection assessment the top priority.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypocalcemia is not a risk factor for urolithiasis. In fact, hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) is a more common risk factor for the formation of calcium-based stones, which are the most common type of kidney stones.
B. Family history is correct. A family history of urolithiasis is a significant risk factor for developing kidney stones. Genetic factors can influence the likelihood of developing stones, especially those made of calcium oxalate or uric acid.
C. BMI less than 25 is incorrect. A BMI less than 25 (considered normal weight) is not typically associated with urolithiasis. In fact, obesity and a high BMI are known risk factors for kidney stone formation.
D. Diuretic use is incorrect, but it can increase the risk of urolithiasis in certain situations. Diuretics can cause dehydration or changes in urine composition, which might increase the risk of stone formation, but this is not as commonly recognized as a primary risk factor compared to others like family history.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Check the client's medication record to assess whether the client has been refusing her lithium is not the immediate action needed in this scenario. While it's important to assess adherence to medication, the current lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range (0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L), so there is no immediate concern about toxicity or missed doses at this time.
B. Administer the morning dose of lithium is the correct action. A lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range, so the nurse can safely administer the scheduled dose of lithium. Routine monitoring is important, but this level is not cause for concern at this time.
C. Hold the medication and assess for early manifestations of toxicity is unnecessary. The lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L is within the therapeutic range. Early signs of toxicity usually begin when levels exceed 1.5 mEq/L, so there are no signs that would warrant withholding the medication at this time.
D. Prepare for gastric lavage due to an extremely elevated lithium level is incorrect. A lithium level of 1.0 mEq/L is not elevated to the point of requiring gastric lavage. Toxicity is typically a concern when levels exceed 1.5 mEq/L, so there is no need for such an intervention.
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