Which instruction is highest priority when the nurse is developing a teaching plan for a patient with Addison's disease?
Avoiding infection
Managing lifelong corticosteroid replacement
Wearing a Medic-Alert bracelet
Practicing stress-management techniques
The Correct Answer is B
A. While avoiding infection is important for individuals with Addison's disease due to their weakened immune system, the priority is ensuring proper medication management.
B. Managing lifelong corticosteroid replacement is the most crucial instruction because individuals with Addison's disease have insufficient production of adrenal hormones, particularly cortisol. Without appropriate corticosteroid therapy, they can experience life-threatening adrenal crises.
C. Wearing a Medic-Alert bracelet is a helpful precaution, but it is not as immediately critical as ensuring proper medication management.
D. Practicing stress-management techniques is beneficial, as stress can exacerbate symptoms of Addison's disease, but corticosteroid replacement remains the highest priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The client is likely experiencing an allergic reaction to penicillin, such as anaphylaxis, which can cause symptoms like itching, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. The first step is to stop the infusion immediately to prevent further exposure to the allergen.
B. Elevating the head of the bed might be helpful if the client is experiencing respiratory distress, but stopping the infusion is the priority action.
C. Auscultating the client's breath sounds may be useful later to assess the severity of respiratory distress, but it is not the first action in an acute allergic reaction.
D. Calling the provider is important, but the immediate priority is stopping the infusion to prevent further harm from the allergic reaction.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Blood glucose levels are not directly affected by desmopressin, as it is used to treat diabetes insipidus, which is related to antidiuretic hormone (ADH) deficiency, not glucose metabolism.
B. A serum sodium level of 146 mEq/L is slightly elevated and may indicate dehydration, which is common in diabetes insipidus if not well controlled. Desmopressin should help lower the sodium level by reducing the excessive urine output.
C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is typically used to assess kidney function and hydration status, but it is not a primary indicator of the effectiveness of desmopressin in treating diabetes insipidus.
D. A urine specific gravity of 1.015 is within the normal range and indicates more concentrated urine, which is a therapeutic effect of desmopressin. The medication helps the kidneys retain water, leading to more concentrated urine, and improving symptoms of diabetes insipidus.
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