A nurse assesses a patient with hypothyroidism who is admitted with acute appendicitis. The nurse notes that the patient's level of consciousness has decreased. What action does the nurse perform?
Restricts oral intake.
Monitor blood pressure every 4 hours.
Administer SQ insulin as prescribed.
Maintain a patent airway.
The Correct Answer is D
A decrease in the level of consciousness is a serious sign and could be an indication of worsening conditions. It is essential for the nurse to ensure that the patient's airway is open and clear, as a compromised airway can lead to hypoxia and a further decrease in consciousness. Therefore, maintaining a patent airway should be the nurse's priority action in this situation.
While monitoring blood pressure and restricting oral intake may be important interventions in certain situations, they are not the priority actions in this scenario. Administering SQ insulin may not be necessary for a patient with hypothyroidism and acute appendicitis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["D","F","G"]
Explanation
Option A is incorrect because administering an ACE inhibitor may be a part of the patient's regular medication regimen, but it is not specific to preventing complications of diabetes mellitus while in the hospital.
Option b is incorrect because administering intravenous fluids at a high rate may result in fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, and other complications, which may not be appropriate for this patient.
Option c is incorrect because administering glucagon is not a preventative measure, but rather an intervention for treating hypoglycemia.
Option d is correct because ensuring a well-lit path to the bathroom is important for fall prevention, but it does not directly address the prevention of complications of diabetes mellitus.
Option e is incorrect because encouraging the client to drink sugar-free liquids is a general recommendation for maintaining hydration and may not be specific to preventing complications of diabetes mellitus.
Option f is correct because teaching the client to rise slowly from the bed is important for preventing orthostatic hypotension, but it does not directly address the prevention of complications of diabetes mellitus.
Option g is correct because Patients with diabetes mellitus are at risk for hypoglycemia when taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. Proper coordination of meal-time insulin with food delivery and consumption can help prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. This includes ensuring that the patient receives insulin at the appropriate time in relation to meals and monitoring blood glucose levels regularly.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Diabetes insipidus is a condition in which the body is unable to properly regulate fluid balance, leading to excessive urination (polyuria) and thirst. Therefore, the nurse should anticipate the clinical manifestation of polyuria in a patient admitted to the hospital with diabetes insipidus. The patient may excrete large amounts of dilute urine, which can lead to dehydration if adequate fluid replacement is not provided. The other options listed (fluid volume overload, decreased gas exchange, and generalized edema) are not typically associated with diabetes insipidus, as this condition is characterized by a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) rather than an excess of fluid.
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