A nurse is caring for a client who was prescribed metformin 6 months ago. Which of the following findings indicates a positive response to the medication?
The client's frequency of incontinence has decreased.
The client's iron level has increased.
The client's high-density lipoprotein level has increased.
The client's HbA1c has decreased.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. The client's frequency of incontinence has decreased: Incontinence is not a direct measure of blood glucose control or the effectiveness of metformin. Changes in urinary frequency may be influenced by other conditions, such as urinary tract infections or prostate issues, and do not indicate the medication’s success.
B. The client's iron level has increased: Metformin does not affect iron metabolism. An increase in iron levels would be unrelated to metformin therapy and could reflect dietary changes, supplementation, or other underlying conditions.
C. The client's high-density lipoprotein level has increased: While metformin may have mild beneficial effects on lipid profiles, its primary purpose is to improve glycemic control. Changes in HDL are not the main indicator of therapeutic success for this medication.
D. The client's HbA1c has decreased: HbA1c reflects average blood glucose levels over the past 2–3 months. A decrease indicates improved glycemic control, which is the primary goal of metformin therapy. Monitoring HbA1c is the most reliable measure to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","F","G","H","I","J", "L"]
Explanation
Rationale for correct choices
• Temperature 38.2° C (100.8° F). An elevated temperature in a postpartum client may indicate infection, especially in the context of prolonged rupture of membranes and cesarean delivery. Prompt follow-up is required to identify the source and initiate treatment to prevent progression to sepsis.
• WBC count 33,000/mm³. A markedly elevated WBC suggests an active inflammatory or infectious process. In postpartum clients, leukocytosis can signal endometritis, mastitis, or surgical site infection, necessitating immediate assessment and intervention.
• Client reports feeling unwell. A general feeling of being ill or "not right" in a postpartum client with fever is a significant subjective finding often preceding more objective signs of infection/sepsis.
• Uterus firm at 1 cm above the umbillous and tender to palpation. Uterine tenderness combined with fever and foul-smelling lochia is a cardinal sign of endometritis (infection of the uterine lining), the most common postpartum infection, especially after Cesarean section.
• Moderate amount of dark brown, foul-smelling lochia. Foul-smelling lochia is a hallmark of uterine infection such as endometritis. Combined with fever and leukocytosis, this finding warrants urgent evaluation, monitoring, and possible initiation of antibiotics.
• Breasts firm, heavy, and warm with nipple discomfort. These signs are consistent with mastitis, particularly in a breastfeeding client. Early recognition and treatment with supportive measures or antibiotics prevent worsening infection and systemic involvement.
• Fundus boggy but firmed with massage. A boggy fundus indicates uterine atony, which can lead to postpartum hemorrhage. Immediate attention is required to prevent excessive blood loss and maintain hemodynamic stability.
Rationale for incorrect choices
• Vital signs: Heart rate while slightly elevated can be physiologic due to postpartum recovery, mild fever, or pain. Respiratory rate is within normal limits for adults; does not indicate acute compromise. Blood pressure is within normal postpartum range and does not signal hemodynamic instability at this time. Oxygen saturation is normal, indicating adequate oxygenation.
• Surgical incision well approximated with slight edema, no redness or drainage: Mild edema at the incision site is expected and not indicative of infection at this time. Regular monitoring is appropriate.
• No bowel movement since birth, hypoactive bowel sounds: Delayed bowel movements and hypoactive sounds are common postpartum, especially after cesarean section. Monitoring and supportive care are sufficient unless other symptoms develop.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Establish a patent airway: Severe head trauma with active nasal bleeding raises concern for airway obstruction from blood pooling, impaired consciousness, or loss of protective reflexes. Ensuring a patent airway prevents hypoxia, which can rapidly worsen neurologic injury. Early airway control is the priority because compromised breathing poses an immediate threat to life
B. Prepare for a CT scan: A CT scan is essential for diagnosing intracranial injuries, fractures, and sources of bleeding, but the client must first have a stable airway and adequate oxygenation. Imaging cannot safely proceed until airway patency is confirmed, since deterioration during transport is a major risk.
C. Insert a peripheral IV line: IV access is necessary for fluid resuscitation and medication administration, but it is not the most urgent action when airway compromise is suspected. The risk of hypoxia outweighs the risk of delayed IV access, and airway management must occur before secondary stabilization steps. Once the airway is secured, IV access can be safely done.
D. Apply direct pressure to the nose: Direct pressure is generally used to control epistaxis, but in severe head trauma, nasal bleeding may indicate a basilar skull fracture, and pressure could worsen underlying injury or dislodge clots. Additionally, controlling bleeding is secondary to securing the airway, as blood flow can interfere with breathing.
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