A nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client who has Cushing’s disease. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include in the teaching?
Decrease protein intake.
Restrict sodium intake.
Limit intake of potassium-rich foods.
Increase carbohydrate intake.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Decrease protein intake: This is not typically recommended for clients with Cushing’s disease. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass and overall health. Clients with Cushing’s disease often experience muscle weakness and wasting, so adequate protein intake is crucial to help counteract these effects. Therefore, decreasing protein intake would not be beneficial.
Choice B Reason:
Restrict sodium intake: Clients with Cushing’s disease often suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) due to the excess cortisol in their bodies. High sodium intake can exacerbate this condition by increasing blood pressure even further. Therefore, it is crucial to restrict sodium intake to help manage hypertension and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications. Foods high in sodium include processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks. The recommended daily sodium intake for most adults is less than 2,300 milligrams, but for those with hypertension, it is often advised to consume even less.

Choice C Reason:
Limit intake of potassium-rich foods: This is not a standard recommendation for clients with Cushing’s disease. In fact, potassium is often beneficial as it can help counteract the effects of sodium and lower blood pressure. Potassium-rich foods include bananas, oranges, spinach, and sweet potatoes. Limiting these foods would not be advantageous and could potentially worsen hypertension.
Choice D Reason:
Increase carbohydrate intake: Increasing carbohydrate intake is not typically recommended for clients with Cushing’s disease. Excess cortisol can lead to increased blood sugar levels and a higher risk of developing diabetes. Therefore, it is important to manage carbohydrate intake carefully to avoid spikes in blood sugar. Instead, a balanced diet with a focus on complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats is recommended.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E","G"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Adherence to proper hand hygiene
Proper hand hygiene is a fundamental practice in preventing infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Hand hygiene involves washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after patient contact, after touching potentially contaminated surfaces, and before performing any aseptic procedures. This practice helps to reduce the transmission of pathogens that can cause infections in mechanically ventilated patients. Studies have shown that adherence to hand hygiene protocols significantly decreases the incidence of VAP and other healthcare-associated infections.
Choice B Reason: Suction the client at least every 2 hours
While suctioning is an important aspect of care for mechanically ventilated patients, routine suctioning every 2 hours is not recommended. Instead, suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s clinical condition and as needed. Over-suctioning can cause trauma to the airway and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, this choice is not included in the best practices for preventing VAP.
Choice C Reason: Administering antiulcer medication
Administering antiulcer medication is a recommended practice to prevent stress ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding in mechanically ventilated patients. Stress ulcers can lead to complications such as aspiration of gastric contents, which can contribute to the development of VAP. Antiulcer medications, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor antagonists, help to reduce gastric acidity and the risk of ulcer formation. This practice is part of the comprehensive care plan to prevent VAP.

Choice D Reason: Providing oral care per protocol
Providing oral care per protocol is a critical component of VAP prevention. Oral care involves cleaning the patient’s mouth, teeth, and gums to reduce the colonization of harmful bacteria that can be aspirated into the lungs. Protocols for oral care typically include the use of antiseptic solutions, such as chlorhexidine, to disinfect the oral cavity. Regular oral care has been shown to significantly reduce the incidence of VAP in mechanically ventilated patients.
Choice E Reason: Elevating the head of the bed
Elevating the head of the bed to an angle of 30 to 45 degrees is a recommended practice to prevent VAP. This position helps to reduce the risk of aspiration of gastric contents into the lungs, which is a major risk factor for VAP. Elevating the head of the bed also promotes better lung expansion and ventilation, which can improve the patient’s respiratory status. This practice is widely recognized as an effective measure to prevent VAP.
Choice F Reason: Suctioning the client on a regular schedule
Similar to Choice B, routine suctioning on a regular schedule is not recommended. Suctioning should be performed based on the patient’s clinical needs and not on a fixed schedule. Over-suctioning can cause harm and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, this choice is not included in the best practices for preventing VAP.
Choice G Reason: Turning and positioning the client at least every 2 hours
Turning and positioning the client at least every 2 hours is an important practice to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers and to promote lung expansion. Regular repositioning helps to improve ventilation and drainage of secretions, reducing the risk of VAP. This practice is part of the standard care for mechanically ventilated patients to prevent various complications, including VAP.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A: Increased Respiratory Rate
Fluid overload, also known as hypervolemia, can lead to an increased respiratory rate. This occurs because the excess fluid in the body can accumulate in the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion and edema. As a result, the body attempts to compensate by increasing the respiratory rate to improve oxygenation and remove excess carbon dioxide. Normal respiratory rate for adults is typically between 12-20 breaths per minute. An increased respiratory rate above this range can indicate fluid overload.
Choice B: Increased Heart Rate
An increased heart rate, or tachycardia, is another common finding in clients with fluid overload. The heart has to work harder to pump the excess fluid throughout the body, leading to an increased heart rate. This is a compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate cardiac output and tissue perfusion. Normal resting heart rate for adults is between 60-100 beats per minute. A heart rate above this range can be indicative of fluid overload.
Choice C: Increased Blood Pressure
Fluid overload can also result in increased blood pressure, or hypertension. The excess fluid in the bloodstream increases the volume of blood that the heart has to pump, leading to higher pressure within the arteries. This can strain the cardiovascular system and lead to complications if not managed properly. Normal blood pressure is typically around 120/80 mmHg. Blood pressure readings consistently above this range can suggest fluid overload.
Choice D: Increased Hematocrit
Increased hematocrit is not typically associated with fluid overload. Hematocrit is the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. In cases of fluid overload, the hematocrit level is usually decreased due to the dilutional effect of the excess fluid. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
Choice E: Increased Temperature
Increased temperature is not a common finding in fluid overload. Fever or elevated body temperature is more commonly associated with infections or inflammatory conditions. Fluid overload does not typically cause an increase in body temperature. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.
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