The practical nurse (PN) is caring for an adolescent with type 1 diabetes mellitus who presents with an HbA1c of 11% (97 mmol/mol), thirst, and blurred vision.
Which action should the PN take first?
Review prior insulin prescriptions.
Check blood pressure.
Obtain point-of-care glucose.
Assess urine for ketones.
The Correct Answer is C
The first action the PN should take is to obtain a point-of-care glucose test. This will provide immediate information about the patient's blood sugar level and help guide further interventions.
Option A, reviewing prior insulin prescriptions, is important but not the first priority.
Option B, checking blood pressure, is also important but not the most immediate concern.
Option D, assessing urine for ketones, can provide useful information about the presence of ketones in the urine, which can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis, but it is not the first action that should be taken.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The practical nurse should report to the charge nurse that the client is near delivery, as the client's signs indicate that she is in the transition phase of labor and is likely to deliver soon. The PN should also assess the client's vital signs, fetal heart rate, and pain level, and prepare the delivery equipment.
The husband can be asked to provide emotional support to the client during labor.
The rapid response team may be called in case of a medical emergency, but this is not indicated based on the information given.
Checking the time, the last PRN narcotic analgesic was given is also not indicated at this point, as the client is close to delivery and may not have time for medication to take effect.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The priority action for the practical nurse (PN) to take while caring for a client that has just arrived in the emergency department with 2nd degree thermal burns to the right thigh, lower leg and foot, and reports severe pain in the right leg is to remove clothing and cover the burned area with a cool damp cloth. This will help to cool the burn and reduce pain.
Anticipating rehydration of 1000 mL/6 hr. with normal saline (Option A) is an important intervention for burn patients, but it is not the first priority. Completely flushing the burned area with water or sterile saline (Option C) may be appropriate in some cases, but it is not the first intervention that should be implemented. Collecting data such as vital signs, blood gases, height and weight (Option D) is also important, but it is not the first priority.
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