What is the priority of care for a patient with Cushing's syndrome?
Administering corticosteroid medications
Assessing for signs of infection
Providing emotional support
Monitoring blood glucose levels
The Correct Answer is B
A. Administering corticosteroid medications is incorrect. In Cushing's syndrome, the body already has excess cortisol, either due to endogenous overproduction or prolonged corticosteroid use. The priority is to reduce cortisol levels, not increase them.
B. Assessing for signs of infection is correct. Excess cortisol suppresses the immune system, making patients with Cushing's syndrome highly susceptible to infections. These infections may not present with typical signs (e.g., fever) due to immune suppression, so vigilant assessment is a priority to prevent complications.
C. Providing emotional support is important, as patients may experience body image issues and mood changes, but it is not the immediate priority when life-threatening complications like infection are possible.
D. Monitoring blood glucose levels is also important, since hyperglycemia is common due to cortisol’s effects on glucose metabolism. However, infection risk poses a more immediate threat to patient safety, making infection assessment the top priority.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. The client drinks 2 liters of liquids daily is not a risk factor for lithium toxicity. In fact, maintaining adequate fluid intake is important when taking lithium. Dehydration is a significant risk for lithium toxicity, so drinking a sufficient amount of fluids, such as 2 liters per day, helps prevent this.
B. The client eats 2 to 3 gm of sodium-containing foods daily is not a risk factor for lithium toxicity. Sodium intake can affect lithium levels. A low sodium intake can increase the risk of lithium toxicity, while a normal or moderate intake is usually not problematic. It's important to maintain consistent sodium intake.
C. The client runs 4 miles outdoors every afternoon is the correct answer. Exercise, especially in hot weather, can lead to dehydration and excessive sweating, which can increase the risk of lithium toxicity. Dehydration causes lithium levels to rise because the kidneys are less able to excrete the medication. Therefore, it's important to avoid excessive physical exertion in hot weather and to ensure proper hydration.
D. The client avoids NSAIDs is actually a positive practice. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can increase lithium levels by reducing renal excretion of the drug, so avoiding NSAIDs is an appropriate measure to prevent lithium toxicity.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Hypocalcemia is not a risk factor for urolithiasis. In fact, hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) is a more common risk factor for the formation of calcium-based stones, which are the most common type of kidney stones.
B. Family history is correct. A family history of urolithiasis is a significant risk factor for developing kidney stones. Genetic factors can influence the likelihood of developing stones, especially those made of calcium oxalate or uric acid.
C. BMI less than 25 is incorrect. A BMI less than 25 (considered normal weight) is not typically associated with urolithiasis. In fact, obesity and a high BMI are known risk factors for kidney stone formation.
D. Diuretic use is incorrect, but it can increase the risk of urolithiasis in certain situations. Diuretics can cause dehydration or changes in urine composition, which might increase the risk of stone formation, but this is not as commonly recognized as a primary risk factor compared to others like family history.
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