Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A client with type 1 diabetes who takes insulin reports taking propranolol for hypertension. Why is the nurse concerned?
A. The beta-blocker can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
While beta-blockers can mask some symptoms of hypoglycemia, the major concern in this scenario is ketoacidosis.
B. Using the two agents together increases the risk of ketoacidosis.
Beta-blockers, like propranolol, can mask the typical symptoms of hypoglycemia (tachycardia, palpitations), leading to a delayed recognition of low blood sugar levels.
C. Propranolol increases insulin requirements because of receptor blocking.
Propranolol may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of insulin, but the primary concern in this case is ketoacidosis.
D. The beta-blocker can cause insulin resistance.
Beta-blockers can indeed cause insulin resistance, but the primary concern in this context is the risk of ketoacidosis.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ramsussen Section 4 Module 11. Pharmocology For Professional Nursing Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A) While beta-blockers can mask some symptoms of hypoglycemia, the major concern in this scenario is ketoacidosis.
B) Beta-blockers, like propranolol, can mask the typical symptoms of hypoglycemia (tachycardia, palpitations), leading to a delayed recognition of low blood sugar levels.
C) Propranolol may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of insulin, but the primary concern in this case is ketoacidosis.
D) Beta-blockers can indeed cause insulin resistance, but the primary concern in this context is the risk of ketoacidosis.
Similar Questions
Which statement by the client shows a correct understanding of how they should take their levothyroxine?
A. "My dose should skip the next dose if the medication makes me sleepy."
Taking levothyroxine at bedtime may affect sleep, but this statement suggests an incorrect understanding of the dosing schedule.
B. "I should take it after my noon meal."
Taking levothyroxine with a meal may interfere with its absorption. The medication is generally recommended to be taken on an empty stomach.
C. "I should take it before breakfast on an empty stomach."
Taking levothyroxine before breakfast on an empty stomach is the standard recommendation for optimal absorption.
D. "I should stop taking it if my thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level is high."
Stopping levothyroxine based on TSH levels should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider, and it's not the routine approach to medication administration.
Full Explanation
A) Taking levothyroxine at bedtime may affect sleep, but this statement suggests an incorrect understanding of the dosing schedule.
B) Taking levothyroxine with a meal may interfere with its absorption. The medication is generally recommended to be taken on an empty stomach.
C) Taking levothyroxine before breakfast on an empty stomach is the standard recommendation for optimal absorption.
D) Stopping levothyroxine based on TSH levels should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider, and it's not a routine approach to medication administration.
The diabetic client receives an injection of insulin glargine. What is the duration of insulin glargine?
A. 15 minutes
This is not the correct duration for insulin glargine. Insulin glargine has a much longer duration.
B. 2 to 4 hours
The duration of 2 to 4 hours is too short for insulin glargine.
C. 18 to 24 hours
Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin with a duration of 18 to 24 hours.
D. 6 to 14 hours
The duration of 6 to 14 hours is too short for insulin glargine.
Full Explanation
A) This is not the correct duration for insulin glargine. Insulin glargine has a much longer duration.
B) The duration of 2 to 4 hours is too short for insulin glargine.
C) Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin with a duration of 18 to 24 hours.
D) The duration of 6 to 14 hours is too short for insulin glargine.
A nurse is concerned about renal function in an 84-year-old client who is taking several medications. What is a priority for the nurse to assess?
A. Serum creatinine
Serum creatinine is an important marker of renal function, but specific gravity is more directly related to urine concentration and kidney function.
B. Troponin levels
Troponin levels are primarily associated with cardiac function, not renal function.
C. Specific gravity
Assessing specific gravity helps evaluate the kidney's ability to concentrate urine and is a valuable indicator of renal function.
D. Sodium levels
Sodium levels can be important in assessing electrolyte balance but are not the primary indicator of renal function.
Full Explanation
A) Serum creatinine is an important marker of renal function, but specific gravity is more directly related to urine concentration and kidney function.
B) Troponin levels are primarily associated with cardiac function, not renal function.
C) Assessing specific gravity helps evaluate the kidney's ability to concentrate urine and is a valuable indicator of renal function.
D) Sodium levels can be important in assessing electrolyte balance but are not the primary indicator of renal function.