Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A. Place the child on a low-sodium diet
A low-sodium diet is not recommended for a child who has Addison's disease, as they need more sodium to maintain their blood pressure and fluid balance. A high-sodium diet may be advised instead. ¹
B. Discuss the manifestations of hyperglycemia with the parents
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not a common manifestation of Addison's disease, as the condition causes low levels of cortisol, which normally raises blood sugar. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is more likely to occur and should be monitored and treated. ²
C. Monitor the child for fluid volume excess
Fluid volume excess, or edema, is not a common complication of Addison's disease, as the condition causes low levels of aldosterone, which normally retains sodium and water in the body. Fluid volume deficit, or dehydration, is more likely to occur and should be prevented and corrected. ³
D. Teach the parents about cortisol replacement therapy
Cortisol replacement therapy is the main treatment for Addison's disease, as it helps restore the normal function of the adrenal glands and prevent adrenal crisis. The parents should be taught about the dosage, timing, and side effects of the medication, as well as the signs and symptoms of underdose and overdose. They should also be instructed to increase the dose during times of stress, illness, or injury, and to carry an emergency injection kit. ⁴.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ati Paediatrics Proctored Exam 2. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: A low-sodium diet is not recommended for a child who has Addison's disease, as they need more sodium to maintain their blood pressure and fluid balance. A high-sodium diet may be advised instead. ¹
Choice B reason: Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is not a common manifestation of Addison's disease, as the condition causes low levels of cortisol, which normally raises blood sugar. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is more likely to occur and should be monitored and treated. ²
Choice C reason: Fluid volume excess, or edema, is not a common complication of Addison's disease, as the condition causes low levels of aldosterone, which normally retains sodium and water in the body. Fluid volume deficit, or dehydration, is more likely to occur and should be prevented and corrected. ³
Choice D reason: Cortisol replacement therapy is the main treatment for Addison's disease, as it helps restore the normal function of the adrenal glands and prevent adrenal crisis. The parents should be taught about the dosage, timing, and side effects of the medication, as well as the signs and symptoms of underdose and overdose. They should also be instructed to increase the dose during times of stress, illness, or injury, and to carry an emergency injection kit. ⁴.
Similar Questions
A nurse is providing teaching to an adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?
A. Take glyburide with breakfast
Glyburide is an oral medication that lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. It is not used for type 1 diabetes mellitus, as the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin in this condition. Glyburide is used for type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is caused by insulin resistance.
B. Obtain an influenza vaccine annually
Obtaining an influenza vaccine annually is recommended for people who have type 1 diabetes mellitus, as they are more prone to complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, ketoacidosis, and hospitalization. The vaccine can help prevent or reduce the severity of the flu and its complications.
C. Inject insulin in the deltoid muscle
Injecting insulin in the deltoid muscle is not the best practice for administering insulin, as the absorption rate and onset of action may vary depending on the muscle mass and blood flow. The preferred sites for insulin injection are the abdomen, the upper arms, the thighs, and the buttocks, as they have more subcutaneous fat and less muscle tissue. The injection site should also be rotated to prevent lipodystrophy.
D. Administer glucagon for hyperglycemia
Administering glucagon for hyperglycemia is not appropriate, as glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar by stimulating the liver to release glucose. It is used for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which is a common and serious complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is treated with insulin, fluids, and electrolytes.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Glyburide is an oral medication that lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. It is not used for type 1 diabetes mellitus, as the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin in this condition. Glyburide is used for type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is caused by insulin resistance.
Choice B reason: Obtaining an influenza vaccine annually is recommended for people who have type 1 diabetes mellitus, as they are more prone to complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, ketoacidosis, and hospitalization. The vaccine can help prevent or reduce the severity of the flu and its complications.
Choice C reason: Injecting insulin in the deltoid muscle is not the best practice for administering insulin, as the absorption rate and onset of action may vary depending on the muscle mass and blood flow. The preferred sites for insulin injection are the abdomen, the upper arms, the thighs, and the buttocks, as they have more subcutaneous fat and less muscle tissue. The injection site should also be rotated to prevent lipodystrophy.
Choice D reason: Administering glucagon for hyperglycemia is not appropriate, as glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar by stimulating the liver to release glucose. It is used for hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which is a common and serious complication of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, is treated with insulin, fluids, and electrolytes.
A nurse is caring for a child who has been physically abused by a family member. Which of the following statements should the nurse say to the child?
A. Promise I won't tell anyone about this
Promising not to tell anyone about the abuse is not a helpful statement, as it implies that the abuse is a secret that should be hidden. This may make the child feel ashamed, guilty, or isolated. The nurse has a duty to report the abuse to the proper authorities and to protect the child from further harm.
B. Your family is bad for doing this to you
Blaming the family for the abuse is not a helpful statement, as it may cause the child to feel conflicted, angry, or fearful. The child may still love the family member who abused them, or may depend on them for their basic needs. The nurse should avoid making judgments or accusations, and instead focus on the child's feelings and safety.
C. It's not your fault that this happened
Reassuring the child that the abuse is not their fault is a helpful statement, as it may help the child cope with the trauma and reduce the feelings of self-blame, guilt, or shame. The nurse should validate the child's emotions and let them know that they are not responsible for the abuse or for stopping it.
D. Let's discuss what happened with your family
Suggesting to discuss the abuse with the family is not a helpful statement, as it may put the child in danger or cause them more distress. The child may not feel comfortable or safe to talk about the abuse with the family member who abused them, or with other family members who may not believe them or support them. The nurse should respect the child's privacy and boundaries, and only involve the family with the child's consent and under professional guidance.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: Promising not to tell anyone about the abuse is not a helpful statement, as it implies that the abuse is a secret that should be hidden. This may make the child feel ashamed, guilty, or isolated. The nurse has a duty to report the abuse to the proper authorities and to protect the child from further harm.
Choice B reason: Blaming the family for the abuse is not a helpful statement, as it may cause the child to feel conflicted, angry, or fearful. The child may still love the family member who abused them, or may depend on them for their basic needs. The nurse should avoid making judgments or accusations, and instead focus on the child's feelings and safety.
Choice C reason: Reassuring the child that the abuse is not their fault is a helpful statement, as it may help the child cope with the trauma and reduce the feelings of self-blame, guilt, or shame. The nurse should validate the child's emotions and let them know that they are not responsible for the abuse or for stopping it.
Choice D reason: Suggesting to discuss the abuse with the family is not a helpful statement, as it may put the child in danger or cause them more distress. The child may not feel comfortable or safe to talk about the abuse with the family member who abused them, or with other family members who may not believe them or support them. The nurse should respect the child's privacy and boundaries, and only involve the family with the child's consent and under professional guidance.
A nurse is assisting with the admission of a child who has measles. Which of the following isolation precautions should the nurse initiate?
A. Protective environment
A protective environment is a type of isolation precaution that is used for patients who are immunocompromised and at high risk of infection from environmental sources, such as fungi or bacteria. It involves using a private room with positive air pressure, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, and strict hand hygiene. It is not indicated for patients who have measles, as they are the source of infection, not the susceptible host.
B. Airborne
Airborne is a type of isolation precaution that is used for patients who have diseases that are transmitted by small droplets that can remain suspended in the air and travel over long distances, such as tuberculosis, chickenpox, or measles. It involves using a private room with negative air pressure, HEPA filtration, and respiratory protection for health care workers and visitors. It is the appropriate isolation precaution for patients who have measles, as it prevents the spread of the virus to others.
C. Contact
Contact is a type of isolation precaution that is used for patients who have diseases that are transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment, such as Clostridioides difficile, scabies, or impetigo. It involves using a private room or cohorting with similar patients, wearing gloves and gowns, and using dedicated equipment. It is not indicated for patients who have measles, as the disease is not spread by contact.
D. Droplet
Droplet is a type of isolation precaution that is used for patients who have diseases that are transmitted by large droplets that are generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking, such as influenza, pertussis, or meningitis. It involves using a private room or cohorting with similar patients, wearing a surgical mask, and maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet from the patient. It is not indicated for patients who have measles, as the disease is spread by airborne transmission.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason: A protective environment is a type of isolation precaution that is used for patients who are immunocompromised and at high risk of infection from environmental sources, such as fungi or bacteria. It involves using a private room with positive air pressure, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, and strict hand hygiene. It is not indicated for patients who have measles, as they are the source of infection, not the susceptible host.
Choice B reason: Airborne is a type of isolation precaution that is used for patients who have diseases that are transmitted by small droplets that can remain suspended in the air and travel over long distances, such as tuberculosis, chickenpox, or measles. It involves using a private room with negative air pressure, HEPA filtration, and respiratory protection for health care workers and visitors. It is the appropriate isolation precaution for patients who have measles, as it prevents the spread of the virus to others.
Choice C reason: Contact is a type of isolation precaution that is used for patients who have diseases that are transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment, such as Clostridioides difficile, scabies, or impetigo. It involves using a private room or cohorting with similar patients, wearing gloves and gowns, and using dedicated equipment. It is not indicated for patients who have measles, as the disease is not spread by contact.
Choice D reason: Droplet is a type of isolation precaution that is used for patients who have diseases that are transmitted by large droplets that are generated by coughing, sneezing, or talking, such as influenza, pertussis, or meningitis. It involves using a private room or cohorting with similar patients, wearing a surgical mask, and maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet from the patient. It is not indicated for patients who have measles, as the disease is spread by airborne transmission.