Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A school nurse is assessing an adolescent who reports feeling shaky and is having difficulty speaking and concentrating on the questions the nurse is asking. The nurse checks the adolescent's blood glucose level and identifies a value of 55 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
A. Polyuria
Polyuria (excessive urination) is not a symptom of hypoglycemia; it is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
B. Deep rapid respirations
Deep rapid respirations are more characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of uncontrolled diabetes that leads to high blood sugar levels and metabolic acidosis.
C. Dry, flushed skin
Dry, flushed skin is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia; it might be associated with conditions like dehydration or heat exposure, but not with low blood sugar.
D. Tachycardia
Tachycardia Explanation: The symptoms described by the adolescent (feeling shaky, difficulty speaking, difficulty concentrating) along with a blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL indicate hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, is a common physiological response to hypoglycemia. The body increases the heart rate in an attempt to improve blood flow and deliver glucose to the brain and other vital organs. This is part of the body's fight-or-flight response to low blood sugar.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI PAEDIATRICS PROCTORED EXAM - SIMMONS U BSN. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A. Polyuria (excessive urination) is not a symptom of hypoglycemia; it is more commonly associated with hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).
B. Deep rapid respirations are more characteristic of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a complication of uncontrolled diabetes that leads to high blood sugar levels and metabolic acidosis.
C. Dry, flushed skin is not a typical symptom of hypoglycemia; it might be associated with conditions like dehydration or heat exposure, but not with low blood sugar.
D. Tachycardia
Explanation: The symptoms described by the adolescent (feeling shaky, difficulty speaking, difficulty concentrating) along with a blood glucose level of 55 mg/dL indicate hypoglycemia, which is low blood sugar. Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, is a common physiological response to hypoglycemia. The body increases the heart rate in an attempt to improve blood flow and deliver glucose to the brain and other vital organs. This is part of the body's fight-or-flight response to low blood sugar.
Similar Questions
A nurse is caring for an adolescent who has spina bifida and is paralyzed from the waist down. Which of the following statements by the client should indicate to the nurse a need for further teaching?
A. I use a suppository every night to have a bowel movement.
Using a suppository for bowel movement is a common approach for managing bowel function in people with paralysis and is appropriate.
B. I carry a water bottle with me because I drink a lot of water
Carrying a water bottle to stay hydrated is important, especially since individuals with paralysis may be at increased risk of urinary tract infections. Adequate hydration is beneficial.
C. I do wheelchair exercises while watching TV.
Doing wheelchair exercises while watching TV is a proactive way to maintain muscle tone and overall health, which is crucial for individuals with paralysis.
D. I only need to catheterize myself twice every day!
"I only need to catheterize myself twice every day!" Explanation: In the context of spina bifida and paralysis from the waist down, catheterization is often required for bladder management. Individuals with this condition often experience urinary retention and require intermittent catheterization to empty their bladder. However, "twice every day" is not usually sufficient for someone with paraplegia. Adequate catheterization frequency is crucial to prevent urinary retention, infections, and other complications.
Full Explanation
A. Using a suppository for bowel movement is a common approach for managing bowel function in people with paralysis and is appropriate.
B. Carrying a water bottle to stay hydrated is important, especially since individuals with paralysis may be at increased risk of urinary tract infections. Adequate hydration is beneficial.
C. Doing wheelchair exercises while watching TV is a proactive way to maintain muscle tone and overall health, which is crucial for individuals with paralysis.
D. "I only need to catheterize myself twice every day!"
Explanation: In the context of spina bifida and paralysis from the waist down, catheterization is often required for bladder management. Individuals with this condition often experience urinary retention and require intermittent catheterization to empty their bladder. However, "twice every day" is not usually sufficient for someone with paraplegia. Adequate catheterization frequency is crucial to prevent urinary retention, infections, and other complications.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) id a disorder characterized by:
A. Inattention, Hyperactivity, Impulsivity
Inattention, Hyperactivity, ImpulsivityExplanation: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can significantly impact an individual's ability to function in various areas of their life, such as school, work, and social interactions. The other options are not accurate descriptions of ADHD:
B. Can never be well treated
"Can never be well treated" is not correct. ADHD can be effectively managed and treated through a combination of strategies, which may include behavioral interventions, psychoeducation, counseling, and in some cases, medication.
C. Inabilty to learn
"Inability to learn" is not a defining characteristic of ADHD. While individuals with ADHD might face challenges in learning due to their symptoms, they are certainly capable of learning and can benefit from tailored strategies to support their learning process.
D. Excess tiredness, impulsivity and hyperactivity.
"Excess tiredness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity" describes a combination of symptoms, but ADHD is specifically characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Tiredness, while not a primary symptom of ADHD, can be a secondary effect of difficulties in focusing and maintaining attention.
Full Explanation
A. Inattention, Hyperactivity, Impulsivity
Explanation: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. These symptoms can significantly impact an individual's ability to function in various areas of their life, such as school, work, and social interactions.
The other options are not accurate descriptions of ADHD:
B. "Can never be well treated" is not correct. ADHD can be effectively managed and treated through a combination of strategies, which may include behavioral interventions, psychoeducation, counseling, and in some cases, medication.
C. "Inability to learn" is not a defining characteristic of ADHD. While individuals with ADHD might face challenges in learning due to their symptoms, they are certainly capable of learning and can benefit from tailored strategies to support their learning process.
D. "Excess tiredness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity" describes a combination of symptoms, but ADHD is specifically characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Tiredness, while not a primary symptom of ADHD, can be a secondary effect of difficulties in focusing and maintaining attention.
A nurse is caring for a child who is experiencing a seizure. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Position the child laterally
Position the child laterally Explanation: When a child is experiencing a seizure, it's important to ensure their safety and prevent injury. Positioning the child laterally, also known as the recovery position, helps keep the airway clear and allows any fluids to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration. It also helps prevent the child from choking on saliva or vomit. The other options are not appropriate actions during a seizure:
B. Use a padded tongue blade.
Using a padded tongue blade is not recommended during a seizure. Placing objects in the mouth during a seizure can lead to injury, including damage to the teeth, jaw, or airway.
C. Attempt to stop the seizure
Attempting to stop the seizure is not within the nurse's control. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and should not be interrupted forcefully. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring the child's safety and managing the situation until the seizure stops on its own.
D. Restrain the child's arms,
Restraining the child's arms is not advisable during a seizure. Restraining can cause harm and increase the risk of injury to the child or others involved. It's important to allow the seizure to run its course while protecting the child from harm.
Full Explanation
A. Position the child laterally
Explanation: When a child is experiencing a seizure, it's important to ensure their safety and prevent injury. Positioning the child laterally, also known as the recovery position, helps keep the airway clear and allows any fluids to drain from the mouth, reducing the risk of aspiration. It also helps prevent the child from choking on saliva or vomit.
The other options are not appropriate actions during a seizure:
B. Using a padded tongue blade is not recommended during a seizure. Placing objects in the mouth during a seizure can lead to injury, including damage to the teeth, jaw, or airway.
C. Attempting to stop the seizure is not within the nurse's control. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain and should not be interrupted forcefully. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring the child's safety and managing the situation until the seizure stops on its own.
D. Restraining the child's arms is not advisable during a seizure. Restraining can cause harm and increase the risk of injury to the child or others involved. It's important to allow the seizure to run its course while protecting the child from harm.