Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
An adult female client with type 1 diabetes mellitus is receiving NPH insulin 35 units each morning. Which finding should the practical nurse (PN) document as evidence that the amount of insulin is inadequate?
A. States her feet are constantly cold along with feeling numb
This is not the finding that the PN should document as evidence that the amount of insulin is inadequate for the client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. States her feet are constantly cold along with feeling numb may indicate peripheral neuropathy, which is a complication of diabetes that affects the nerves in the feet and legs. It is caused by chronic high blood sugar levels over time, not by a single dose of insulin.
B. Consecutive evening serum glucose greater than 260 mg/dL
This is the finding that the PN should document as evidence that the amount of insulin is inadequate for the client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Consecutive evening serum glucose greater than 260 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, which means that the client's blood sugar is too high and not well controlled by the insulin dose. The PN should report this finding to the healthcare provider and expect a possible adjustment in the insulin regimen.
C. A wound on the ankle that starts to drain and becomes painful
This is not the finding that the PN should document as evidence that the amount of insulin is inadequate for the client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. A wound on the ankle that starts to drain and becomes painful may indicate an infection, which is a risk factor for diabetic clients due to impaired wound healing and immune function. It is not directly related to the insulin dose, although it may affect the blood sugar levels and require more insulin.
D. Reports nausea in the morning but still able to eat breakfast
This is not the finding that the PN should document as evidence that the amount of insulin is inadequate for the client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Reports nausea in the morning but still able to eat breakfast may indicate morning sickness, which is a common symptom of pregnancy. It is not related to the insulin dose, although it may affect the blood sugar levels and require more frequent monitoring and adjustment.
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Full Explanation
The correct answer and explanation is:
b) Consecutive evening serum glucose greater than 260 mg/dL.
This is the finding that the PN should document as evidence that the amount of insulin is inadequate for the client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Consecutive evening serum glucose greater than 260 mg/dL indicates hyperglycemia, which means that the client's blood sugar is too high and not well controlled by the insulin dose.
The PN should report this finding to the healthcare provider and expect a possible adjustment in the insulin regimen.
a) States her feet are constantly cold along with feeling numb.
This is not the finding that the PN should document as evidence that the amount of insulin is inadequate for the client with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
States her feet are constantly cold along with feeling numb may indicate peripheral neuropathy, which is a complication of diabetes that affects the nerves in the feet and legs. It is caused by chronic high blood sugar levels over time, not by a single dose of insulin.
c) A wound on the ankle that starts to drain and becomes painful.
This is not the finding that the PN should document as evidence that the amount of insulin is inadequate for the client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. A wound on the ankle that starts to drain and becomes painful may indicate an infection, which is a risk factor for diabetic clients due to impaired wound healing and immune function. It is not directly related to the insulin dose, although it may affect the blood sugar levels and require more insulin.
d) Reports nausea in the morning but still able to eat breakfast.
This is not the finding that the PN should document as evidence that the amount of insulin is inadequate for the client with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Reports nausea in the morning but still able to eat breakfast may indicate morning sickness, which is a common symptom of pregnancy. It is not related to the insulin dose, although it may affect the blood sugar levels and require more frequent monitoring and adjustment.
Similar Questions
The practical nurse (PN) should collect the following information during the admission assessment of a terminally ill client to an acute care facility:
A. Health care proxy documentation
This is the information that the PN should collect during the admission assessment of a terminally ill client to an acute care facility. Health care proxy documentation is a legal document that appoints a person to make health care decisions for the client when they are unable to do so themselves. It is important to have this information in case the client's condition deteriorates and they need end-of-life care.
B. Name of funeral home to contact
This is not the information that the PN should collect during the admission assessment of a terminally ill client to an acute care facility. Name of funeral home to contact is a personal preference that may or may not be relevant for the client at this point. It is not a priority for the admission assessment, and it may be insensitive or inappropriate to ask the client about it.
C. Client's wishes regarding organ donation
This is not the information that the PN should collect during the admission assessment of a terminally ill client to an acute care facility. Client's wishes regarding organ donation are a personal choice that may or may not be applicable for the client depending on their diagnosis, prognosis, and eligibility. It is not a priority for the admission assessment, and it may be offensive or upsetting to ask the client about it.
D. Contact information for the client's next of kin
This is not the information that the PN should collect during the admission assessment of a terminally ill client to an acute care facility. Contact information for the client's next of kin is a general demographic data that may or may not be relevant for the client's care. It is not a priority for the admission assessment, and it may be already available in the client's records.
Full Explanation
The correct answer and explanation is:
a) Health care proxy documentation.
This is the information that the PN should collect during the admission assessment of a terminally ill client to an acute care facility. Health care proxy documentation is a legal document that appoints a person to make health care decisions for the client when they are unable to do so themselves. It is important to have this information in case the client's condition deteriorates and they need end-of-life care.
b) Name of funeral home to contact.
This is not the information that the PN should collect during the admission assessment of a terminally ill client to an acute care facility. Name of funeral home to contact is a personal preference that may or may not be relevant for the client at this point. It is not a priority for the admission assessment, and it may be insensitive or inappropriate to ask the client about it.
c) Client's wishes regarding organ donation.
This is not the information that the PN should collect during the admission assessment of a terminally ill client to an acute care facility. Client's wishes regarding organ donation are a personal choice that may or may not be applicable for the client depending on their diagnosis, prognosis, and eligibility. It is not a priority for the admission assessment, and it may be offensive or upsetting to ask the client about it.
d) Contact information for the client's next of kin.
This is not the information that the PN should collect during the admission assessment of a terminally ill client to an acute care facility. Contact information for the client's next of kin is a general demographic data that may or may not be relevant for the client's care. It is not a priority for the admission assessment, and it may be already available in the client's records.
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Prior to giving digoxin, the practical nurse (PN) assesses that a 2-month-old infant's heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Based on this, what action should the PN take?
A. Administer the medication and alert the charge nurse
This is not the action that the PN should take prior to giving digoxin to a 2-month-old infant whose heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Alerting the charge nurse is not necessary, as the heart rate is normal and does not indicate a problem with the medication or the client's condition. The PN should administer the medication as prescribed and document the heart rate and any other relevant findings.
B. Hold the medication and document cardiac assessment
This is not the action that the PN should take prior to giving digoxin to a 2-month-old infant whose heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Holding the medication is not appropriate, as the heart rate is normal and does not indicate a contraindication or a risk of adverse effects from the medication. The PN should administer the medication as prescribed and document the heart rate and any other relevant findings.
C. Administer the medication and document the heart rate
This is the action that the PN should take prior to giving digoxin to a 2-month-old infant whose heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that is used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias. It has a narrow therapeutic range and can cause serious side effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, and toxicity. Therefore, it is important to monitor the client's vital signs before and after administering the medication. A normal heart rate for a 2-month-old infant is 100–190 beats/minute, so 120 beats/minute is within the normal range and does not indicate a need to hold the medication. The PN should administer the medication as prescribed and document the heart rate and any other relevant findings.
D. Hold the medication and recheck the heart rate in 1 hour
This is not the action that the PN should take prior to giving digoxin to a 2-month-old infant whose heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Holding the medication and rechecking the heart rate in 1 hour is not necessary, as the heart rate is normal and does not indicate a need for further evaluation or intervention. The PN should administer the medication as prescribed and document the heart rate and any other relevant findings.
Full Explanation
The correct answer and explanation is:
c) Administer the medication and document the heart rate.
This is the action that the PN should take prior to giving digoxin to a 2-month-old infant whose heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that is used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias. It has a narrow therapeutic range and can cause serious side effects such as bradycardia, hypotension, and toxicity. Therefore, it is important to monitor the client's vital signs before and after administering the medication. A normal heart rate for a 2-month-old infant is 100–190 beats/minute, so 120 beats/minute is within the normal range and does not indicate a need to hold the medication. The PN should administer the medication as prescribed and document the heart rate and any other relevant findings.
a) Administer the medication and alert the charge nurse.
This is not the action that the PN should take prior to giving digoxin to a 2-month-old infant whose heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Alerting the charge nurse is not necessary, as the heart rate is normal and does not indicate a problem with the medication or the client's condition. The PN should administer the medication as prescribed and document the heart rate and any other relevant findings.
b) Hold the medication and document cardiac assessment.
This is not the action that the PN should take prior to giving digoxin to a 2-month-old infant whose heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Holding the medication is not appropriate, as the heart rate is normal and does not indicate a contraindication or a risk of adverse effects from the medication. The PN should administer the medication as prescribed and document the heart rate and any other relevant findings.
d) Hold the medication and recheck the heart rate in 1 hour.
This is not the action that the PN should take prior to giving digoxin to a 2-month-old infant whose heart rate is 120 beats/minute. Holding the medication and rechecking the heart rate in 1 hour is not necessary, as the heart rate is normal and does not indicate a need for further evaluation or intervention. The PN should administer the medication as prescribed and document the heart rate and any other relevant findings.
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The practical nurse (PN) believes that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Which action should the PN take?
A. Tell the pharmacy to send an accurate child's dosage
This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Telling the pharmacy to send an accurate child's dosage is not appropriate, as it may cause confusion, delay, or conflict with the healthcare provider's orders. The PN should not assume that they know the correct dosage for the child without consulting with the healthcare provider.
B. Ask another nurse if adult dosages are ever given to children
This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Asking another nurse if adult dosages are ever given to children is not helpful, as it may not provide accurate or reliable information. The PN should not rely on another nurse's opinion or experience without verifying it with the healthcare provider.
C. Call the healthcare provider and clarify the prescription
This is the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Calling the healthcare provider and clarifying the prescription is the safest and most effective way to prevent medication errors and ensure the child's safety. The PN should not administer the medication until they are sure that it is correct and appropriate for the child.
D. Request verification of the prescription by the charge nurse
This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Requesting verification of the prescription by the charge nurse is not necessary, as it may waste time and resources. The PN should be able to communicate directly with the healthcare provider and clarify any doubts or concerns about the prescription.
Full Explanation
The correct answer and explanation is:
c) Call the healthcare provider and clarify the prescription.
This is the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Calling the healthcare provider and clarifying the prescription is the safest and most effective way to prevent medication errors and ensure the child's safety.
The PN should not administer the medication until they are sure that it is correct and appropriate for the child.
a) Tell the pharmacy to send an accurate child's dosage.
This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Telling the pharmacy to send an accurate child's dosage is not appropriate, as it may cause confusion, delay, or conflict with the healthcare provider's orders. The PN should not assume that they know the correct dosage for the child without consulting with the healthcare provider.
b) Ask another nurse if adult dosages are ever given to children.
This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Asking another nurse if adult dosages are ever given to children is not helpful, as it may not provide accurate or reliable information. The PN should not rely on another nurse's opinion or experience without verifying it with the healthcare provider.
d) Request verification of the prescription by the charge nurse.
This is not the action that the PN should take if they believe that a prescription for a child is incorrect because the dosage prescribed is the usual adult dosage. Requesting verification of the prescription by the charge nurse is not necessary, as it may waste time and resources. The PN should be able to communicate directly with the healthcare provider and clarify any doubts or concerns about the prescription.