A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of diabetes. The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperglycemia. Patients with diabetes are at risk for high blood sugar levels. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial to prevent complications like diabetic ketoacidosis. Hypoglycemia (B) is low blood sugar, dehydration (C) is not directly related to diabetes unless it causes hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, and hypotension (D) is low blood pressure, which is not a common complication of diabetes. Regular monitoring for hyperglycemia helps in preventing diabetic complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory failure. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can lead to respiratory failure if not managed properly. The nurse should monitor for signs of worsening asthma symptoms such as increased respiratory rate, accessory muscle use, and decreased oxygen saturation. Pneumonia (A) is a possible complication but is not directly related to asthma. Anemia (C) and Hyperglycemia (D) are not typically associated with asthma and would not be the primary complications to monitor for in this case.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a health history aims to gather subjective information about a patient's past and current health. It helps in understanding the patient's health concerns, medical history, lifestyle factors, and other relevant information. By collecting this data, healthcare providers can make informed decisions regarding the patient's care. Option A is incorrect as the purpose is more than just interaction. Option B is incorrect as it focuses solely on biographical information. Option C is incorrect as it pertains to physical assessment findings, not subjective health information.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Jaundice. Patients with chronic liver disease are at risk for developing jaundice due to impaired liver function leading to the accumulation of bilirubin. Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. Monitoring for jaundice is crucial as it indicates worsening liver function. Incorrect choices: A: Hypoglycemia - Not directly related to chronic liver disease, more commonly seen in diabetes. B: Hyperglycemia - Not typically associated with chronic liver disease unless the patient has underlying diabetes. D: Anemia - Can be a complication of chronic liver disease, but monitoring for jaundice takes priority due to its direct association with liver dysfunction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because stopping insulin when blood glucose is normal is incorrect. Insulin is necessary for managing diabetes even when blood glucose levels are normal to prevent fluctuations. Monitoring blood glucose (A), exercising (B), and eating a balanced diet (D) are all important components of diabetes management. Stopping insulin abruptly can lead to hyperglycemia and potential complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). It is the most important nursing priority after hip replacement surgery because patients are at high risk for DVT due to immobility and altered blood flow. DVT can lead to serious complications like pulmonary embolism. Monitoring for infection (B) is important but preventing DVT takes precedence. Managing pain (A) is essential but not the top priority. Ensuring proper positioning (D) is important for preventing complications, but DVT prevention is more critical post-hip replacement surgery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Encouraging early ambulation. This is because early ambulation is crucial in preventing complications such as blood clots and muscle atrophy post hip replacement surgery. It helps improve circulation, prevent joint stiffness, and promote healing. Administering pain medication regularly (A) is important but not the top priority. Providing wound care and dressing changes (C) and monitoring for signs of infection (D) are also important but secondary to early ambulation in preventing complications and promoting recovery.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Inappropriate affect. Inappropriate affect refers to emotions that are not congruent with the situation. In this case, the patient's laughing while describing a horrifying image indicates a disconnect between his emotions and the context. This behavior is commonly seen in schizophrenia, where there is a lack of appropriate emotional response. A: Confusion does not accurately describe the patient's behavior, as he is able to describe the picture and his emotional response to it. B: Ambivalence refers to conflicting emotions or attitudes, which is not evident in the patient's behavior. C: Depersonalization involves feeling detached from oneself or reality, which is not evident in the patient's behavior. In summary, the patient's inappropriate laughter in response to a horrifying image is indicative of inappropriate affect, a common feature of schizophrenia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the nurse would expect the patient to demonstrate functional independence in activities like transferring from a wheelchair to the bed despite having a leg in a cast. This response indicates good mobility and strength, which are positive signs of recovery. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not directly address the functional assessment of the patient. Choice A provides historical information, choice B focuses on pain management, and choice C mentions a self-care routine that is not related to functional ability.