A nurse is caring for a patient with diabetes. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse recognize as a sign of hypoglycemia?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tremors and dizziness. Hypoglycemia is characterized by low blood sugar levels. Tremors and dizziness are common symptoms due to the brain not receiving enough glucose for energy. Tachycardia and nausea (choice A) are more indicative of hyperglycemia. Polyuria and polydipsia (choice B) are classic symptoms of hyperglycemia in diabetes. Weight loss and fatigue (choice D) are not specific symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises helps to improve lung function and prevent complications in pneumonia. This intervention can help clear secretions, improve oxygenation, and prevent respiratory distress. Administering antibiotics (choice A) is important but not the priority for immediate patient care. Providing pain relief (choice C) is essential but addressing respiratory function is more critical. Monitoring oxygen saturation levels (choice D) is necessary, but promoting lung function through exercises takes precedence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased wheezing and shortness of breath. During an asthma exacerbation, bronchial airways become inflamed and narrowed, leading to increased wheezing and shortness of breath. This is a classic sign of worsening asthma. Other choices are incorrect because: A) Decreased work of breathing is not expected in an asthma exacerbation as the patient usually struggles to breathe. C) Improved oxygen saturation is unlikely as airway obstruction can lead to decreased oxygen levels. D) Decreased sputum production is not a typical sign of asthma exacerbation; in fact, increased sputum production may occur due to airway inflammation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why answer A is correct: 1. Asking "How do you feel today?" directly addresses the patient's emotional state. 2. Assessing affect involves understanding the patient's emotional response or mood. 3. This open-ended question encourages the patient to express their feelings. 4. It allows the nurse to gain insight into the patient's emotional well-being. 5. Options B, C, and D focus on different aspects like memory, medication effectiveness, and functional ability, not directly related to assessing affect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. This statement indicates the need for further education because it suggests the patient plans to stop taking medication once blood pressure is normal, which can lead to hypertension returning. Monitoring blood pressure, taking medication as prescribed, and decreasing sodium intake are all appropriate actions for managing hypertension. Stopping medication abruptly can be dangerous and should only be done under a healthcare provider's guidance.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Percuss the thorax bilaterally, noting any differences in percussion tones. This is the best action because it allows the nurse to assess for potential underlying issues such as pneumothorax or pleural effusion which could be causing the respiratory distress. Percussion can help identify abnormal air or fluid accumulation in the chest. Choice A is incorrect because simply counting respirations does not provide immediate information on the cause of distress. Choice C is incorrect as inspecting for masses and bleeding does not directly address the urgency of the situation. Choice D is incorrect as waiting for a chest x-ray would delay necessary interventions in a critical situation.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nurse's response was therapeutic by sharing her own experience to empathize with the patient. This helps establish a connection and validate the patient's feelings. It shows understanding without dismissing the patient's concerns. A is incorrect because the nurse did not provide false reassurance but offered a comforting perspective. C is incorrect as the nurse did not imply that medication was necessary but rather highlighted its availability as an option. D is incorrect since the response did not provide false assurance but rather shared personal experience to offer support.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Choice A is correct because using the inhaler at the onset of symptoms can help prevent the asthma attack from worsening. This early intervention can be crucial in managing asthma effectively. Waiting for symptoms to subside (Choice B) can be risky as it may delay necessary treatment. Using the inhaler preventively (Choice C) without symptoms is unnecessary and can lead to overuse. Not using the inhaler for mild symptoms (Choice D) can allow the condition to escalate. Thus, Choice A is the most appropriate response for managing an asthma attack effectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Jaundice. In chronic liver disease, the liver is unable to properly process bilirubin, leading to jaundice. Jaundice is characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes. It is a common complication of liver disease and indicates impaired liver function. Anemia (choice B) may occur in liver disease, but it is not the primary complication. Hyperglycemia (choice C) and hypoglycemia (choice D) are more commonly associated with diabetes or pancreatic disorders, rather than chronic liver disease. Therefore, monitoring for jaundice is crucial in the care of a patient with chronic liver disease.