A patient with diabetes is being discharged after a prolonged hospitalization. Which of the following should the nurse include in discharge instructions?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Regularly checking blood glucose levels is crucial for diabetic patients to monitor their condition and adjust treatment as needed. This helps in managing blood sugar levels effectively and preventing complications. Choice B is incorrect because stopping insulin abruptly can lead to dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Choice C is incorrect because while exercise is important for diabetic patients, vigorous exercise every day may not be suitable for everyone and should be discussed with healthcare providers. Choice D is incorrect as carbohydrates are an essential source of energy and nutrients for the body. Diabetic patients can still consume carbohydrates in controlled portions as part of a balanced diet.

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 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: Step 1: The patient has a history of hypertension and diabetes, putting them at risk for cardiovascular complications. Step 2: Among the choices, stroke is a common complication associated with uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes. Step 3: Monitoring for signs of stroke is crucial to prevent serious consequences in this patient population. Step 4: Hyperglycemia (A) is a common complication of diabetes, but it is not directly related to the patient's hypertension. Step 5: Hypokalemia (C) is an electrolyte imbalance that can occur in some conditions but is not as directly linked to the patient's history. Step 6: Hypoglycemia (D) is a potential complication in diabetic patients but is not as common as hyperglycemia and is not directly related to hypertension.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer an antiemetic as prescribed. Administering an antiemetic helps alleviate nausea and vomiting, providing relief to the patient. This action is based on evidence-based practice and helps improve the patient's comfort and well-being. Offering clear fluids immediately (choice A) may exacerbate nausea. Waiting for the nausea to subside on its own (choice C) may prolong the patient's discomfort. Assessing vital signs (choice D) is important but may not directly address the immediate symptom of nausea.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypertensive crisis. The nurse should be most concerned about this option because the patient has a history of hypertension and is experiencing new onset symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness, which could indicate a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure. This condition, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications such as stroke or heart attack. Summary: - B: Migraine headache is unlikely as the symptoms described are not typical of a migraine. - C: Benign positional vertigo is unlikely as it does not explain the presence of headaches and nausea. - D: Tension headache is less concerning compared to hypertensive crisis, given the patient's history of hypertension and the severity of symptoms.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because shortness of breath and respiratory distress indicate a potentially life-threatening emergency requiring immediate intervention. This problem falls under the first-level priority as it addresses airway, breathing, and circulation, which are essential for survival. Choices A, B, and C are not first-level priorities as they do not pose an immediate threat to the patient's life or require urgent intervention. Postoperative pain, diabetes teaching, and a small foot laceration are important but can be addressed at a later time without immediate harm to the patient.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Inspection. This is because visual observation is typically the initial step in a physical assessment to gather information about the patient's overall appearance, skin color, posture, and any obvious abnormalities. Palpation (A) involves touching and feeling for abnormalities, which usually follows inspection. Percussion (C) is the technique of tapping on the body to assess underlying structures, and auscultation (D) is listening to sounds produced by the body, both of which typically come after inspection and palpation. Inspecting the patient first allows the nurse to establish a baseline before moving on to more detailed assessment techniques.

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.