To assure accuracy of a urine test for glucose and acetone, the nurse instructs the patient to

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) void one-half hour before the test, then at the time of the test. Rationale: For an accurate urine test for glucose and acetone, it is essential to instruct the patient to void one-half hour before the test and then at the time of the test. Voiding before the test helps to ensure that the urine sample is not contaminated with residual urine from the bladder, which could give false results. This practice helps obtain a more accurate representation of the body's current status in terms of glucose and acetone levels. Explanation of other options: A) Performing the urine test one-half hour after meals and at bedtime may not provide a clear indication of the baseline glucose and acetone levels in the urine because they can be influenced by recent food intake. B) Drinking three glasses of water before the test may dilute the urine sample, affecting the concentration of glucose and acetone, leading to inaccurate results. D) Increasing carbohydrate intake if the results are negative is not a correct practice as it does not address the immediate need for an accurate urine test and could potentially skew the results. Educational context: Understanding the correct timing and preparation for urine tests is crucial for healthcare professionals to accurately assess a patient's health status. Educating patients on the proper procedures for urine testing helps ensure reliable results and effective monitoring of conditions such as diabetes or ketosis. Proper instructions contribute to better patient outcomes and informed decision-making in healthcare.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Severe tachycardia. A thyroid storm is a severe, life-threatening exacerbation of hyperthyroidism characterized by a surge in thyroid hormones. Severe tachycardia, or a rapid heartbeat, is a hallmark symptom of a thyroid storm and indicates a significant increase in the body's metabolic rate. Immediate intervention is necessary to prevent complications like heart failure or arrhythmias. Option A) Hypothermia is incorrect as individuals in a thyroid storm typically have a high fever due to the increased metabolic activity associated with hyperthyroidism. Option B) Low blood pressure is incorrect because individuals in a thyroid storm often present with hypertension due to the increased cardiac output and peripheral resistance caused by excess thyroid hormones. Option D) Weight gain is incorrect because hyperthyroidism is associated with weight loss due to increased metabolism, and weight gain would not be a typical symptom in a thyroid storm. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of a thyroid storm is crucial for healthcare providers to provide timely and appropriate care. Recognizing the urgency of addressing severe tachycardia in a thyroid storm can prevent life-threatening complications and improve patient outcomes. It underscores the importance of quick assessment and intervention in managing endocrine emergencies.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of assessing a client's general status and ruling out disorders related to the endocrine system, option B, which is a complete blood count and chemistry profile, is the most appropriate choice. This is because a complete blood count (CBC) provides information about red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which can indicate various health conditions like anemia or infections. The chemistry profile, on the other hand, evaluates organ function and can detect abnormalities in blood glucose levels, electrolytes, and kidney or liver function, which are crucial in diagnosing endocrine disorders such as diabetes or thyroid issues. Option A, which only includes a complete blood count, may provide some information about blood cell counts but lacks the comprehensive evaluation of organ function that the chemistry profile offers. Option C, which suggests only a chemistry profile, may not give a complete picture of the client's general health status as it does not include information on blood cell counts. Option D, radiographs of the chest or abdomen, are imaging studies that are not typically used as initial diagnostic tests for assessing general health status and ruling out endocrine disorders; they are more useful for visualizing anatomical structures. In an educational context, understanding the significance of different diagnostic tests in assessing endocrine disorders is crucial for healthcare professionals. By choosing the correct combination of tests like a complete blood count and chemistry profile, practitioners can gather comprehensive information to make accurate diagnoses and provide appropriate treatment plans for clients with endocrine-related concerns. This emphasizes the importance of selecting the most relevant and comprehensive diagnostic tools to ensure effective patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Signs of hyperthyroidism. During initial therapy with a thyroid replacement, it is common for patients to experience signs of hyperthyroidism. This occurs because the body is adjusting to the introduction of thyroid hormone, which can initially lead to an excess of thyroid hormone levels in the blood. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include palpitations, tremors, weight loss, heat intolerance, and anxiety. Option A) Allergy is incorrect because while allergic reactions can occur with medications, they are not the most common adverse reaction during initial thyroid replacement therapy. Option C) Weight loss is incorrect because although weight changes can be a symptom of thyroid dysfunction, it is not the most common adverse reaction during initial thyroid replacement therapy. Option D) Bones becoming demineralized is incorrect because this would be a long-term effect of untreated or improperly managed thyroid disorders, not a common adverse reaction during initial thyroid replacement therapy. In an educational context, understanding the common adverse reactions during initial therapy with a thyroid replacement is crucial for healthcare professionals to monitor and manage patient care effectively. Recognizing signs of hyperthyroidism early on can help prevent complications and ensure proper adjustment of medication dosages to achieve optimal thyroid hormone levels in the body.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Rapid changes of position may cause hypotension. Rationale: Teaching the patient about the risk of hypotension with rapid position changes is crucial because glucocorticoids like prednisone can lead to fluid retention and sodium retention, increasing the risk of hypotension when changing positions quickly. Educating the patient about this potential side effect can help prevent falls and injuries. Option A (Report excessive weight gain or swelling to the physician) is not the most pertinent teaching point in this case as weight gain and swelling are more commonly associated with mineralocorticoid activity rather than glucocorticoid use. Option C (A diet with foods high in potassium may be beneficial) is incorrect because prednisone can actually cause potassium depletion, so a diet high in potassium may not be recommended without medical supervision. Option D (Signs of hypoglycemia may occur while taking this drug) is not directly related to prednisone use, as prednisone can actually increase blood glucose levels rather than cause hypoglycemia. Educational context: Patients with adrenal insufficiency require education on glucocorticoid replacement therapy, including potential side effects and how to manage them. Teaching about the risk of hypotension with rapid position changes is a crucial aspect of patient education to ensure their safety and well-being while on prednisone therapy.