ATI RN
NP125 Med Surg Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Metformin works by:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Metformin primarily increases peripheral insulin sensitivity, particularly in muscle and adipose tissues, facilitating glucose uptake and utilization. It inhibits hepatic glucose production through AMPK activation, reducing gluconeogenesis. Metformin also improves lipid profiles and insulin resistance without promoting insulin secretion, which minimizes the risk of hypoglycemia. Its actions target metabolic pathways, enhancing cellular glucose management for type 2 diabetes control. Metformin does not stimulate pancreatic insulin release. It acts independently of insulin production mechanisms, focusing on improving peripheral sensitivity and reducing hepatic glucose output. Drugs like sulfonylureas target beta cells for insulin release, unlike metformin, which avoids direct engagement with the pancreas, minimizing hypoglycemia risks associated with excessive insulin secretion. Stimulating glucose uptake in skeletal muscles is a partial outcome of improved insulin sensitivity induced by metformin. However, metformin's mechanism extends beyond this, involving significant hepatic effects. It does not directly stimulate glucose uptake as a sole action; rather, it enhances overall metabolic efficiency and glucose management through multiple pathways. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production rather than increasing it. It inhibits gluconeogenesis by activating AMPK, suppressing the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. This inhibition aids in reducing fasting glucose levels, which are often elevated in type 2 diabetes. The opposite action described contradicts its therapeutic role in managing hyperglycemia effectively.
Question 2 of 5
Which insulin is used for basal dosing for 24-hour coverage and has no peak?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Lispro (Humalog) is a rapid-acting insulin used for mealtime glucose control. It has an onset of 15 minutes and peaks within 30 minutes to 1 hour, making it unsuitable for basal dosing. Aspart (NovoLog), another rapid-acting insulin, is similar to lispro in its onset and peak times. It is also used for mealtime glucose control, not basal glucose regulation. Regular insulin (Humulin R) is a short-acting insulin with an onset of 30 minutes to 1 hour and a peak of 2 to 4 hours. It cannot provide the steady basal glucose control required for 24-hour coverage. Glargine (Lantus) is a long-acting insulin that provides consistent basal glucose control with no pronounced peak. It is designed for once-daily dosing to maintain stable glucose levels over 24 hours, meeting the requirements for basal dosing.
Question 3 of 5
Indicate four assessment findings which require immediate follow-up.
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: Blood pressure of 85/55 indicates hypotension, which can compromise perfusion to vital organs such as the brain and kidneys. Immediate assessment is necessary to determine the underlying cause, such as dehydration or internal bleeding. Hemoglobin level of 7 g/dL is critically low, falling below the normal range of 12–16 g/dL for women or 13–18 g/dL for men. This reflects severe anemia, which may require urgent intervention, including blood transfusion or addressing the cause of anemia. Massive bleeding from the right lower leg is an emergency due to the risk of hypovolemic shock and significant blood loss. Stabilization of the bleeding site and monitoring for signs of systemic impact is required immediately. A temperature of 96.5°F (35.8°
C) may signal mild hypothermia or a systemic condition. While it requires follow-up, it is not as immediately life-threatening as the other findings and therefore does not warrant immediate prioritization.
Question 4 of 5
Many fractures are caused by traumatic injuries, but some fractures are caused by disease processes.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fractures caused by disease processes are termed pathological fractures. Diseases like osteoporosis weaken bones, increasing susceptibility to fractures. Conditions like cancer can invade bone tissue, causing structural fragility. Pathological fractures occur without significant trauma, distinguishing them from those caused by external injuries, which require high-impact forces to break otherwise healthy bones. Traumatic fractures stem from external forces, not from disease processes. This assertion neglects the reality of pathological fractures, which result from diseases undermining the bone's natural strength. Healthy bones typically endure significant stress before fracturing, and the absence of disease makes fractures from minimal trauma highly unlikely. This reasoning excludes pathological fractures caused by internal illnesses or conditions weakening bone structures.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following is an important consideration when teaching carbohydrate counting to a diabetic patient?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Estimating carbohydrate content rather than measuring can lead to inaccuracies in blood sugar control for diabetic patients. Precise carbohydrate counting is essential for maintaining glycemic control and preventing hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, making this approach unsuitable in diabetes education. Balancing carbohydrate intake with insulin or medication is a critical aspect of diabetes management. This ensures stable blood glucose levels as insulin dosage or medication is adjusted according to the patient's carbohydrate consumption, providing personalized glycemic control effectively. Avoiding all carbohydrates is not a realistic or scientifically sound recommendation, as carbohydrates are essential for energy production. Teaching portion control and healthy carbohydrate choices is more effective for diabetic management than complete avoidance. Counting carbohydrates from sugary foods alone ignores the contribution of complex carbohydrates to blood glucose levels. A comprehensive approach that considers all sources of carbohydrates ensures accurate diabetes education and better long-term blood sugar control.