ATI RN
NP125 Med Surg Exam Questions
Extract:
Question 1 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.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with a right lower leg fracture will be discharged home with an external fixation device in place. Which statement should the nurse include in discharge teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Removing the external fixator for a shower could compromise stabilization of the fracture. External fixators are designed to be left in place to maintain proper alignment and provide structural support for healing bones. Removing the device could introduce unnecessary risks, including increased mobility and potential damage to the fracture site. Prolonged bed rest is not indicated for patients with external fixation devices unless medically necessary. Prolonged immobility can lead to complications such as deep vein thrombosis, muscle atrophy, or joint stiffness. Mobilization should be encouraged as tolerated to support recovery. Proper cleaning of pin insertion sites prevents infection, a major risk with external fixation devices. Using sterile technique to clean the sites daily reduces bacterial colonization. Monitoring for signs of infection such as redness or drainage is critical to avoid osteomyelitis or systemic spread. Prophylactic antibiotics are typically administered perioperatively but are not continued until device removal unless there are specific complications. Prolonged antibiotic use can lead to antimicrobial resistance and should only be used as clinically indicated to prevent or treat infection.
Question 3 of 5
The student nurses ask the RN if a Foley catheter would be an appropriate intervention to protect intact skin for a patient who is not ambulatory, incontinent, and confused. The nurse knows that it would be appropriate to ask the physician for an order to place a Foley catheter for this patient.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Using a Foley catheter can help prevent skin breakdown caused by prolonged contact with urine in incontinent patients, especially if they are confused or non-ambulatory and unable to use other urinary devices. Maintaining intact skin is crucial to avoiding infections and pressure injuries, making a Foley catheter a suitable intervention in specific cases when prescribed. Foley catheters are not inherently inappropriate but must be prescribed judiciously due to risks like urinary tract infections. While alternative methods may be preferable, this intervention is justified for incontinent, immobile patients with compromised mental status to protect skin integrity. It aligns with clinical guidelines and patient-specific needs.
Question 4 of 5
When caring for a patient in skeletal traction, the nurse should complete which 4 interventions?
Correct Answer: A,C,D,F
Rationale: Performing neurovascular assessments on the affected extremity helps identify potential complications such as ischemia or nerve damage. This includes checking circulation, sensation, and movement regularly to ensure proper function and prevent permanent injury. Skeletal traction relies on the tension created by weights hanging freely to maintain proper alignment of the bone. If weights lay flat on the ground, the traction effect is lost, undermining the therapeutic purpose of the intervention. Observing pin sites for signs of infection is crucial in preventing complications like osteomyelitis. Regular monitoring ensures early detection and management of redness, swelling, or discharge, which can compromise treatment outcomes. Assessing skin for signs of breakdown is essential in immobile patients receiving skeletal traction. Prolonged pressure and reduced mobility increase the risk of pressure ulcers, necessitating vigilant skin checks and preventive measures. Applying a boot directly to the skin is not appropriate in skeletal traction. Devices must be used correctly and securely without creating additional pressure points or compromising the treatment's effectiveness. Providing pin site care prevents infections and maintains the integrity of the pin and surrounding tissue. This involves cleaning the area and using antiseptics, which are standard practices in skeletal traction care.
Question 5 of 5
The patient's meal has been delivered, the nurse checks the patient's pre-meal blood sugar, and the result is 243 mg/dL. The patient is awake, alert, hungry, and able to swallow. The next step the nurse should take is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Administering dextrose IVP is inappropriate for hyperglycemia. It elevates blood sugar further, risking complications like hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. It is used to treat severe hypoglycemia instead. Glucagon stimulates glycogen breakdown into glucose, increasing blood sugar. It is contraindicated in hyperglycemia, as it would aggravate elevated glucose levels. It is a treatment for severe hypoglycemia. Holding insulin allows hyperglycemia to persist, increasing risks of complications like ketoacidosis. Insulin administration is essential to reduce the glucose level safely. Rapid-acting insulin like Humalog reduces hyperglycemia efficiently, bringing preprandial blood glucose closer to the target range of 70-130 mg/dL. Administering 4 units is a reasonable corrective dose based on the blood glucose of 243 mg/dL.