clinical skills exam questions

Questions 29

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clinical skills exam questions Questions

Question 1 of 5

A college student was admitted to the emergency department after being found unconscious by a roommate. The roommate informs emergency medical personnel that the student has diabetes and has been experiencing flulike symptoms, including vomiting, since yesterday. The patient had been up all night studying for exams. The patient used the last diabetes testing supplies 3 days ago and has not had time to go to the pharmacy to refill prescription supplies. Based upon the history, which laboratory findings would be anticipated in this client? (Select all that apply.)

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Blood glucose: 524 mg/dL. The patient likely has diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) due to missed insulin doses, stress, and illness leading to high blood glucose levels. DKA is characterized by hyperglycemia, ketosis, and metabolic acidosis. A low blood glucose level (Choice A) is not consistent with DKA. HCO3- of 10 mEq/L (Choice C) indicates metabolic acidosis, but it's not specific to DKA. A PaCO2 of 37 mm Hg (Choice D) is within the normal range and not directly related to DKA.

Question 2 of 5

An elderly female patient has presented to the emergency department with altered mental status, hypothermia, and clinical signs of heart failure. Myxedema is suspected. Which of the following laboratory findings support this diagnosis?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (C): Elevated T and T3/T4 levels are indicative of primary hypothyroidism, such as myxedema. In this case, the patient presents with classic symptoms of hypothyroidism, including altered mental status, hypothermia, and heart failure. Elevated T3/T4 levels confirm the diagnosis. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A: Elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone is associated with adrenal disorders, not hypothyroidism. B: Elevated cortisol levels suggest Cushing's syndrome, a condition of excess cortisol production, not hypothyroidism. D: Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone is seen in primary hypothyroidism, but in myxedema, the issue is not with TSH but with T3/T4 levels.

Question 3 of 5

Renin plays a role in blood pressure regulation by

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because renin activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone cascade. Renin is released by the kidneys in response to low blood pressure or low sodium levels. It acts on angiotensinogen to form angiotensin I, which is then converted to angiotensin II by angiotensin-converting enzyme. Angiotensin II causes vasoconstriction, leading to increased blood pressure, and stimulates aldosterone release, promoting sodium and water retention. Choice B is incorrect because renin does not suppress angiotensin production; it actually initiates the process. Choice C is incorrect because renin's action leads to increased sodium reabsorption by stimulating aldosterone release. Choice D is incorrect because renin does not inhibit aldosterone release; it promotes it as part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone cascade.

Question 4 of 5

The most common cause of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients is

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: sepsis. Sepsis is a leading cause of acute kidney injury in critically ill patients due to the systemic inflammatory response leading to kidney damage. Fluid overload (B) can contribute but is not the primary cause. Medications (C) and hemodynamic instability (D) can also lead to acute kidney injury but are not as common as sepsis in critically ill patients.

Question 5 of 5

A patient is admitted to the critical care unit with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis. Following aggressive fluid resuscitation and intravenous (IV) insulin administration, the blood glucose begins to normalize. In addition to glucose monitoring, which of the following electrolytes requires close monitoring?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Potassium. During treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, as blood glucose levels decrease, potassium levels can quickly drop due to insulin therapy driving potassium into cells. Monitoring potassium levels closely is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Choice A: Calcium - Calcium levels are not typically affected by diabetic ketoacidosis treatment and do not require immediate monitoring in this context. Choice B: Chloride - Chloride levels are usually not significantly impacted by diabetic ketoacidosis treatment and do not need close monitoring in this case. Choice D: Sodium - While sodium levels can be affected by dehydration in diabetic ketoacidosis, they are not as critical to monitor as potassium levels during treatment.

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