clinical skills questions

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (80 to 125 mL/min) because this range represents the normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for a healthy adult. GFR indicates the rate at which blood is filtered by the kidneys, with 125 mL/min being the average value. Values below 80 mL/min (Choice A) suggest impaired kidney function, while values above 189 mL/min (Choice D) may indicate hyperfiltration or underlying conditions. Choice C (125 to 180 mL/min) falls within the normal range, but the typical average is around 125 mL/min. Thus, choice B is the correct answer as it reflects the standard GFR range for adults.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Increased ability to excrete drugs. Rationale: 1. Renal insufficiency impairs kidney function, leading to decreased excretion of drugs. 2. In elderly patients with renal insufficiency, there may be compensatory mechanisms to enhance drug excretion. 3. This increased ability to excrete drugs helps prevent drug accumulation and potential toxicity. Summary: A: Increased GFR is not expected in renal insufficiency; it typically decreases. B: Serum creatinine level would likely be elevated in renal insufficiency, not normal. D: Hypokalemia is not a typical lab finding in renal insufficiency; hyperkalemia is more common.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Administering levothyroxine is crucial in treating myxedema coma as it helps replace the deficient thyroid hormone. 2. This intervention addresses the underlying cause of myxedema coma, which is severe hypothyroidism. 3. Levothyroxine administration can help reverse the symptoms of myxedema coma and improve the patient's condition. Summary of Incorrect Choices: - B: Encouraging high sodium intake is not appropriate as myxedema coma is associated with fluid retention and sodium may exacerbate this. - C: Passive rewarming interventions are not relevant for myxedema coma, as the condition is not typically related to hypothermia. - D: While monitoring airway and respiratory effort is important in general patient care, it is not a specific intervention for myxedema coma.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the 83-year-old long-term care resident with type 2 diabetes and advanced Alzheimer's disease who recently developed influenza is at the highest risk for hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome (HHS). This patient has multiple risk factors for HHS, including age, type 2 diabetes, advanced Alzheimer's disease, and the added stress of influenza, which can exacerbate hyperglycemia. The combination of these factors can lead to severe hyperglycemia, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalances characteristic of HHS. Choice A is incorrect because although excessive exercise can lead to hypoglycemia in individuals with type 1 diabetes, it is not a risk factor for HHS. Choice B is incorrect as forgetting to take insulin can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis in type 1 diabetes, not HHS. Choice C is incorrect as starting insulin injections in a patient with type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease does not automatically increase the risk

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presence of protein in the glomerular filtrate indicates a problem with renal function as healthy kidneys should not allow large molecules like proteins to pass through the filtration barrier. This could be a sign of kidney damage or dysfunction. Sodium, creatinine, and red blood cells are normally present in the filtrate and are not specific indicators of renal function issues. Sodium is actively reabsorbed in the renal tubules, creatinine is a waste product filtered by the kidneys, and a small number of red blood cells may pass through the filtration barrier under normal circumstances.