Adult Health Med Surg Nursing Test Banks

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The symptoms of polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (excessive hunger) are classic signs of diabetes mellitus. In this case, the presence of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and glycosuria (glucose in the urine) further support the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Insulin deficiency or resistance in diabetes leads to impaired glucose utilization and excessive glucose in the bloodstream, causing the classic symptoms observed in the patient. Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and Cushing's syndrome do not typically present with the hallmark symptoms of polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for the management of insomnia due to their sedative effects. One of the most common adverse effects of benzodiazepines is daytime drowsiness, which can impair the patient's ability to function normally during the day. Monitoring the patient closely for daytime drowsiness is important to ensure their safety and well-being, as it can affect their daily activities and increase the risk of accidents or falls. It is essential for the nurse to educate the patient on the potential for daytime drowsiness and advise them to avoid activities that require full alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until they know how the medication affects them. If the patient experiences severe or persistent daytime drowsiness, the healthcare provider may need to adjust the dosage or consider alternative treatment options.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The bioethical issue described in option A revolves around the concept of advance directives. Advance directives are legal documents that outline a person's wishes regarding medical treatment in the event that they are unable to communicate those wishes themselves. In this scenario, the issue pertains to the withholding of food and treatment based on a written advance directive that was made before the patient suffered permanent brain damage. This raises important ethical considerations about respecting a patient's autonomy and adhering to their previously expressed wishes, even in difficult circumstances. The decision to withhold treatment in such a situation is a complex bioethical issue that needs to be handled carefully while balancing the principles of autonomy and beneficence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct information that the incoming nurse should chart is that she received 800 cc of IV fluid. It is crucial for the charting to accurately reflect the actual situation to provide an accurate record for the patient's care. In this scenario, the discrepancy between the endorsed amount (400 cc) and the observed amount (800 cc) should be documented to ensure transparency and continuity of care. This deviation from the expected amount should be clearly recorded for proper monitoring and evaluation of the patient's condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Medico-legal charts are typically stored for a minimum of 10 years after the case is closed to ensure compliance with legal requirements and to provide a comprehensive record of the medical care provided. This duration allows for potential future reference, follow-up treatment, or legal purposes that may arise within the specified timeframe. It is important to maintain these records for an extended period to protect both the patient's rights and the healthcare provider's accountability. Additionally, storing medico-legal charts for 10 years aligns with standard retention practices in the healthcare industry.