A 16-year-old young woman is admitted to the critical care unit with severe hyperglycemia caused by new-onset type 1 diabetes mellitus. The nurse notes a sweet-smelling odor on the patient's exhaled breath. This is a result of
a. compensation for metabolic alkalosis.
b. ketoacidosis.
c. prior ingestion of high-calorie foods.
d. decreased serum osmolality.
B
If ketoacidosis occurs, the patient's breathing becomes deep and rapid (Kussmaul respirations), and the breath may have a fruity odor.
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When responding to the question, "Will I produce enough milk for my baby as she grows and needs more milk at each feeding?" the nurse should explain that:
a. the breast milk will gradually become richer to supply additional calories. b. as the infant requires more milk, feedings can be supplemented with cow's milk. c. early addition of baby food will meet the infant's needs. d. the mother's milk supply will increase as the infant demands more at each feeding.
A patient is beginning therapy for active tuberculosis (TB). The patient asks, "Why do I have to take so many drugs?" What is the nurse's best response?
a. "When a case is severe enough, multiple drugs are required." b. "The more agents used, the shorter the duration of the therapy." c. "Multiple agents prevent the emergence of resistant organisms." d. "It is assumed that patients take about 50% of the prescribed drug."
The delusional patient has become agitated and angry. The patient reports that the cook put tacks in his cereal. He is pacing back and forth in the crowded dining room and cursing the cook. The best intervention by the nurse would be:
a. keeping distance from the patient, say, "Can we go to the dayroom and talk about this, Carl?" b. touching the patient's arm, say, "Calm down, Carl. I'm sure we can straighten this out." c. call experienced CNAs to restrain the pa-tient. d. standing calmly, say, "This behavior is unacceptable. Sit down and eat, Carl."
An older patient, being prepared for surgery, has a low glomerular filtration rate. Which aspect of the patient's care should the nurse realize this finding will impact?
1. medication dosages 2. postoperative activity level 3. intraoperative bleeding 4. oxygenation status