Diabetes Mellitus
This type of diabetes is characterized by autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells.
What is Type 1 diabetes?
Rationale: Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Q: In hypothyroidism, this hormone is typically elevated due to low thyroid hormone levels.
A: What is TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)?
Rationale: Elevated TSH indicates that the pituitary gland is trying to stimulate the thyroid to produce more hormone.
Q: This condition is characterized by muscle spasms due to low calcium levels.
A: What is hypoparathyroidism?
Rationale: Low parathyroid hormone levels lead to hypocalcemia, causing muscle spasms and tetany.
Q: This symptom, characterized by neck stiffness, is a classic sign of meningitis.
A: What is nuchal rigidity?
Rationale: Nuchal rigidity indicates irritation of the meninges, which is common in meningitis.
Q: This common risk factor significantly increases the likelihood of ischemic stroke.
A: What is atrial fibrillation?
Rationale: Atrial fibrillation can lead to the formation of clots that may travel to the brain, causing a stroke.
A classic symptom of hyperglycemia characterized by excessive thirst.
What is polydipsia?
Rationale: Polydipsia occurs due to dehydration from osmotic diuresis when blood glucose levels are high.
Q: Symptoms of this condition include weight loss, tachycardia, and heat intolerance.
A: What is hyperthyroidism?
Rationale: Hyperthyroidism increases metabolism, leading to these symptoms.
Q: In hyperparathyroidism, this condition is often seen due to elevated calcium levels.
A: What are kidney stones?
Rationale: Hypercalcemia increases the risk of calcium-based kidney stones.
Q: The immediate nursing action for suspected bacterial meningitis is to initiate this precaution.
A: What are droplet precautions?
Rationale: Droplet precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of infectious agents in meningitis.
Q: The first nursing action for a patient suspected of having a stroke is to ensure this.
A: What is airway patency?
Rationale: Maintaining airway patency is critical to prevent aspiration and ensure adequate oxygenation.
The recommended target Hemoglobin A1C level for most adults with diabetes is below this percentage.
What is 7%?
An A1C level of less than 7% is recommended to reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
Q: This medication is commonly prescribed for managing hypothyroidism.
A: What is Levothyroxine?
Rationale: Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to replace deficient levels in hypothyroid patients.
Q: This dietary recommendation is important for patients with hypoparathyroidism to manage low calcium levels.
A: What is calcium and vitamin D supplementation?
Rationale: Supplementing calcium and vitamin D is essential to manage hypocalcemia and prevent complications like tetany.
Q: Seizures may occur in patients with this viral infection affecting the brain.
A: What is encephalitis?
Rationale: Encephalitis can cause seizures due to inflammation of the brain tissue.
Q: This medication is typically prescribed for preventing stroke recurrence.
A: What are antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin)?
Rationale: Antiplatelet medications help to reduce the risk of further clot formation after a stroke.
This acute complication of Type 1 diabetes involves high blood sugar and ketone production.
A: What is Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Rationale: DKA occurs due to a lack of insulin, leading to the breakdown of fat for energy and the production of ketones.
Q: A life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism characterized by severe symptoms.
A: What is a thyroid storm?
Rationale: A thyroid storm is a medical emergency that involves an extreme exacerbation of hyperthyroid symptoms.
Q: Patients with hyperparathyroidism may experience this symptom related to bone health.
A: What is bone pain?
Rationale: Increased PTH levels lead to bone resorption, which can cause bone pain and increase the risk of fractures.
Q: During a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, the priority nursing action is to do this.
A: What is to turn the patient on their side?
Rationale: Turning the patient on their side helps to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration.
Q: Following a stroke, it’s important to assess this function to prevent complications.
A: What is swallowing?
Rationale: A swallowing assessment is crucial to prevent aspiration pneumonia in stroke patients.
This class of oral diabetes medications works by increasing insulin sensitivity.
What are biguanides (e.g., Metformin)?
Rationale: Biguanides improve insulin sensitivity and decrease hepatic glucose production.
Q: After a thyroidectomy, it’s essential to monitor for this potential complication.
A: What is respiratory distress?
Rationale: Post-thyroidectomy, the risk of swelling or bleeding can compromise the airway.
Q: This condition is often associated with hypoparathyroidism and involves increased neuromuscular excitability.
A: What is tetany?
Rationale: Tetany results from low calcium levels, which increase neuromuscular excitability and can lead to muscle spasms and cramps.
Q: This class of medications is used to control seizures and must be taken consistently.
A: What are antiepileptic drugs?
Rationale: Antiepileptic medications must be adhered to regularly to prevent seizure recurrence.
Q: A common side effect of long-term use of Phenytoin is this dental issue.
A: What is gingival hyperplasia?
Rationale: Gingival hyperplasia is a common side effect of Phenytoin, often requiring dental care.