Nursing Elites

1. After a client has a tubal ligation in the outpatient surgical clinic, what is the priority for the nurse to determine?

• A. The client's prior experiences with outpatient surgery
• B. The client's medical plan and the extent of coverage for outpatient surgery
• C. The client's plan for transportation and care at home
• D. The client's plan to spend the night at the surgical center

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The priority for the nurse is to ensure the client has a safe way to get home and adequate care after discharge. It is crucial to determine the client's transportation arrangements and availability of care at home to ensure a smooth transition postoperatively. Options A and B, though important, are not immediate priorities compared to the client's safety and well-being after the procedure. Option D is incorrect as spending the night at the surgical center is not typically part of the plan for outpatient surgery.

2. A nurse working in a surgical unit notices a patient experiencing SOB, calf pain, and warmth over the posterior calf. All of these symptoms may indicate which of the following medical conditions?

• A. Patient may have a DVT.
• B. Patient may be exhibiting signs of dermatitis.
• C. Patient may be in the late stages of CHF.
• D. Patient may be experiencing anxiety after surgery.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is that the patient may have a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). SOB (Shortness of Breath), calf pain, and warmth over the posterior calf are classic signs and symptoms of DVT. DVT is a serious condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein, commonly in the legs. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because dermatitis does not typically present with these symptoms, late stages of CHF would manifest with other signs, and anxiety after surgery usually does not produce these specific symptoms.

3. Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is the drug of choice for thyroid replacement therapy in clients with hypothyroidism because:

• A. it is chemically stable, nonallergenic, and can be administered orally once a day.
• B. it is available in a wide range of concentrations to meet individual client requirements.
• C. it is a prodrug of T3.
• D. it has a long half-life.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is the preferred medication for hypothyroidism due to its chemical stability, nonallergenic properties, and convenient once-daily oral administration. It is safe and effective with minimal side effects when appropriately dosed. Choice B is incorrect because while Levothyroxine is available in various concentrations, it is not the reason it is the drug of choice; the primary reason is its stability and nonallergenic nature. Choice C is wrong as Levothyroxine (T4) is not a prodrug of T3; it is converted to T3 in the body. Option D is inaccurate because Levothyroxine has a long half-life (around 7 days), enabling once-daily dosing, as opposed to a short half-life.

4. What is the priority nursing action for a laboring client dilated to 6 cm receiving an epidural?

• A. Continuous monitoring of maternal blood pressure.
• B. Frequent auscultation of the fetal heart rate.
• C. Administering an IV fluid bolus of at least 500 cc.
• D. Frequent monitoring of the maternal temperature.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action for a laboring client dilated to 6 cm receiving an epidural is continuous monitoring of maternal blood pressure. This is crucial because epidural anesthesia can lead to a precipitous drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous for both the mother and fetus by reducing cardiac output and placental perfusion. While frequent auscultation of the fetal heart rate is important, it is not the priority in this situation. Administering an IV fluid bolus of at least 500 cc may not be necessary if the client's blood pressure is stable. Monitoring the maternal temperature is also essential but takes precedence over blood pressure monitoring.

5. In a client with asthma who develops respiratory acidosis, what should the nurse expect the client's serum potassium level to be?

• A. normal
• B. elevated
• C. low
• D. unrelated to the pH

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In respiratory acidosis, the serum potassium level is expected to be elevated. This occurs because potassium shifts from cells into the bloodstream as a compensatory mechanism to maintain acid-base balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A normal potassium level is not expected in respiratory acidosis. A low potassium level is more commonly associated with alkalosis, not acidosis. The potassium level is indeed related to pH changes in respiratory acidosis, leading to the expected elevation.

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