Nursing Elites

1. A client is newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and prescribed levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Take the medication in the evening.
• C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• D. Take the medication only when experiencing symptoms.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction is to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach. This is necessary for proper absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Taking it with food can interfere with absorption. Timing is also crucial; it is usually recommended to take levothyroxine in the morning to prevent potential interactions with food and other medications throughout the day. Taking the medication in the evening may lead to sleep disturbances. Lastly, waiting to take the medication only when symptoms occur is not appropriate as levothyroxine is typically taken regularly to maintain thyroid hormone levels within the body.

2. A nurse is caring for a client in a mental health facility. The client’s daughter is crying and tells the nurse that she feels guilty for leaving her father in the hospital. Which of the following is an appropriate response?

• A. I’d like to know more about what’s bothering you.
• B. Why are you feeling this way?
• C. You did the right thing by bringing him here.
• D. I’m sure your father doesn’t blame you.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A: 'I’d like to know more about what’s bothering you.' Encouraging the daughter to express her feelings allows her to explore her emotions, which can be helpful in addressing her guilt and providing emotional support. Choice B is not as open-ended and may come across as confrontational. Choice C may invalidate the daughter's feelings of guilt by implying she shouldn't feel that way. Choice D assumes the father's emotions and may not address the daughter's feelings of guilt effectively.

3. While caring for a newborn under phototherapy lights, what is an appropriate nursing action?

• A. Ensure an eye shield is covering the eyes
• B. Apply lotion to the exposed skin
• C. Offer glucose water between feedings
• D. Discontinue breastfeeding during treatment

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure an eye shield is covering the eyes. This action is essential to protect the newborn's eyes from the bright light used in phototherapy. Applying lotion to the exposed skin (Choice B) is not necessary and may interfere with the treatment. Offering glucose water between feedings (Choice C) is not indicated and may not be appropriate for a newborn undergoing phototherapy. Discontinuing breastfeeding during treatment (Choice D) is not recommended as breastfeeding should be continued unless contraindicated.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who gave birth 1 week ago. The client states, 'I don't know what's wrong. I love my baby, but I feel so let down and I seem to cry for no reason.' The nurse should identify that the client is experiencing which of the following emotional responses to birth?

• A. Postpartum depression
• B. Taking-in phase
• C. Postpartum blues
• D. Taking-hold phase

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client is experiencing postpartum blues, not postpartum depression. Postpartum blues are common and characterized by mood swings, tearfulness, and emotional letdown shortly after delivery. The 'Taking-in phase' involves the mother focusing on her own needs, while the 'Taking-hold phase' is characterized by a desire to learn and feel competent in caring for the baby. Postpartum depression is a more severe and long-lasting condition that requires professional intervention.

5. A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with schizophrenia. The nurse asks the client to interpret the following statement: “When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” The client responds, “The mice come out when the cat is not around.” The nurse should document this finding as:

• A. Echolalia
• B. Associative looseness
• C. Neologisms
• D. Concrete thinking

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client’s literal interpretation of the statement is an example of concrete thinking, a cognitive symptom often seen in schizophrenia where abstract thinking is impaired. Choice A, Echolalia, is the repetition of words spoken by others, which is not demonstrated in this scenario. Choice B, Associative looseness, refers to a disturbance in the logical progression of thoughts, leading to a disorganized thought process. Choice C, Neologisms, involves creating new words or phrases with unique meanings, which is not evident in the client's response.

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