Nursing Elites

1. A client with hyperthyroidism is admitted to the postoperative unit after a subtotal thyroidectomy. Which of the client's serum laboratory values requires intervention by the nurse?

• A. Blood glucose 90 mg/dL
• B. Sodium 138 mEq/L
• C. Total calcium 5.0 mg/dL
• D. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A total calcium level of 5.0 mg/dL is critically low and indicates possible hypocalcemia, a common complication after thyroid surgery. This condition can lead to tetany and requires immediate intervention. Blood glucose within normal range, sodium, and potassium levels are not indicative of an immediate postoperative complication like hypocalcemia in this case.

2. A client in heart failure (HF) presents with weakness and poor urine output. Which assessment finding requires immediate action?

• A. Heart rate of 122 bpm and respiratory rate of 28.
• B. Yellow sputum expectorated.
• C. Temperature of 100.5°F (38.1°C).
• D. Shortness of breath on exertion.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An elevated temperature may indicate infection and should be treated immediately in a client with heart failure.

3. A client is diagnosed with chronic renal failure, and the nurse is teaching dietary modifications. What should be limited in this client's diet?

• A. Carbohydrates
• B. Fats
• C. Proteins
• D. Vitamins

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In chronic renal failure, proteins should be limited in the diet. When the kidneys are not functioning well, the buildup of protein byproducts can put additional stress on them. Limiting protein intake can help reduce the burden on the kidneys. Carbohydrates and fats do not need to be restricted in the same way as proteins. Vitamins are essential nutrients that should not be limited in the diet unless specified by a healthcare provider for a specific reason.

4. A client with hyperthyroidism is experiencing palpitations. What intervention should the nurse implement?

• A. Encourage the client to rest and limit activity.
• B. Administer a beta-blocker to reduce heart rate.
• C. Encourage the client to drink cool fluids.
• D. Provide the client with a cool environment.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In clients with hyperthyroidism experiencing palpitations, administering a beta-blocker is the appropriate intervention. Beta-blockers help reduce heart rate and control symptoms in hyperthyroidism. Encouraging rest (Choice A) may be helpful but does not directly address the palpitations. Drinking cool fluids (Choice C) and providing a cool environment (Choice D) are more focused on temperature regulation and comfort, which are not the primary interventions for palpitations in hyperthyroidism.

5. The healthcare provider prescribes a sepsis protocol for a client with multi-organ failure caused by a ruptured appendix. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the care plan?

• A. Ensure early ambulation
• B. Administer antibiotics as prescribed
• C. Maintain strict intake and output
• D. Monitor blood glucose levels

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In sepsis with multi-organ failure, monitoring intake and output is critical to assess renal function and fluid balance, as organ failure can cause fluid shifts and decreased kidney function. Antibiotics are essential to treat the infection, but monitoring intake and output provides real-time insight into the client's status, helping to detect early signs of worsening organ function. Early ambulation and blood glucose monitoring are important aspects of care but are not as crucial as maintaining strict intake and output in this situation.

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