Nursing Elites

1. A client with hypothyroidism is taking levothyroxine (Synthroid). Which symptom should prompt the nurse to notify the healthcare provider?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Nervousness and tremors
• D. Fatigue

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nervousness and tremors. These symptoms may indicate hyperthyroidism resulting from excessive dosing of levothyroxine. Weight gain (Choice A) is a common symptom of hypothyroidism and may indicate undertreatment or inadequate dosing. Bradycardia (Choice B) is a symptom of hypothyroidism and may improve with levothyroxine therapy; it does not typically indicate an urgent need for healthcare provider notification. Fatigue (Choice D) is a symptom of hypothyroidism and can persist even with levothyroxine treatment, so it is not a symptom that would require immediate notification of the healthcare provider.

2. The nurse is caring for a client postoperatively following a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Hoarseness of the voice.
• B. Slight swelling at the incision site.
• C. Tingling around the mouth.
• D. Mild fever.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tingling around the mouth should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately as it may indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication after thyroidectomy. Hoarseness of the voice is common postoperatively due to surgical manipulation, slight swelling at the incision site is a normal response, and a mild fever can be expected after surgery. However, tingling around the mouth suggests a potential calcium imbalance, which requires prompt attention to prevent serious complications.

3. A client with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is being treated with levothyroxine (Synthroid). What is the most important information for the nurse to provide?

• A. Take the medication at bedtime.
• B. Take the medication with food.
• C. Report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• D. Discontinue the medication if you feel well.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to provide to a client with hypothyroidism being treated with levothyroxine is to report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations or tremors, may indicate overtreatment or excessive dosing of levothyroxine. Prompt reporting of these symptoms is crucial to prevent serious complications. Choices A and B are not the most critical information related to levothyroxine administration. Instructing the client to take the medication at bedtime or with food can be important for adherence but is not as crucial as monitoring for signs of hyperthyroidism. Choice D is incorrect as discontinuing the medication if feeling well can lead to a relapse of hypothyroidism symptoms.

4. The nurse is caring for a 75-year-old male client who is beginning to form a decubitus ulcer at the coccyx. Which intervention will be most helpful in preventing further development of the decubitus ulcer?

• A. Encourage the client to eat foods high in protein
• B. Assess the client for daily range of motion exercises
• C. Teach the family how to perform sterile wound care
• D. Ensure the IV fluids are administered as prescribed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the client to eat foods high in protein is crucial in preventing further development of decubitus ulcers as high protein foods support tissue repair and skin integrity. Adequate protein intake is essential for wound healing. Assessing the client for daily range of motion exercises is important for preventing complications related to immobility, but it may not directly address the prevention of decubitus ulcers. Teaching the family how to perform sterile wound care is significant for wound management but may not be the most effective intervention to prevent further development of decubitus ulcers. Ensuring IV fluids are administered as prescribed is essential for maintaining hydration status but is not the most relevant intervention for preventing decubitus ulcers.

5. The nurse is caring for a client who is NPO (nothing by mouth) due to a small bowel obstruction. Which nursing intervention is most important?

• A. Monitor bowel sounds
• B. Provide frequent oral care
• C. Encourage ambulation
• D. Measure abdominal girth

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Providing frequent oral care is crucial when a client is NPO to ensure comfort and prevent drying of the oral mucosa. In this situation, the priority is maintaining oral hygiene to prevent complications such as oral mucosa breakdown. Monitoring bowel sounds may be important in assessing bowel activity, but it is not the priority when the client is NPO due to a small bowel obstruction. Encouraging ambulation can be beneficial for other conditions, but in this case, oral care takes precedence. Measuring abdominal girth is more relevant for assessing abdominal distention, which is not the priority when the client is NPO. Therefore, the most important nursing intervention is to provide frequent oral care.

Similar Questions