Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking haloperidol for several years. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse recognize as a long-term side effect of this medication?

• A. Lipsmacking
• B. Agranulocytosis
• C. Clang association
• D. Alopecia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lipsmacking is a common sign of tardive dyskinesia, a long-term side effect of haloperidol. Tardive dyskinesia is characterized by repetitive, involuntary, purposeless movements such as lipsmacking, tongue protrusion, and facial grimacing. Agranulocytosis (choice B) is a potential side effect of antipsychotic medications but is not specifically associated with haloperidol. Clang association (choice C) is a form of disorganized speech seen in conditions like schizophrenia but is not a side effect of haloperidol. Alopecia (choice D) refers to hair loss and is not a common long-term side effect of haloperidol.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has experienced intimate partner violence. What is the nurse's priority?

• A. Develop a safety plan with the client.
• B. Refer the client to a community support group.
• C. Determine if the client has any injuries.
• D. Contact the client's family about the incident.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Develop a safety plan with the client.' When caring for a client who has experienced intimate partner violence, the nurse's priority is to ensure the client's safety. Developing a safety plan is essential to address the immediate safety concerns and provide support to the client. Referring the client to a community support group, as in option B, may be beneficial but is not the immediate priority. While determining if the client has any injuries, as in option C, is important for assessing physical well-being, the priority is to address safety concerns first. Contacting the client's family about the incident, as in option D, is not appropriate without the client's consent and may further endanger the client.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has Crohn's disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Weight gain.
• B. Bloody stools.
• C. Urinary retention.
• D. Abdominal distention.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bloody stools. Bloody stools are a common symptom of Crohn's disease, characterized by inflammation of the digestive tract. Weight gain (choice A) is less likely due to malabsorption issues associated with Crohn's disease. Urinary retention (choice C) is not directly related to Crohn's disease. Abdominal distention (choice D) may occur in Crohn's disease but is not as specific a finding as bloody stools.

4. A nurse is preparing to insert an IV catheter for a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Apply a tourniquet above the insertion site
• B. Shave the area around the insertion site
• C. Insert the catheter at a 15-degree angle
• D. Use an 18-gauge needle for insertion

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to insert the catheter at a 15-degree angle. This angle allows for easier venous access by ensuring proper catheter placement into the vein. Applying a tourniquet above the insertion site can help distend the vein for better visualization but is not the immediate action required for the insertion process. Shaving the area around the insertion site is not necessary unless there is excessive hair that may interfere with the insertion. Using an 18-gauge needle for insertion is a specific detail related to the equipment rather than the technique of insertion.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. The nurse should identify which of the following findings as an indication of hypocalcemia?

• A. Tingling in the fingers.
• B. Elevated blood pressure.
• C. Positive Chvostek's sign.
• D. Positive Kernig's sign.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tingling in the fingers. Tingling in the fingers is a common sign of hypocalcemia, often seen after a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia can occur post-thyroidectomy due to inadvertent damage or removal of the parathyroid glands which regulate calcium levels. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Elevated blood pressure is not typically associated with hypocalcemia. Positive Chvostek's sign is a clinical sign of hypocalcemia but is usually assessed as facial muscle twitching, not tingling in the fingers. Positive Kernig's sign is a test for meningitis, not related to hypocalcemia.

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