Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Which of the following dietary recommendations should the nurse make?

• A. Increase your intake of high-fiber foods.
• B. Avoid foods that are high in fat.
• C. Increase your intake of dairy products.
• D. Drink carbonated beverages to help with bloating.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Avoid foods that are high in fat." Clients with IBS should avoid foods high in fat as they can exacerbate symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. High-fiber foods, choice A, can sometimes worsen symptoms in individuals with IBS. Increasing intake of dairy products, choice C, may also worsen symptoms for some individuals with IBS, especially if they are lactose intolerant. Drinking carbonated beverages, choice D, can contribute to bloating and gas, making symptoms worse for individuals with IBS.

3. A client is prescribed furosemide and needs to consume potassium-rich foods. Which of the following foods should the client be advised to include in the diet?

• A. Grapes.
• B. Apples.
• C. Bananas.
• D. Rice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bananas. Bananas are rich in potassium and should be included in the diet of clients taking furosemide, a potassium-wasting diuretic. Grapes, apples, and rice are not as high in potassium as bananas and would not be as effective in replenishing potassium levels in clients taking furosemide.

4. A client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is being taught about lifestyle modifications. Which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Sleep with the head of the bed elevated.
• B. Avoid drinking fluids with meals.
• C. Eat three large meals each day.
• D. Lie down after eating.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with GERD is to avoid drinking fluids with meals. This is because consuming fluids while eating can exacerbate reflux symptoms by increasing stomach distension and contributing to the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Option A is incorrect as elevating the head of the bed can help prevent reflux during sleep, not while drinking fluids. Option C is incorrect as consuming three large meals a day can worsen GERD symptoms due to increased gastric distension. Option D is incorrect as lying down after eating can also worsen GERD symptoms by promoting the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus.

5. A nurse is planning care for a client who has a new diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

• A. Massage the affected extremity every 4 hours.
• B. Encourage the client to remain on bed rest.
• C. Apply cold packs to the affected extremity.
• D. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to apply cold packs to the affected extremity. Cold packs help reduce swelling and pain by causing vasoconstriction. Massaging the affected extremity could dislodge a clot, leading to serious complications. Encouraging bed rest may increase the risk of clot propagation, while frequent ambulation is contraindicated as it can dislodge clots.

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