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 client with a history of angina reports substernal chest pain that radiates to the left arm. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Administer nitroglycerin sublingually.
• B. Administer 2L of oxygen via nasal cannula.
• C. Administer aspirin 325 mg orally.
• D. Obtain a 12-lead ECG.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a client with a history of angina experiencing chest pain radiating to the left arm, obtaining a 12-lead ECG is the priority action to assess for myocardial infarction. An ECG helps in diagnosing and evaluating the extent of cardiac ischemia or infarction. Administering nitroglycerin, oxygen, or aspirin can follow once the ECG has been performed to confirm the diagnosis and guide further interventions. Administering nitroglycerin sublingually is often appropriate for angina but should not precede the ECG in this urgent scenario. Oxygen therapy and aspirin administration are important interventions but obtaining the ECG takes precedence in assessing for acute cardiac events.

3. A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). What recommendation should be included?

• A. Consume foods high in bran fiber.
• B. Increase intake of milk products.
• C. Sweeten foods with fructose corn syrup.
• D. Increase intake of foods high in gluten.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Consume foods high in bran fiber. Bran fiber is recommended for clients with IBS as it promotes regularity and helps reduce symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing milk products may exacerbate symptoms in some individuals with IBS due to lactose intolerance. Sweetening foods with fructose corn syrup can worsen symptoms as it is a type of sugar that can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Increasing intake of foods high in gluten is not recommended for individuals with IBS, especially those with gluten sensitivity, as it may trigger or worsen symptoms.

4. A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include?

• A. Consume food high in bran fiber.
• B. Increase intake of milk products.
• C. Sweeten foods with fructose corn syrup.
• D. Increase foods high in gluten.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct recommendation for a client with irritable bowel syndrome is to consume food high in bran fiber. Bran fiber promotes regularity and can help reduce symptoms of IBS. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because increasing milk products, sweetening foods with fructose corn syrup, and consuming foods high in gluten can exacerbate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in some individuals.

5. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for lithium. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Avoid eating foods that contain tyramine.
• C. Drink at least 2 liters of water each day.
• D. Take this medication in the evening before bedtime.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed lithium is to drink at least 2 liters of water each day. This is important to prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of lithium toxicity. Option A is incorrect because lithium is usually taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Option B is unrelated to lithium and is more applicable to clients taking MAOIs. Option D is incorrect as lithium is typically taken in divided doses throughout the day to maintain therapeutic levels.

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