Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report?

• A. Calcium level of 9.0 mg/dL
• B. Serum sodium level of 138 mEq/L
• C. Respiratory rate of 18/min
• D. Stridor

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Stridor is a high-pitched sound that indicates airway obstruction and is the priority finding to report following a thyroidectomy. In this situation, airway compromise is a critical concern that requires immediate intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation. While calcium level (Choice A) and serum sodium level (Choice B) are important assessments post-thyroidectomy, they do not represent an immediate threat to the client's airway. A respiratory rate of 18/min (Choice C) falls within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate risk to the client's airway compared to the presence of stridor.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 hours postoperative following a gastrectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate of 94/min
• B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
• C. Respiratory rate of 18/min
• D. Temperature of 37.6°C (99.7°F)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia, which is a serious condition post-gastrectomy. Hypoxemia can lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, potentially causing complications like organ dysfunction or failure. This finding requires immediate attention to prevent further deterioration. The heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature are within normal ranges for a client post-gastrectomy, so they do not require immediate reporting to the provider.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Increased WBC count.
• B. Decreased hemoglobin.
• C. Decreased platelet count.
• D. Positive rheumatoid factor.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Positive rheumatoid factor. A positive rheumatoid factor is a common laboratory finding in clients with rheumatoid arthritis, indicating an autoimmune response. Option A, increased WBC count, is not typically associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Option B, decreased hemoglobin, and option C, decreased platelet count, are not specific laboratory findings for rheumatoid arthritis.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus is receiving education from a nurse on preventing long-term complications. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will keep my blood glucose levels within the target range.
• B. I will check my feet daily for any open sores or wounds.
• C. I will monitor my blood pressure regularly.
• D. I will consume foods that are high in fiber.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'I will check my feet daily for any open sores or wounds.' This statement shows an understanding of the importance of foot care in preventing complications like diabetic foot ulcers. Monitoring blood glucose levels (choice A) is crucial but not directly related to foot care. Monitoring blood pressure (choice C) is important for overall health but does not specifically address preventing long-term complications of diabetes. Consuming foods high in fiber (choice D) is beneficial for managing blood sugar levels but does not directly address preventing foot complications.

5. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will limit my intake of protein to prevent kidney damage.
• B. I will avoid taking ibuprofen for my headaches.
• C. I will monitor my blood glucose level before meals and at bedtime.
• D. I will reduce my intake of carbohydrates to manage my blood sugar.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Monitoring blood glucose levels before meals and at bedtime is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Option A is incorrect because limiting protein intake is not a primary focus for diabetes management. Option B is unrelated to diabetes management and focuses on pain relief. Option D mentions reducing carbohydrate intake, which is a common dietary recommendation for managing blood sugar levels, but it is not as specific as monitoring blood glucose levels at key times.

Similar Questions