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 to the provider?

• A. Increased hoarseness
• B. Serum calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL
• C. Respiratory rate of 18/min
• D. Urinary output of 60 mL in 2 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Serum calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL.' A low serum calcium level indicates hypocalcemia, which is a potential complication of thyroidectomy that can lead to life-threatening consequences, such as tetany or laryngospasm. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to report this finding promptly to the provider for timely intervention. Choices A, C, and D are important assessments following a thyroidectomy but are not as critical as detecting and addressing hypocalcemia, which can have serious implications for the client's health.

2. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has GERD. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Lie flat for 30 minutes after meals.
• B. Avoid lying down after meals.
• C. Drink hot liquids with meals.
• D. Consume a high-carbohydrate snack at bedtime.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Avoid lying down after meals.' This instruction is important for clients with GERD to prevent acid reflux. Lying down after meals can worsen GERD symptoms by allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is incorrect because lying flat after meals can increase the risk of acid reflux. Choice C is incorrect because hot liquids may aggravate GERD symptoms. Choice D is incorrect because consuming a high-carbohydrate snack at bedtime can also trigger acid reflux in individuals with GERD.

3. A client requests the creation of a living will. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Schedule a meeting between the hospital ethics committee and the client
• B. Evaluate the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures
• C. Determine the client's preferences about post-mortem care
• D. Request a conference with the client's family

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client requests the creation of a living will is to evaluate the client's understanding of life-sustaining measures. This step is crucial to ensure that the client is well-informed about their options before making decisions regarding their future care. Scheduling a meeting with the hospital ethics committee (choice A) may not be necessary at this stage and could overwhelm the client. Determining the client's preferences about post-mortem care (choice C) is not directly related to creating a living will. Requesting a conference with the client's family (choice D) may be important later but is not the initial step in this situation.

4. A nurse is planning care for a client who is receiving hemodialysis. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Withhold all medications until after dialysis.
• B. Rehydrate with dextrose 5% in water for orthostatic hypotension.
• C. Check the vascular access site for bleeding after dialysis.
• D. Give an antibiotic 30 minutes before dialysis.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client receiving hemodialysis is to check the vascular access site for bleeding after dialysis. This is crucial to detect any bleeding complications and ensure prompt intervention if necessary. Withholding all medications until after dialysis (Choice A) is not appropriate as some medications may need to be administered during dialysis. Rehydrating with dextrose 5% in water for orthostatic hypotension (Choice B) is not directly related to the immediate post-dialysis care. Giving an antibiotic 30 minutes before dialysis (Choice D) is not recommended as timing of medication administration should be based on the specific antibiotic and its pharmacokinetics.

5. How should a healthcare professional care for a patient with a central line to prevent infection?

• A. Change the dressing daily
• B. Monitor for redness
• C. Check the central line site every shift
• D. Flush the line with saline

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Changing the central line dressing daily is crucial in preventing infection at the insertion site. This practice helps maintain a clean and sterile environment around the central line, reducing the risk of pathogens entering the bloodstream. Monitoring for redness (choice B) is important but may not directly prevent infection. Checking the central line site every shift (choice C) is essential for early detection of any issues but does not solely prevent infection. Flushing the line with saline (choice D) is a necessary procedure for maintaining central line patency but does not primarily prevent infection.

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