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. How should signs of infection in a post-surgical patient be assessed?

• A. Check the surgical site
• B. Check the patient's vital signs
• C. Monitor for fever
• D. Check for abnormal breath sounds

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Assessing the surgical site is crucial in identifying early signs of infection post-surgery. Changes such as redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage may indicate an infection developing. While monitoring vital signs and fever are important in infection assessment, they are general indicators and may not show localized signs at the surgical site. Checking for abnormal breath sounds is more relevant when assessing respiratory issues rather than infection at the surgical site.

3. What is the best position for a patient in respiratory distress?

• A. Semi-Fowler's position
• B. Trendelenburg position
• C. Prone position
• D. Supine position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best position for a patient in respiratory distress is the Semi-Fowler's position. This position promotes lung expansion and eases breathing by allowing the chest to expand more fully. The Trendelenburg position (choice B) where the patient's feet are higher than the head is not recommended in respiratory distress as it may cause increased pressure on the chest and reduced lung expansion. The prone position (choice C) lying on the stomach is also not optimal for respiratory distress as it can further compromise breathing. The supine position (choice D) lying flat on the back is not ideal as it may impair breathing by restricting chest expansion.

4. A nurse is reviewing the prescription for doxazosin with a client. Which of the following should be included in the teaching?

• A. Decrease caloric intake to prevent weight gain.
• B. Increase dietary fiber to alleviate constipation.
• C. Rise slowly when sitting up from bed.
• D. Take this medication in the morning.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Doxazosin can cause orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness and falls if the client rises quickly from a seated position. Instructing the client to rise slowly when sitting up from bed helps prevent these adverse effects. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because doxazosin does not directly relate to caloric intake, dietary fiber, or a specific time of day for administration.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?

• A. Place a pillow between the client's legs.
• B. Place the client in a high Fowler's position.
• C. Maintain the client in a side-lying position.
• D. Keep the client's legs elevated.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the client's legs is the correct action to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis after hip arthroplasty. This positioning helps maintain proper alignment and stability of the hip joint, reducing the risk of dislocation. Placing the client in a high Fowler's position (choice B) is not recommended after hip arthroplasty as it may strain the hip joint. Maintaining the client in a side-lying position (choice C) or keeping the client's legs elevated (choice D) does not provide the same level of support and alignment as placing a pillow between the legs.

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