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 t 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 t
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

ATI RN Comprehensive Exit Exam 2023

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?

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. The nurse is caring for a client on warfarin with an INR of 1.8. What is the most appropriate action?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An INR of 1.8 is below the therapeutic range for a client on warfarin, indicating the need for monitoring closely to ensure that the INR levels reach the desired therapeutic range. Increasing the dose of warfarin (Choice A) without proper monitoring may lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Administering vitamin K (Choice B) is not typically recommended unless the client is experiencing major bleeding or requires rapid reversal of warfarin's effects. Holding the warfarin and notifying the healthcare provider (Choice C) may be necessary in certain situations, but the immediate action in this case should be to monitor the client's INR closely to guide further management.

3. A gastrectomy is performed on a client with gastric cancer. In the immediate postoperative period, the nurse notes bloody drainage from the nasogastric tube. The nurse should take which most appropriate action?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the immediate postoperative period following a gastrectomy, any bloody drainage from the nasogastric (NG) tube is concerning and requires prompt evaluation. This could indicate potential complications such as bleeding from the surgical site, erosion, or other postoperative issues. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately is crucial to ensure that the patient receives timely assessment and intervention. The presence of blood may necessitate further diagnostic procedures, interventions, or changes in management to prevent serious complications.

4. The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges state that half of your calories should come from protein.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The statement is FALSE. The Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Ranges recommend that 10-35% of daily calories come from protein, not half. The remaining calories should be derived from a combination of carbohydrates and fats to ensure a balanced diet. Choosing option A is incorrect because it misinterprets the recommended percentage for protein intake. Options C and D are left blank as they are not applicable to the question.

5. It is difficult to isolate the precise damage caused by illegal drugs during pregnancy because __________.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The difficulty in isolating the precise damage caused by illegal drugs during pregnancy is due to the fact that drug users often take several drugs, display other high-risk behaviors, and suffer from other stresses. This makes it challenging to identify the specific impact of each individual factor on prenatal development. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the complexity of the situation involving drug users during pregnancy. Most drug-using mothers refusing to participate in teratology research, the majority of babies not surviving, or drug-using mothers quitting during the first trimester do not directly explain the difficulty in isolating the precise damage caused by illegal drugs during pregnancy.

Similar Questions

A male patient is receiving testosterone therapy for hypogonadism. What adverse effect should the nurse monitor for during this therapy?
In determining and fulfilling the nursing care needs of the patient, which step involves assessing whether the care provided is appropriate and effective in relation to the patient's current physiological and psychological status?
A patient who experienced an acute episode of gastritis should avoid which type of foods?
A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?
A nurse is assessing a client who has hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Access More Features

ATI Basic

  • 50,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
    • 30 days access @ $69.99

ATI Basic

  • 50,000 Questions with answers
  • All ATI courses Coverage
    • 90 days access @ $149.99