Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 48 hours old and has a maternal history of methadone use during pregnancy. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse identify as an indication of neonatal abstinence syndrome?

• A. Hyporeactivity
• B. Excessive high-pitched cry
• C. Acrocyanosis
• D. Respiratory rate of 50/min

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An excessive high-pitched cry is a classic sign of neonatal abstinence syndrome, indicating withdrawal from substances such as methadone. Neonates with neonatal abstinence syndrome often display irritability, tremors, and feeding difficulties. Hyporeactivity, acrocyanosis, and a respiratory rate of 50/min are not typical manifestations of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Hyporeactivity is more associated with conditions like hypothyroidism or sepsis, acrocyanosis is a common finding in newborns due to immature peripheral circulation, and a respiratory rate of 50/min is within the normal range for a newborn.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. The client reports tingling in the fingers and around the mouth. The nurse should anticipate which of the following interventions?

• A. Administer calcium gluconate
• B. Provide a high-protein diet
• C. Administer levothyroxine
• D. Apply a warm compress to the client's neck

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tingling in the fingers and around the mouth is a sign of hypocalcemia, which can occur after thyroid surgery due to accidental damage to the parathyroid glands. Hypocalcemia is common after thyroidectomy due to potential parathyroid damage. Calcium gluconate is the appropriate intervention to treat hypocalcemia. Providing a high-protein diet or administering levothyroxine are not indicated for hypocalcemia. Applying a warm compress to the client's neck would not address the underlying issue of hypocalcemia.

3. While caring for a client receiving oxytocin for labor augmentation, the nurse notes contractions occurring every 45 seconds and lasting 90 seconds. What should the nurse do?

• A. Discontinue the oxytocin infusion
• B. Increase the oxytocin infusion
• C. Apply an internal fetal monitor
• D. Administer an analgesic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take in this situation is to discontinue the oxytocin infusion. The client is experiencing uterine hyperstimulation, which can lead to fetal distress and complications. By stopping the oxytocin, the nurse can help regulate contractions and prevent harm to the fetus. Increasing the oxytocin infusion would exacerbate the issue by further intensifying contractions. Applying an internal fetal monitor may be necessary for closer monitoring but is not the immediate action required. Administering an analgesic is not appropriate in this scenario as the primary concern is addressing the uterine hyperstimulation caused by oxytocin.

4. A healthcare provider is educating a patient on the use of alendronate. Which of the following should be included?

• A. Take it with food
• B. Take it once a week
• C. It can be taken at bedtime
• D. Monitor for increased appetite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Take it once a week.' Alendronate is typically taken once a week to treat osteoporosis. It should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning with a full glass of water. Choice A is incorrect because alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach, not with food. Choice C is incorrect because alendronate should be taken in the morning, not at bedtime. Choice D is unrelated to alendronate use and not a common side effect associated with this medication.

5. A nurse is caring for a client with a history of substance abuse. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Monitor for withdrawal symptoms
• B. Encourage social activities
• C. Schedule regular follow-ups
• D. Provide educational materials

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor for withdrawal symptoms. This is a priority because individuals with a history of substance abuse are at risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms when the substance is no longer used. Monitoring for withdrawal symptoms is crucial to ensure the client's safety and to manage any potential complications related to substance withdrawal. Encouraging social activities, scheduling regular follow-ups, and providing educational materials are also important aspects of care, but they are not as critical as monitoring for withdrawal symptoms in this immediate scenario.

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