Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who had a total thyroidectomy and has a serum calcium level of 7.6 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Shortened QT intervals
• B. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes
• C. Tingling of the extremities
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tingling of the extremities. Tingling is a common symptom of hypocalcemia, which is expected with low calcium levels after a thyroidectomy. Option A, shortened QT intervals, is associated with hypercalcemia rather than hypocalcemia. Option B, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes, is not typically related to hypocalcemia. Option D, constipation, is not a common finding associated with low calcium levels.

2. A healthcare provider is caring for a client who has heart failure and is prescribed enalapril. The provider should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Hyperkalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Corrected Question: When a client with heart failure is prescribed enalapril, monitoring for hyperkalemia is essential. Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that can lead to an increase in potassium levels in the blood. This adverse effect can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because enalapril does not typically cause hypertension, hypokalemia, or hyperglycemia as adverse effects. It's essential for healthcare providers to be vigilant in monitoring potassium levels when clients are on ACE inhibitors like enalapril.

3. The nurse is caring for a patient who is at risk for infection. Which action by the nurse indicates correct understanding about standard precautions?

• A. Teaches the patient about good nutrition.
• B. Disposes of an uncapped needle in the designated container.
• C. Wears eyewear when emptying the urinary drainage bag.
• D. Dons gloves when wearing artificial nails.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct understanding of standard precautions includes wearing appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to body fluids. Wearing eyewear when emptying the urinary drainage bag is crucial as it protects the nurse's eyes from potential splashes of body fluids. Teaching the patient about good nutrition (Choice A) is important for overall health but is not directly related to standard precautions. Disposing of an uncapped needle correctly (Choice B) is part of safe needle handling but does not specifically relate to standard precautions. Donning gloves when wearing artificial nails (Choice D) is not a correct understanding of standard precautions, as artificial nails can harbor microorganisms and increase the risk of infection transmission.

4. A client with diabetes mellitus is prescribed prednisone for a rash. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

• A. I might have trouble falling asleep while taking prednisone
• B. I might feel emotional when I am on this medicine
• C. I might need to increase my regular insulin during this time
• D. I will gradually stop the prednisone when my rash goes away

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Prednisone should never be stopped abruptly; it must be tapered down. Stopping it suddenly can lead to adrenal insufficiency. Choices A, B, and C are all potential side effects or considerations when taking prednisone and do not indicate a need for further teaching.

5. A parent of a child who is terminally ill tells a nurse that she wants to take her child home. Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

• A. Your provider will be here later today.
• B. I can give you information on what that would involve.
• C. I understand how you feel. I felt the same way when my sister was terminally ill.
• D. I think you should speak with social services about your request.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should offer to explain the process of taking the child home and provide resources for the parent's decision. Choice B is the best response as it shows willingness to support the parent by offering information on what taking the child home would involve. Choices A, C, and D do not directly address the parent's request or provide the necessary information and support needed in this situation.

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