a nurse is caring for a client who had a total thyroidectomy and a serum calcium level of 76 mgdl which of the following findings should the nurse exp
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

RN ATI Capstone Proctored Comprehensive Assessment 2019 B with NGN

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?

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 patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is being cared for by a nurse. What is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Administering oxygen via nasal cannula as prescribed is the most appropriate action to improve the patient's oxygenation in COPD. Oxygen therapy helps maintain adequate oxygen levels in the blood, which is crucial for managing COPD. Encouraging the use of incentive spirometry, assisting with coughing and deep breathing exercises, and positioning the patient in high Fowler's position are all beneficial interventions, but administering oxygen is the priority for immediate oxygenation support in COPD.

3. A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report on a group of clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse assess first?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because a client with a fractured femur and sudden chest pain may be experiencing a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate assessment. Choice A is incorrect because although severe pain is present, it is more indicative of musculoskeletal issues related to urolithiasis rather than a life-threatening condition. Choice B, related to acute cholecystitis, is less urgent than choice D as the pain radiating to the right shoulder is a common symptom but does not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation. Choice C, regarding a client post-total knee arthroplasty with a pain level of 8, is important but not as urgent as a potential pulmonary embolism in choice D.

4. A nurse is caring for a female client who has osteoporosis and a new prescription for raloxifene. What should the nurse assess prior to initiating therapy?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pregnancy status. Raloxifene is a pregnancy category X drug, which means it can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to assess the client's pregnancy status before initiating therapy. Choice B, bone density, while important in osteoporosis management, is not a specific concern related to initiating raloxifene therapy. Choice C, calcium levels, and choice D, blood pressure, are not directly related to the initiation of raloxifene therapy in a female client with osteoporosis.

5. A client undergoing surgery refuses to remove religious jewelry. What is the best course of action?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct course of action is to remove the jewelry and document the removal. While religious beliefs should be respected, ensuring patient safety during surgery is crucial. Securing the jewelry may not be sufficient to prevent any interference during the surgical procedure. Documenting the removal is important for legal and documentation purposes. Delaying the surgery or removing the jewelry with the family's permission may not be the best options as patient safety should be the top priority in this situation.

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