Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports tingling and numbness in the hands. The nurse should expect to administer which of the following medications?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate.
• B. Calcium gluconate.
• C. Potassium chloride.
• D. Magnesium sulfate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tingling and numbness in the hands can indicate hypocalcemia, a common complication following a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications like tetany and seizures. Calcium gluconate is the drug of choice for rapidly raising serum calcium levels in hypocalcemic patients. Sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for treating hypocalcemia or related symptoms. Potassium chloride is used to correct potassium imbalances, not calcium. Magnesium sulfate is not the appropriate treatment for hypocalcemia; it is commonly used for conditions like preeclampsia or eclampsia.

2. A nurse is caring for a client following an acute myocardial infarction who is concerned about fatigue. What is the best strategy to promote independence in self-care?

• A. Instruct the client to remain in bed until the fatigue resolves
• B. Encourage the client to gradually resume self-care tasks with frequent rest periods
• C. Assign assistive personnel to perform all self-care tasks for the client
• D. Ask the client's family to assist with self-care

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the client to gradually resume self-care tasks with frequent rest periods is the best strategy to promote independence while managing fatigue. This approach allows the client to regain confidence in their abilities and fosters independence. Option A is incorrect as prolonged bed rest can lead to deconditioning and worsen fatigue. Option C is not promoting independence as it involves delegating all self-care tasks to others. Option D involves family assistance, which may be helpful but does not directly promote the client's independence in self-care.

3. What are the signs and symptoms of fluid overload?

• A. Edema, shortness of breath, weight gain
• B. High blood pressure and jugular venous distention
• C. Low blood pressure and cyanosis
• D. Tachycardia and dizziness

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs and symptoms of fluid overload include edema, shortness of breath, and weight gain. Edema is the abnormal accumulation of fluid causing swelling, shortness of breath can occur due to fluid accumulating in the lungs, and weight gain is often seen as a result of excess fluid retention. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because high blood pressure and jugular venous distention are more indicative of conditions like heart failure, while low blood pressure and cyanosis are seen in conditions like shock or poor perfusion. Tachycardia and dizziness are not typical signs of fluid overload.

4. A nurse is reinforcing teaching about a clear liquid diet. What should the client avoid?

• A. Lemon-lime sports drinks
• B. Orange sherbet
• C. Black coffee
• D. Ginger ale

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Ginger ale. A clear liquid diet includes fluids that are see-through and easily digestible. Ginger ale is a carbonated beverage that is allowed on a clear liquid diet. Orange sherbet, choice B, is not suitable for a clear liquid diet as it contains dairy products and solid particles, which are not transparent. Lemon-lime sports drinks, choice A, may contain added colorings or particles that are not allowed on a clear liquid diet. Black coffee, choice C, is also not recommended on a clear liquid diet as it is not a clear liquid and contains substances that may be hard to digest.

5. What are the nursing interventions for a patient with neutropenia?

• A. Monitor for signs of infection and administer antibiotics
• B. Isolate the patient and provide a low-microbial diet
• C. Monitor vital signs and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures
• D. Encourage the patient to engage in social activities

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct nursing interventions for a patient with neutropenia include monitoring for signs of infection and administering antibiotics. Neutropenia is characterized by a low neutrophil count, which increases the risk of infections. Monitoring for signs of infection allows for early detection and prompt treatment, while administering antibiotics helps prevent or treat any infections that may occur. Isolating the patient and providing a low-microbial diet (Choice B) are not necessary unless the patient develops an active infection. Monitoring vital signs and avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures (Choice C) are important but do not specifically address the increased infection risk in neutropenic patients. Encouraging the patient to engage in social activities (Choice D) is not appropriate for a neutropenic patient due to the risk of exposure to infectious agents.

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