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. What is the priority for the nurse when caring for a patient with a chest tube?

• A. Ensure tube patency and observe for air leaks
• B. Maintain sterile technique during dressing changes
• C. Monitor drainage and record output
• D. Observe for signs of infection and monitor for subcutaneous emphysema

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority for the nurse when caring for a patient with a chest tube is to ensure tube patency and observe for air leaks. This is essential to prevent complications such as pneumothorax and ensure the patient's lung function. While maintaining sterile technique during dressing changes, monitoring drainage, recording output, and observing for signs of infection and subcutaneous emphysema are also important, ensuring tube patency takes precedence as it directly impacts the patient's respiratory status and overall safety.

3. What is the appropriate action for a healthcare professional when administering a blood transfusion?

• A. Verify the patient's identity
• B. Monitor vital signs
• C. Stay with the patient during the first 15 minutes
• D. Stop the transfusion if a reaction occurs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The appropriate action for a healthcare professional when administering a blood transfusion is to verify the patient's identity. This step is essential to ensure that the correct blood product is given to the right patient, preventing any errors or adverse reactions. While monitoring vital signs and staying with the patient during the initial phase of the transfusion are also important steps, the primary action of verifying the patient's identity takes precedence to uphold patient safety and prevent any potential harm.

4. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. What is the healthcare professional's first action?

• A. Check the client's temperature
• B. Verify that the client's blood type matches the blood product
• C. Administer the blood through an IV push
• D. Ensure the blood is warmed before administration

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The healthcare professional's first action before administering a blood transfusion should be to verify that the client's blood type matches the blood product. This step is crucial to ensure compatibility and prevent potentially severe transfusion reactions. Checking the client's temperature (Choice A) is important but not the first action in this scenario. Administering the blood through an IV push (Choice C) is incorrect as blood transfusions are typically administered as a slow infusion. Ensuring the blood is warmed before administration (Choice D) is not the first action and is not a standard practice in blood transfusions.

5. A client is using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) for asthma management. Which of the following actions by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. Inhale rapidly through the mouth after pressing down on the inhaler
• B. Exhale completely before pressing down on the inhaler
• C. Hold your breath for 5-10 seconds after inhaling
• D. Inhale slowly while pressing down on the inhaler

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold your breath for 5-10 seconds after inhaling when using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) for asthma management. This action ensures proper medication absorption in the lungs. Inhaling rapidly (choice A) may cause the medication to impact the mouth/throat rather than the lungs. Exhaling completely before inhalation (choice B) does not optimize medication delivery. Inhaling slowly (choice D) may not allow the medication to reach the lungs effectively.

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