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 female client who has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Position the drainage bag below the bladder
• B. Wipe the drainage port after emptying
• C. Insert the catheter using sterile technique
• D. Avoid cleansing the urinary meatus

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to wipe the drainage port after emptying. This action helps reduce the risk of infection by maintaining cleanliness. Positioning the drainage bag below the bladder (choice A) is incorrect as it should be positioned below the level of the bladder to prevent backflow of urine. Inserting the catheter using sterile technique (choice C) is not necessary for routine emptying of the drainage bag. Avoiding cleansing the urinary meatus (choice D) is incorrect as proper hygiene should be maintained to prevent infections.

3. During a home visit to an elderly client with mild dementia, the client's daughter reports that she has one major problem with her mother. She says, 'She sleeps most of the day and is up most of the night. I can't get a decent night's sleep anymore.' Which suggestions should the nurse make to the daughter?

• A. Ask the client's physician for a strong sleep medicine
• B. Establish a set routine for rising, hygiene, meals, short rest periods, and bedtime
• C. Engage the client in simple, brief exercises or a short walk when she gets drowsy during the day
• D. Promote relaxation before bedtime with a warm bath or relaxing music

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to establish a set routine for rising, hygiene, meals, short rest periods, and bedtime. By creating a structured daily schedule, the client's natural sleep-wake cycle can be regulated, helping to address the issue of daytime sleeping and nighttime wakefulness. Option A, asking for a strong sleep medicine, may not address the underlying cause and can have potential side effects in the elderly. Option C, engaging in exercises when drowsy, may not be suitable for someone with dementia and could disrupt sleep patterns further. Option D, promoting relaxation before bedtime, is helpful but may not be sufficient to address the client's significant sleep issue.

4. The nurse is caring for an 80-year-old client with Parkinson's disease. Which of the following nursing goals is MOST realistic and appropriate in planning care for this client?

• A. Facilitate the client in returning to usual activities of daily living
• B. Maintain optimal function within the client's limitations
• C. Assist the client in preparing for a peaceful and dignified death
• D. Delay the progression of the disease process in the client

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Maintaining optimal function within the client's limitations is the most realistic and appropriate nursing goal when caring for an 80-year-old client with Parkinson's disease. This goal focuses on maximizing the client's abilities and quality of life while acknowledging the impact of the disease. Option A is less realistic as returning to usual activities may not always be achievable in the case of Parkinson's disease. Option C is not appropriate as it does not address the client's current condition and care needs. Option D is less realistic as Parkinson's disease is progressive, and delaying its progression may not be entirely feasible.

5. A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client who is receiving chemotherapy for cancer. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include to prevent infection?

• A. Encourage the client to eat high-protein foods
• B. Encourage the client to drink 2 liters of fluid daily
• C. Instruct the client to use a soft toothbrush
• D. Instruct the client to use a mouthwash containing alcohol

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to use a soft toothbrush. Using a soft toothbrush helps prevent bleeding in clients receiving chemotherapy, who are at risk for mucositis. Encouraging the client to eat high-protein foods (Choice A) is important for overall health but not directly related to preventing infection. Encouraging the client to drink 2 liters of fluid daily (Choice B) is essential for hydration but does not specifically prevent infection. Instructing the client to use a mouthwash containing alcohol (Choice D) is contraindicated as alcohol-containing mouthwashes can cause irritation and dryness in the oral mucosa, increasing the risk of infection.

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