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 collecting data from a client who has bipolar disorder and is experiencing acute mania. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?

• A. Pressured speech
• B. Increased appetite
• C. Lack of sleep
• D. Mood swings

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Lack of sleep.' In a client experiencing acute mania due to bipolar disorder, lack of sleep is the priority finding for the nurse to address. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate symptoms, lead to exhaustion, and increase the risk of further complications. Pressured speech, increased appetite, and mood swings are also common in acute mania, but addressing the lack of sleep takes precedence due to its significant impact on the client's well-being and recovery.

3. What is the nurse's responsibility when managing a physically assaultive client?

• A. Restrict the client to the room
• B. Place the client under one-to-one supervision
• C. Restore the client's self-control
• D. Clear the area of other clients

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Restore the client's self-control. When managing a physically assaultive client, the nurse's responsibility is to help the client regain control over their actions and emotions. This is crucial in preventing harm to themselves and others. Restricting the client to the room (Choice A) may escalate the situation and is not a therapeutic approach. Placing the client under one-to-one supervision (Choice B) is important for safety but does not address the root cause of the behavior. Clearing the area of other clients (Choice D) is necessary for safety but does not directly address the client's self-control. Therefore, the priority in managing an assaultive client is to focus on restoring their self-control.

4. What is the best strategy for managing fatigue in a client who has had an acute myocardial infarction and is concerned about self-care?

• A. Instruct the client to rest completely and avoid all self-care tasks
• B. Encourage the client to gradually resume self-care tasks with frequent rest periods
• C. Assign assistive personnel to complete all self-care tasks
• D. Ask the client's family to assist with self-care tasks

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best strategy for managing fatigue in a client who has had an acute myocardial infarction and is concerned about self-care is to encourage the client to gradually resume self-care tasks with frequent rest periods. This approach helps the client regain independence while managing fatigue effectively. Choice A is incorrect because complete rest without any self-care tasks may hinder recovery and independence. Choice C is not the best option as it does not promote the client's independence. Choice D, while involving family support, does not empower the client to regain self-care abilities.

5. A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client who is taking digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as an adverse effect of this medication?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Tachycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is an adverse effect of digoxin. Digoxin can cause hypokalemia, which increases the risk of toxicity. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial when a client is taking digoxin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as hypernatremia, hypertension, and tachycardia are not directly associated with digoxin use.

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