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 client has developed phlebitis at the IV site. What is the most appropriate next step?

• A. Apply a warm compress over the IV site
• B. Notify the provider and discontinue the IV infusion
• C. Increase the IV flow rate to clear the blockage
• D. Elevate the extremity and apply an ice pack

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Phlebitis, inflammation of a vein, is a complication that requires prompt action. The most appropriate next step is to discontinue the IV infusion and notify the healthcare provider. Applying a warm compress, increasing the IV flow rate, or applying an ice pack are not appropriate interventions for phlebitis. Warm compresses may worsen inflammation, increasing the IV flow rate could exacerbate the condition, and ice packs are not recommended for phlebitis.

3. Which nursing intervention is best for a client with constipation?

• A. Encourage the client to remain in bed to avoid straining
• B. Administer a stool softener as prescribed
• C. Increase fiber intake through dietary changes
• D. Encourage regular exercise to promote bowel movement

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Increasing fiber intake is the most appropriate nursing intervention for a client experiencing constipation. Fiber helps add bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass and promoting regular bowel movements. Encouraging the client to remain in bed may exacerbate constipation by reducing movement and promoting inactivity. While stool softeners can be beneficial, they are typically used as a short-term solution and may not address the underlying issue of low fiber intake. Regular exercise is important for overall bowel health; however, in the immediate management of constipation, increasing fiber intake is the most effective intervention.

4. What are the key differences between systolic and diastolic heart failure?

• A. Systolic: Reduced ejection fraction; Diastolic: Preserved ejection fraction
• B. Systolic: Preserved ejection fraction; Diastolic: Reduced ejection fraction
• C. Systolic: Right-sided heart failure; Diastolic: Left-sided heart failure
• D. Systolic: Pulmonary congestion; Diastolic: Systemic congestion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Systolic heart failure is characterized by reduced ejection fraction, meaning the heart is not pumping effectively. Diastolic heart failure, on the other hand, is characterized by preserved ejection fraction, indicating that the heart has difficulty relaxing and filling properly. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the key differences between systolic and diastolic heart failure.

5. What are the key interventions for managing pneumonia?

• A. Administer antibiotics and monitor oxygen levels
• B. Administer bronchodilators and encourage deep breathing
• C. Provide fluids and monitor for dehydration
• D. Administer oxygen and provide bed rest

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer antibiotics and monitor oxygen levels. Antibiotics are essential to treat the infection caused by bacteria in pneumonia, while monitoring oxygen levels helps ensure adequate oxygenation. Administering bronchodilators and encouraging deep breathing, as in choice B, are more commonly associated with managing conditions like asthma or COPD, not pneumonia. Providing fluids and monitoring for dehydration, as in choice C, are important for various conditions but not specific to pneumonia management. Administering oxygen and providing bed rest, as in choice D, may be supportive measures in pneumonia treatment, but the key intervention is administering antibiotics.

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