Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. The client reports tingling in the fingers and around the mouth. The nurse should anticipate which of the following interventions?

• A. Administer calcium gluconate
• B. Provide a high-protein diet
• C. Administer levothyroxine
• D. Apply a warm compress to the client's neck

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tingling in the fingers and around the mouth is a sign of hypocalcemia, which can occur after thyroid surgery due to accidental damage to the parathyroid glands. Hypocalcemia is common after thyroidectomy due to potential parathyroid damage. Calcium gluconate is the appropriate intervention to treat hypocalcemia. Providing a high-protein diet or administering levothyroxine are not indicated for hypocalcemia. Applying a warm compress to the client's neck would not address the underlying issue of hypocalcemia.

2. A nurse is planning care for a client following gastric bypass surgery. The nurse should include which of the following dietary instructions when preparing the client for discharge?

• A. Start each meal with a protein source.
• B. Consume at least 25g of fiber daily.
• C. Check your blood glucose level before each meal.
• D. Limit your meals to three times per day.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Start each meal with a protein source.' Protein is crucial for healing and maintaining muscle mass after gastric bypass surgery, making it essential to include in each meal. Choice B is incorrect because immediately after surgery, the focus is typically on a low-fiber diet to aid in healing. Choice C is unrelated to the nutritional needs following gastric bypass surgery. Choice D is also incorrect as patients recovering from gastric bypass surgery may require more frequent, smaller meals to meet their nutritional needs.

3. A nurse is teaching a client about the use of aspirin. Which of the following should be included?

• A. It can cause drowsiness
• B. It should be taken with food
• C. Monitor for signs of bleeding
• D. It is safe during pregnancy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Monitor for signs of bleeding.' Aspirin is known to increase the risk of bleeding, so clients should be monitored for this potential side effect. Choice A is incorrect because aspirin is not typically associated with causing drowsiness. Choice B is not a specific consideration for aspirin use; it is not necessary to take it with food. Choice D is incorrect because aspirin is not considered safe during pregnancy and should be avoided, especially in the third trimester, as it may cause complications for the mother and the baby.

4. A nurse on an acute med-surgical unit is performing assessments on a group of clients. Which is the highest priority?

• A. Client with surgical hypoparathyroidism and positive Trousseau's sign
• B. Client with Clostridium difficile and acute diarrhea
• C. Client with acute kidney injury and low urine specific gravity
• D. Client with oral cancer and reports a sore on his gums

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A positive Trousseau's sign indicates hypocalcemia, which can lead to life-threatening complications like tetany or laryngospasm, making it the highest priority. Choices B, C, and D, while important, do not pose immediate life-threatening risks compared to the potential complications of severe hypocalcemia seen in a client with surgical hypoparathyroidism and a positive Trousseau's sign.

5. A client with osteoporosis is being taught by a nurse about dietary changes. Which of the following food choices should the nurse recommend to promote bone health?

• A. Leafy green vegetables
• B. Red meat
• C. Fortified orange juice
• D. Whole grains

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fortified orange juice. Fortified orange juice is often supplemented with calcium and vitamin D, both of which are essential for bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis. Leafy green vegetables (choice A) are good for overall health but may not provide sufficient calcium for bone health. Red meat (choice B) is a source of protein but is not a primary source of calcium. Whole grains (choice D) are beneficial for fiber intake but do not contain significant amounts of calcium or vitamin D necessary for bone health.

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