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 client with GERD is receiving discharge instructions from a nurse. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. “I should take my medicine with orange juice.”
• B. “Having a bedtime snack will prevent heartburn.”
• C. “I will lie down after meals.”
• D. “I will limit activities that require bending at the waist.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Limiting activities that require bending at the waist can help prevent episodes of reflux in clients with GERD. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Taking medicine with orange juice may not be appropriate as citrus juices can aggravate GERD. Having a bedtime snack can exacerbate heartburn by increasing stomach acid production, and lying down after meals can worsen symptoms of GERD by allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus.

3. A nurse is caring for a client with a new prescription for atorvastatin. Which of the following should the nurse monitor?

• A. Liver function tests
• B. Potassium levels
• C. Blood glucose levels
• D. Serum calcium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Liver function tests. Atorvastatin, a medication commonly used to lower cholesterol levels, can potentially cause liver damage as a side effect. Monitoring liver function tests is essential to detect any abnormalities early. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because atorvastatin is not known to directly impact potassium levels, blood glucose levels, or serum calcium levels. While these parameters may be monitored for other reasons, the priority when administering atorvastatin is to monitor liver function due to the risk of hepatotoxicity.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has DVT. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Limit the client’s fluid intake to 1500 mL per day
• B. Massage the affected extremity to relieve pain
• C. Apply cold packs to the affected extremity
• D. Elevate the client’s affected extremity when in bed

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include in the plan of care for a client with DVT is to elevate the affected extremity when in bed. Elevating the affected extremity helps improve venous return, reduces edema, alleviates discomfort, and promotes healing in clients with DVT. Limiting fluid intake can be detrimental as adequate hydration is important for circulation. Massaging the affected extremity can dislodge clots and worsen the condition. Applying cold packs can cause vasoconstriction, which is not recommended for DVT as it can impede blood flow further.

5. 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.

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