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 healthcare professional is teaching a client about the use of methotrexate. Which of the following should be included?

• A. It is a pain reliever
• B. Monitor for signs of infection
• C. It can be taken without food
• D. It is safe to use during pregnancy

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor for signs of infection.' Methotrexate can suppress the immune system, making the client more susceptible to infections. Educating the client to monitor for signs of infection is crucial for early detection and management. Choice A is incorrect because methotrexate is not a pain reliever; it is commonly used to treat conditions like cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Choice C is incorrect because methotrexate is usually recommended to be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Choice D is incorrect because methotrexate is known to be harmful during pregnancy and should not be used by pregnant individuals as it can cause birth defects.

3. A client with preeclampsia is receiving magnesium sulfate intravenously. What action should the nurse take if the client develops toxicity?

• A. Position the client supine
• B. Prepare an IV bolus of dextrose 5%
• C. Administer calcium gluconate IV
• D. Administer methylergonovine IM

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In cases of magnesium sulfate toxicity, calcium gluconate is the antidote as it helps reverse the effects. Positioning the client supine (Choice A) may not directly address magnesium sulfate toxicity. Administering dextrose 5% (Choice B) is not the correct intervention for magnesium sulfate toxicity. Methylergonovine IM (Choice D) is used to manage postpartum hemorrhage, not magnesium sulfate toxicity.

4. What is an example of a culturally sensitive response from a healthcare provider when a patient mentions feeling uncomfortable with a treatment plan?

• A. Asking why they feel this way
• B. Explaining that the treatment is standard
• C. Inviting the patient to share concerns
• D. Offering alternative treatments

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Inviting the patient to share concerns is an example of a culturally sensitive response as it acknowledges the patient's feelings and provides a safe space for them to express their discomfort. This approach shows respect for the patient's cultural beliefs and values by valuing their perspective. Choice A, asking why they feel this way, can be perceived as confrontational and may not encourage open communication. Choice B, explaining that the treatment is standard, dismisses the patient's feelings and does not address their discomfort. Choice D, offering alternative treatments, may be premature without fully understanding the patient's concerns first.

5. A nurse is planning care for a group of postoperative clients. Which of the following interventions should the nurse identify as the priority?

• A. Administer IV pain medication to a client who reports pain as a 6 on a scale of 0 to 10
• B. Administer oxygen to a client who has an oxygen saturation of 91%
• C. Instruct a client who is 1 hr postoperative about coughing and deep breathing exercises
• D. Initiate an infusion of 0.9% sodium chloride for a client who has just had abdominal surgery

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When using the ABC approach to client care, the nurse should identify that the priority intervention is administering oxygen. In this scenario, the client's oxygen saturation is only 91%, which is below the normal range of 95% and above. Oxygen is essential for adequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation of vital organs. Administering oxygen takes precedence over other interventions to ensure the client's physiological needs are met first. Choice A can be addressed after ensuring adequate oxygenation. Choice C is important for preventing postoperative complications but is not as urgent as addressing oxygen saturation. Choice D is a common postoperative intervention, but in this case, ensuring adequate oxygenation is the priority over IV fluid administration.

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