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 a closed head injury has their eyes open when pressure is applied to the nail beds, and they exhibit adduction of the arms with flexion of the elbows and wrists. The client also moans with stimulation. What is the client's Glasgow Coma Score?

• A. 4
• B. 7 (comatose)
• C. 9
• D. 10

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client's Glasgow Coma Score is 7. This is calculated by assigning 2 points for eye-opening to pain, 2 points for incomprehensible sounds, and 3 points for flexion posturing. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A (4) would be the score if the client displayed decerebrate posturing instead of flexion posturing. Choice C (9) would be the score if the client exhibited eye-opening to speech, confused speech, and decorticate posturing. Choice D (10) would be the score if the client showed eye-opening spontaneously, oriented speech, and obeyed commands, which is not the case here.

3. A client with a history of seizures is being cared for by a nurse. Which of the following interventions should the nurse prioritize?

• A. Ensure the environment is safe
• B. Administer medications as prescribed
• C. Monitor for signs of infection
• D. Educate the client about triggers

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize ensuring the environment is safe for a client with a history of seizures. This intervention is crucial to prevent injury during a seizure. Administering medications as prescribed is important but ensuring a safe environment takes precedence to prevent harm. Monitoring for signs of infection and educating the client about triggers are also essential aspects of care but are not the priority when considering the immediate safety of the client during a seizure.

4. A nurse is reviewing psychosocial stages of development for a school-age child. What would be an expected behavioral finding for this child?

• A. Personalize values and beliefs and base reasoning on ethical fairness principles.
• B. Develop a sense of personal identity that is influenced by family expectations.
• C. Develop a sense of industry through advances in learning.
• D. Take on new experiences and when unable to accomplish tasks, may feel guilty.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. School-age children (6-12 years) are in Erikson's stage of industry vs. inferiority. During this stage, they strive to develop a sense of industry through learning and socialization. They seek to excel in various areas, such as schoolwork or activities, and look for approval from peers and adults. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because personalizing values and beliefs, developing personal identity influenced by family expectations, and feeling guilty for inability to accomplish tasks are not typical behavioral findings for a school-age child in the context of psychosocial development.

5. A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client who is NPO and has an NG tube for suction. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Mix medications with enteral feedings.
• B. Clamp the NG tube for 30 minutes after medication administration.
• C. Insert medications directly into the NG tube without dilution.
• D. Connect the NG tube to continuous suction after medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when administering medications to a client with an NG tube for suction who is NPO is to clamp the NG tube for 30 minutes after medication administration. This is done to allow for proper absorption of the medications before resuming suction. Choice A is incorrect because medications should not be mixed with enteral feedings as it may affect the drug's effectiveness. Choice C is incorrect as medications should not be inserted directly into the NG tube without dilution, as this can cause clogging or affect the tube. Choice D is incorrect because connecting the NG tube to continuous suction after medication administration can interfere with the absorption of the medications.

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