Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. The nurse should monitor for which of the following findings as a sign of hypocalcemia?

• A. Nausea
• B. Tingling in the fingers
• C. Numbness in the toes
• D. Sweating

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tingling in the fingers is a classic sign of hypocalcemia. Following a thyroidectomy, hypocalcemia can occur due to damage to the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels in the body. Nausea, numbness in the toes, and sweating are not specific signs of hypocalcemia. Numbness and tingling usually start in the hands and feet due to their increased nerve sensitivity to low calcium levels.

2. A client reports difficulty having a bowel movement. What is the most appropriate intervention?

• A. Administer a laxative to relieve constipation
• B. Encourage the client to increase fiber intake
• C. Advise the client to rest in bed to avoid straining
• D. Encourage the client to exercise to stimulate bowel movement

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage the client to increase fiber intake. Fiber helps promote regular bowel movements by adding bulk to the stool, making it easier to pass. Administering a laxative (Choice A) should not be the first-line intervention as it can lead to dependency and may not address the underlying cause of constipation. Advising the client to rest in bed (Choice C) may worsen constipation as physical activity helps stimulate bowel movements. Encouraging the client to exercise (Choice D) is beneficial, but increasing fiber intake is more directly related to improving bowel movements in this scenario.

3. A nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about using a blood pressure monitor. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take your blood pressure after eating
• B. Sit quietly for 5 minutes before taking your blood pressure
• C. Use a blood pressure cuff that is too small
• D. Take your blood pressure while standing

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to sit quietly for 5 minutes before taking their blood pressure. This is important because sitting quietly helps stabilize the heart rate, leading to a more accurate reading. Choice A is incorrect because taking blood pressure after eating can affect the readings. Choice C is wrong because using a blood pressure cuff that is too small can provide inaccurate readings. Choice D is also incorrect as blood pressure should be taken in a seated position for accurate results.

4. What is the first step in preparing a blood transfusion?

• A. Administer the blood via IV push
• B. Verify the client's blood type before starting the transfusion
• C. Warm the blood to body temperature before administration
• D. Administer diuretics to prevent fluid overload

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct first step in preparing a blood transfusion is to verify the client's blood type before starting the transfusion. This step is crucial to ensure compatibility and prevent adverse reactions. Administering the blood via IV push (Choice A) is incorrect as it skips the essential step of verifying the blood type. Warming the blood to body temperature (Choice C) is important but comes after verifying the blood type. Administering diuretics (Choice D) is not part of the preparation process for a blood transfusion.

5. A nurse is receiving change-of-shift report for four clients. Which of the following clients should the nurse see first?

• A. A client with pneumonia who had new onset of confusion
• B. A client with diabetes who had low blood sugar overnight
• C. A client with a leg fracture who needs pain medication
• D. A client whose urinary output was 100 mL for the past 12 hours

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. New confusion in a client with pneumonia could indicate hypoxia or a worsening condition, requiring immediate attention. Option B, a client with diabetes having low blood sugar overnight, is a concerning condition but not as urgent as potential hypoxia. Option C, a client with a leg fracture needing pain medication, and option D, a client with decreased urinary output, are important but do not take precedence over addressing a potentially critical respiratory issue.

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