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 with heart failure is receiving furosemide. Which of the following assessment findings indicates that the medication is effective?

• A. Elevated blood pressure.
• B. Absence of adventitious breath sounds.
• C. Weight gain of 1.4 kg (3 lb) in 24 hr.
• D. Decreased urine output.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The absence of adventitious breath sounds indicates that furosemide is effective in managing heart failure. Adventitious breath sounds such as crackles indicate fluid accumulation in the lungs, a common complication of heart failure. Therefore, the absence of these abnormal sounds suggests that furosemide is effectively reducing fluid overload. Elevated blood pressure (choice A) is not a desired outcome in heart failure management. Weight gain (choice C) and decreased urine output (choice D) are signs of fluid retention and ineffective diuresis, indicating that furosemide is not working effectively.

3. What is the primary intervention for a patient with a pneumothorax?

• A. Insert a chest tube
• B. Administer oxygen
• C. Monitor respiratory rate
• D. Administer analgesics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to insert a chest tube. This intervention is considered the definitive treatment for a pneumothorax as it helps remove air or fluid from the pleural space, re-expanding the lung. Administering oxygen (Choice B) can be supportive but is not the primary intervention to treat a pneumothorax. Monitoring respiratory rate (Choice C) is important but does not address the underlying issue of air in the pleural space. Administering analgesics (Choice D) may help manage pain but does not treat the pneumothorax itself.

4. A client receiving chemotherapy for cancer has developed stomatitis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

• A. Provide lemon-glycerin swabs
• B. Encourage the client to eat soft foods
• C. Avoid using toothpaste
• D. Instruct the client to use a mouthwash containing alcohol

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with stomatitis, a common side effect of chemotherapy, is to encourage the client to eat soft foods. Soft foods help prevent further irritation to the mouth. Providing lemon-glycerin swabs (choice A) can be too harsh and irritating to the mouth. Avoiding toothpaste (choice C) is not necessary unless it contains harsh ingredients that can further irritate the mouth. Instructing the client to use a mouthwash containing alcohol (choice D) is contraindicated as alcohol-containing mouthwashes can be too harsh and drying for clients with stomatitis.

5. A nurse is caring for a client with dementia who frequently attempts to get out of bed unsupervised. What is the best intervention?

• A. Use restraints to prevent the client from getting out of bed
• B. Encourage family members to stay with the client at all times
• C. Use a bed exit alarm system
• D. Keep the client's room dark and quiet to reduce stimulation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The best intervention for a client with dementia who frequently attempts to get out of bed unsupervised is to use a bed exit alarm system (Choice C). A bed exit alarm can alert staff when the client tries to leave the bed, helping to prevent falls. Using restraints (Choice A) is not recommended as it can lead to physical and psychological harm. While having family members present (Choice B) can be beneficial, it may not be feasible at all times. Keeping the client's room dark and quiet (Choice D) may not address the immediate safety concern of the client attempting to get out of bed.

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