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 nurse is caring for a client post-op with a chest tube. What should the nurse check for regularly?

• A. Ensure the chest tube is periodically clamped
• B. Check for air leaks in the tubing
• C. Keep the client in a prone position for chest drainage
• D. Administer diuretics to prevent fluid buildup

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks in the tubing. Air leaks can compromise the function of the chest tube, leading to inadequate drainage and potentially causing complications for the client. Clamping the chest tube periodically is incorrect as it could lead to a buildup of fluid or air in the pleural space. Keeping the client in a prone position is not necessary for chest drainage, as the positioning may vary depending on the specific situation. Administering diuretics may not be directly related to monitoring the chest tube for proper function and is not a routine intervention for chest tube management post-op.

3. A client with hypertension is asking for lifestyle changes. What should the nurse recommend?

• A. Increase sodium intake to manage blood pressure
• B. Reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption
• C. Encourage the client to increase protein intake
• D. Increase intake of fruits and vegetables

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Reduce caffeine and alcohol consumption. This recommendation is crucial for managing hypertension as excessive caffeine and alcohol intake can elevate blood pressure. By reducing these stimulants, the client can help regulate their blood pressure levels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing sodium intake (Choice A) is contraindicated in hypertension as it can lead to fluid retention and worsen blood pressure. Encouraging increased protein intake (Choice C) and increasing intake of fruits and vegetables (Choice D) are generally healthy dietary suggestions but not specifically targeted at managing hypertension.

4. A client diagnosed with hypertension requires lifestyle changes. What change should the nurse emphasize?

• A. Increase intake of high-fat foods
• B. Reduce sodium intake
• C. Reduce intake of dairy products
• D. Increase intake of high-protein foods

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Reducing sodium intake is crucial for managing hypertension as excess sodium can lead to increased blood pressure. High-fat foods (Choice A) are not recommended as they can contribute to heart issues. While dairy products (Choice C) should be consumed in moderation, they are not specifically targeted in hypertension management. High-protein foods (Choice D) are not the priority; rather, reducing sodium intake takes precedence due to its direct impact on blood pressure levels.

5. What is a primary symptom of left-sided heart failure?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Edema
• C. Rapid heartbeat
• D. Confusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Shortness of breath is a primary symptom of left-sided heart failure. In this condition, the heart's inability to pump effectively leads to fluid backing up into the lungs, causing difficulty breathing. Edema (swelling), rapid heartbeat, and confusion are more commonly associated with other conditions or right-sided heart failure. Edema is often seen in right-sided heart failure due to fluid accumulation in the body, rapid heartbeat can be a general sign of heart issues, and confusion is more related to decreased brain perfusion in severe heart failure cases.

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