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. What are the signs of an acute myocardial infarction?

• A. Chest pain radiating to the arm and shortness of breath
• B. Nausea, vomiting, and high fever
• C. Headache, confusion, and low blood pressure
• D. Increased heart rate and bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chest pain radiating to the arm and shortness of breath. These are classic signs of an acute myocardial infarction. Choice B is incorrect because nausea, vomiting, and high fever are not typical signs of a heart attack. Choice C is incorrect as headache, confusion, and low blood pressure are not specific to myocardial infarction. Choice D is incorrect because an acute myocardial infarction typically presents with an increased heart rate, not bradycardia.

3. What are the nursing responsibilities when administering intravenous (IV) antibiotics?

• A. Verify the antibiotic dosage and check for allergies
• B. Administer the medication without verification
• C. Do not check for allergies or dosage
• D. Ensure the patient is allergic to antibiotics

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When administering IV antibiotics, it is essential for the nurse to verify the antibiotic dosage and check for any allergies the patient may have. This is crucial to ensure that the correct medication is being given at the proper dose and to prevent potential adverse reactions. Choice B is incorrect because administering medication without verification can lead to errors. Choice C is incorrect as it goes against safe medication administration practices. Choice D is incorrect as the focus should be on checking if the patient has allergies to antibiotics, not ensuring the patient is allergic to them.

4. What are the early signs of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient?

• A. Sweating and trembling
• B. Confusion and irritability
• C. Dizziness and increased heart rate
• D. Nausea and vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Sweating and trembling.' These are classic early signs of hypoglycemia in a diabetic patient. Sweating occurs due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in response to low blood sugar levels, while trembling is a result of the body's attempt to increase muscle activity to raise blood sugar levels. Confusion and irritability (Choice B) are more advanced signs of hypoglycemia that occur if the condition is not treated promptly. Dizziness and increased heart rate (Choice C) can also occur but are not as specific and early as sweating and trembling. Nausea and vomiting (Choice D) are more commonly associated with other conditions or severe hypoglycemia, rather than being early signs.

5. Which nursing action is a priority when caring for a client with heart failure?

• A. Encourage the client to drink fluids frequently
• B. Weigh the client daily to monitor fluid balance
• C. Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration
• D. Limit the client's sodium intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Weighing the client daily is a priority action when caring for a client with heart failure because it helps monitor fluid balance. This monitoring is essential in managing heart failure as it allows healthcare providers to assess for signs of fluid retention or depletion, which are crucial in adjusting treatment plans. Encouraging the client to drink fluids frequently (Choice A) may worsen fluid overload in heart failure patients. Increasing fluid intake (Choice C) can exacerbate fluid retention. While limiting sodium intake (Choice D) is important in heart failure management, monitoring fluid balance through daily weighing takes precedence as a priority nursing action.

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