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 is the nurse's responsibility when caring for a client with a chest tube?

• A. Check for air leaks in the tubing every 4 hours
• B. Clamp the chest tube for 30 minutes every 4 hours
• C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours
• D. Keep the client in a high Fowler's position

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to check for air leaks in the tubing every 4 hours when caring for a client with a chest tube. This responsibility is crucial because it ensures proper chest tube function and helps prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube (Choice B) can lead to serious issues by causing a tension pneumothorax. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing (Choice C) is important for respiratory hygiene but is not directly related to chest tube care. Keeping the client in a high Fowler's position (Choice D) may be beneficial for some conditions but is not specific to chest tube management.

3. What should a healthcare provider prioritize for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder?

• A. Monitor for hyperactivity
• B. Monitor for signs of depression
• C. Monitor for changes in self-esteem
• D. Monitor for changes in energy levels

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When caring for a client diagnosed with bipolar disorder, the priority is to monitor for signs of depression. Individuals with bipolar disorder are at risk of severe depressive episodes, making it crucial to watch for signs of depression. While changes in energy levels and self-esteem are common in bipolar disorder, they are not the primary focus. Hyperactivity is a characteristic of the manic phase of bipolar disorder, so monitoring for depression is the priority in this case.

4. A client with hypokalemia is commonly expected to present with which of the following findings?

• A. Muscle weakness
• B. Nausea
• C. Tingling sensation
• D. Increased thirst

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Muscle weakness. Hypokalemia is characterized by low potassium levels in the blood, which can lead to muscle weakness. This occurs because potassium is essential for proper muscle function, and a deficiency can impair muscle strength. Nausea (choice B) is not a typical finding associated with hypokalemia. Tingling sensation (choice C) is more commonly linked to issues like nerve damage or poor blood circulation, rather than hypokalemia. Increased thirst (choice D) is not a direct symptom of hypokalemia; it is more commonly seen in conditions like diabetes or dehydration.

5. What is the most appropriate safety measure for a client using home oxygen?

• A. Store oxygen tanks upright when not in use
• B. Ensure oxygen tanks are kept upright at all times
• C. Allow family members to smoke in designated areas
• D. Keep oxygen equipment at least 10 feet away from heat sources

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to ensure oxygen tanks are kept upright at all times. This is important to prevent the tanks from falling over, which can lead to injuries or tank damage. Choice A is incorrect because oxygen tanks should not be stored in a closet when not in use, as this can lead to poor ventilation and potential hazards. Choice C is incorrect because smoking near oxygen tanks poses a significant fire risk. Choice D is incorrect because while it is important to keep oxygen equipment away from heat sources, ensuring the tanks are kept upright is a more critical safety measure.

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