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 observing an assistive personnel (AP) caring for a client. For which of the following actions by the AP should the nurse intervene?

• A. Providing care in the hallway
• B. Reporting client information in the hallway
• C. Helping another client use the restroom
• D. Feeding the client too quickly

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because reporting client information in the hallway violates privacy regulations, compromising patient confidentiality. Providing care in the hallway (choice A) may not be ideal but is not a direct violation. Helping another client use the restroom (choice C) shows the AP's willingness to assist but is not a concern unless it compromises the current client's safety. Feeding the client too quickly (choice D) is a potential concern for aspiration but may not require immediate intervention as addressing hydration and swallowing strategies can help prevent complications.

3. A client with a tracheostomy is exhibiting signs of respiratory distress. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Notify the healthcare provider
• B. Suction the tracheostomy
• C. Administer a bronchodilator
• D. Increase the oxygen flow rate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with a tracheostomy is experiencing respiratory distress, the priority action is to suction the tracheostomy to clear the airway and improve breathing. This helps remove secretions or blockages that may be causing the distress. Notifying the healthcare provider (Choice A) can be done after ensuring immediate airway clearance. Administering a bronchodilator (Choice C) would not address the primary issue of airway clearance in a tracheostomy patient. Increasing the oxygen flow rate (Choice D) may be necessary but should come after ensuring the airway is clear.

4. A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client undergoing radiation therapy for cancer. Which of the following instructions should the nurse reinforce with the client?

• A. Apply sunscreen before going outside
• B. Avoid using perfumed lotions
• C. Massage the area daily
• D. Take vitamin supplements with food

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should reinforce with the client undergoing radiation therapy is to avoid using perfumed lotions. This is essential to reduce the risk of skin irritation, as perfumed lotions can exacerbate skin reactions during radiation therapy. Applying sunscreen before going outside is generally a good practice but not specifically related to radiation therapy. Massaging the area daily is contraindicated during radiation therapy as it can further irritate the skin. Taking vitamin supplements with food is important for overall health but is not a specific instruction related to radiation therapy.

5. A nurse is providing teaching to an adolescent who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following goals should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. HbA1c level greater than 8%.
• B. Blood glucose level greater than 200 mg/dL at bedtime.
• C. Blood glucose level less than 60 mg/dL before breakfast.
• D. HbA1c level less than 7%.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. An HbA1c level less than 7% indicates good long-term glucose control for clients with diabetes. This goal reflects optimal glycemic control and reduces the risk of long-term complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not represent appropriate goals for managing type 1 diabetes in an adolescent. An HbA1c level greater than 8% (choice A) signifies poor glucose control, while a blood glucose level greater than 200 mg/dL at bedtime (choice B) and a blood glucose level less than 60 mg/dL before breakfast (choice C) are not within the target ranges for safe and effective diabetes management.

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