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 right to make one's own personal decisions, even though those decisions might not be in the person's best interest?

• A. Autonomy
• B. Non-maleficence
• C. Justice
• D. Beneficence

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Autonomy. Autonomy is the right to make one's own decisions, even if they may not be in the person's best interest. Autonomy emphasizes an individual's freedom to choose and act according to their own values and beliefs. Non-maleficence (B) refers to the principle of 'do no harm,' Justice (C) refers to fairness and equality in the distribution of resources or benefits, and Beneficence (D) refers to the obligation to do good and act in the patient's best interest.

3. What is the best dietary recommendation for a patient with chronic kidney disease?

• A. Low-protein diet
• B. High-protein diet
• C. Low-sodium diet
• D. High-sodium diet

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is a low-protein diet for a patient with chronic kidney disease. In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys may have difficulty filtering waste products from protein metabolism, leading to a buildup of toxins in the body. Therefore, reducing protein intake can help lessen the workload on the kidneys. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. A high-protein diet would increase the workload on the kidneys, while a low-sodium diet is beneficial for conditions like hypertension or heart failure but not specifically targeted for chronic kidney disease. A high-sodium diet can worsen fluid retention and hypertension in patients with kidney disease.

4. What is the priority when managing a client with a chest tube postoperatively?

• A. Clamp the chest tube for 30 minutes every 4 hours
• B. Check for air leaks and proper functioning of the chest tube
• C. Encourage deep breathing and coughing every 2 hours
• D. Encourage frequent coughing to clear secretions

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority when managing a client with a chest tube postoperatively is to check for air leaks and ensure the proper functioning of the chest tube. This is crucial to prevent complications such as pneumothorax or hemothorax. Clamping the chest tube intermittently can lead to a buildup of pressure in the pleural space and should not be done without a specific medical indication. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing helps with lung expansion but is not the priority over ensuring the chest tube's proper function. Encouraging frequent coughing may increase the risk of dislodging the chest tube or causing complications.

5. What are the signs of hypoglycemia, and how should they be managed?

• A. Sweating, trembling; administer glucose
• B. Headache, confusion; administer insulin
• C. Dizziness, fatigue; administer glucose
• D. Increased heart rate; provide a high-sugar snack

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct signs of hypoglycemia are sweating and trembling. These should be managed by administering glucose to raise blood sugar levels. Headache, confusion, dizziness, fatigue, or increased heart rate are not typical signs of hypoglycemia. Administering insulin in response to hypoglycemia would further lower blood sugar levels, exacerbating the condition.

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