Nursing Elites

1. A client receiving radiation therapy for breast cancer may experience which of the following side effects that the nurse should monitor for?

• A. Fatigue
• B. Nausea
• C. Skin irritation
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: C

Rationale: During radiation therapy for breast cancer, one common side effect is skin irritation due to the impact of radiation on the skin cells. This side effect should be closely monitored by the nurse. Fatigue may also occur as a side effect of radiation therapy, but skin irritation is more specific to the treatment area and is a priority in this case. Nausea and weight gain are not typically associated with radiation therapy for breast cancer, making them incorrect choices.

2. A healthcare provider is teaching a client who has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the healthcare provider include?

• A. Take this medication with meals.
• B. Take this medication at the same time every day.
• C. Report any chest pain to your healthcare provider immediately.
• D. Take an antacid if indigestion occurs.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed levothyroxine is to take the medication at the same time every day. This consistency is important for maintaining stable thyroid hormone levels. Choice A is incorrect because levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption. Choice C is important but not directly related to the administration of levothyroxine. Choice D is incorrect as antacids can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine.

3. A nurse is assessing a newborn who is 1-day old and receiving phototherapy for jaundice. Which action should the nurse take?

• A. Feed the infant glucose water every 2 hours.
• B. Ensure the newborn wears a diaper.
• C. Keep the infant's head covered with a cap.
• D. Apply lotion to the newborn every 4 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to keep the infant's head covered with a cap. This helps regulate the newborn's body temperature during phototherapy. Option A, feeding the infant glucose water every 2 hours, is incorrect because it is not a standard intervention for newborns receiving phototherapy. Option B, ensuring the newborn wears a diaper, may be necessary for hygiene but is not directly related to phototherapy. Option D, applying lotion to the newborn every 4 hours, is unnecessary and not indicated for managing jaundice or phototherapy.

4. A nurse is assessing a client who has syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Increased urine output
• B. Increased serum sodium
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In clients with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH), the nurse should expect hyponatremia. SIADH leads to excess water retention, diluting the sodium levels in the blood, resulting in low serum sodium levels. Choice A, increased urine output, is incorrect as SIADH causes water retention, leading to decreased urine output. Choice B, increased serum sodium, is incorrect because SIADH causes a dilutional effect due to water retention, resulting in decreased serum sodium levels. Choice D, hypercalcemia, is unrelated to SIADH and not a typical finding.

5. A healthcare professional is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who has cirrhosis. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

• A. Ammonia 75 mcg/dL
• B. Sodium 142 mEq/L
• C. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
• D. Bilirubin 2.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An elevated bilirubin level in clients with cirrhosis indicates worsening liver function and potential complications. It is crucial to report this finding promptly as it may require immediate medical intervention. Elevated ammonia levels (choice A) are also concerning in cirrhosis, indicating hepatic encephalopathy, but bilirubin levels are more specific to liver function in this context. Choices B and C are within normal ranges and are not typically of immediate concern in cirrhosis.

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