Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider is preparing to administer a dose of levothyroxine. Which of the following should the healthcare provider do?

• A. Give it with food
• B. Assess the patient's heart rate
• C. Administer it in the evening
• D. Give it with calcium supplements

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's heart rate. Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement medication that can increase metabolism. One of the potential side effects of levothyroxine is tachycardia (rapid heart rate). Therefore, it is essential for the healthcare provider to assess the patient's heart rate before administering the medication to monitor for any signs of tachycardia. Giving levothyroxine with food may affect its absorption, so it is typically recommended to administer it on an empty stomach. Administering it in the evening is not necessary unless specifically prescribed by the healthcare provider, and giving it with calcium supplements can interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine.

2. A client is being treated for eclampsia. What is a priority nursing intervention?

• A. Assess for hyperreflexia
• B. Administer oxygen
• C. Monitor blood pressure every 15 minutes
• D. Prepare for delivery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Assess for hyperreflexia.' Eclampsia is a severe complication of pregnancy that involves seizures. Hyperreflexia, an overactive or overresponsive reflex, is often an early sign of impending eclampsia. By assessing for hyperreflexia, nurses can identify this warning sign and take preventive measures to manage the condition before seizures occur. Administering oxygen (Choice B) may be necessary but is not the priority in this situation. Monitoring blood pressure (Choice C) is important but assessing for hyperreflexia takes precedence as it can lead to immediate life-threatening complications. While preparing for delivery (Choice D) may ultimately be necessary, the immediate priority is to assess for hyperreflexia to prevent seizures.

3. A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with schizophrenia. The nurse asks the client to interpret the following statement: “When the cat’s away, the mice will play.” The client responds, “The mice come out when the cat is not around.” The nurse should document this finding as:

• A. Echolalia
• B. Associative looseness
• C. Neologisms
• D. Concrete thinking

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The client’s literal interpretation of the statement is an example of concrete thinking, a cognitive symptom often seen in schizophrenia where abstract thinking is impaired. Choice A, Echolalia, is the repetition of words spoken by others, which is not demonstrated in this scenario. Choice B, Associative looseness, refers to a disturbance in the logical progression of thoughts, leading to a disorganized thought process. Choice C, Neologisms, involves creating new words or phrases with unique meanings, which is not evident in the client's response.

4. A nurse is caring for four clients. Which client should the nurse assess first?

• A. A client scheduled to receive chemotherapy for the first time
• B. A client post-appendectomy with diminished bowel sounds
• C. A client with hypothyroidism who is stuporous
• D. A client with burns requiring a sterile dressing change

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The client with hypothyroidism who is stuporous should be assessed first as this may indicate a critical condition, possibly related to severe hypothyroidism. Stupor is a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility, suggesting a decline in neurological function that requires immediate evaluation. Choices A, B, and D do not present with immediate life-threatening conditions that require urgent assessment. While chemotherapy, post-appendectomy complications, and burn care are important, they do not pose the same level of immediate risk as a stuporous client.

5. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client after a myocardial infarction. Which of the following should be included?

• A. Resume normal activities immediately
• B. Monitor for chest pain and report any recurrence
• C. Avoid all physical activity for 6 months
• D. Take medications only as needed

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor for chest pain and report any recurrence.' After a myocardial infarction, it is crucial for clients to be vigilant about any signs of chest pain as it could indicate a recurrent event. Prompt reporting of chest pain can lead to timely intervention, preventing further complications. Choice A is incorrect because resuming normal activities immediately after a heart attack can be dangerous and is not recommended. Choice C is also incorrect as avoiding all physical activity for 6 months is excessive and can lead to deconditioning. Choice D is incorrect as medications prescribed after a myocardial infarction are usually meant to be taken regularly as prescribed, not just as needed.

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