Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client following a colon resection and a new colostomy. What dietary advice should the nurse provide?

• A. Avoid foods that are high in protein.
• B. Consume foods high in fiber and low in fat.
• C. Eat foods high in vitamin C to promote healing.
• D. Avoid all raw vegetables.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Consume foods high in fiber and low in fat. Following a colon resection and a new colostomy, a high-fiber, low-fat diet is recommended to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications. Foods high in fiber help maintain bowel regularity and prevent constipation, which is crucial after this type of surgery. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding foods high in protein, consuming foods high in vitamin C, or avoiding all raw vegetables are not the most appropriate dietary advice in this situation.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Calcium
• B. Sodium
• C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Monitoring TSH levels is crucial to assess the effectiveness of levothyroxine in clients with hypothyroidism. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. In hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive, administering levothyroxine helps to normalize thyroid hormone levels. Monitoring TSH levels allows the healthcare provider to adjust the levothyroxine dosage to ensure that thyroid hormone levels are within the therapeutic range. Choices A, B, and D (Calcium, Sodium, and Magnesium) are not directly related to assessing the effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy in hypothyroidism and would not provide relevant information regarding the medication's efficacy.

3. A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's admission laboratory results. Which of the following findings requires further evaluation?

• A. Sodium 138
• B. Creatinine 1.8
• C. Hemoglobin 15
• D. Potassium 4.2

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. An elevated creatinine level, such as 1.8, suggests potential kidney dysfunction, requiring further assessment. Sodium level within normal limits (135-145 mEq/L), hemoglobin level of 15 g/dL, and potassium level of 4.2 mEq/L are all within normal ranges and do not indicate immediate concerns. Therefore, they do not require further evaluation at this time.

4. What is the most important nursing assessment for a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT)?

• A. Check for leg pain
• B. Perform Homan's sign test
• C. Monitor for redness
• D. Assess for warmth and swelling

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most important nursing assessment for a patient with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to check for leg pain. Leg pain is a cardinal symptom of DVT and is often the initial indicator of a blood clot. While assessing for warmth, swelling, and redness are also important in DVT evaluation, leg pain is the most crucial as it can prompt further diagnostic testing and interventions. Performing Homan's sign test is no longer recommended due to its low specificity and potential to dislodge a clot, causing complications. Monitoring for redness is important but may not always be present in DVT cases. Assessing for warmth and swelling is relevant but still secondary to the assessment of leg pain in suspected DVT cases.

5. A client has had vomiting and diarrhea for the past 3 days. Which of the following findings indicates the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit?

• A. Jugular vein distention
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Increased respiratory rate
• D. Bounding pulses

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An increased respiratory rate is a sign of fluid volume deficit as the body attempts to compensate for decreased blood volume. Jugular vein distention, bradycardia, and bounding pulses are not typical findings of fluid volume deficit. Jugular vein distention is more commonly associated with fluid volume overload, bradycardia can be a sign of fluid volume excess or other issues, and bounding pulses are not typically seen in fluid volume deficit.

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