Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is reviewing the medication orders for a client with hypothyroidism. Which of the following medications should the healthcare professional question?

• A. Levothyroxine
• B. Amiodarone
• C. Calcium supplements
• D. Aspirin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Amiodarone. Amiodarone can affect thyroid function and potentially worsen hypothyroidism, so its use should be carefully considered or questioned in clients with this condition. Levothyroxine (Choice A) is the mainstay therapy for hypothyroidism and should not be questioned in this scenario. Calcium supplements (Choice C) are not typically contraindicated in clients with hypothyroidism and may be needed if there is a deficiency. Aspirin (Choice D) is not directly related to thyroid function and is not a medication that would typically be questioned in a client with hypothyroidism.

2. A female client with Cushing's syndrome is admitted to the medical-surgical unit. During the admission assessment, Nurse Tyzz notes that the client is agitated, irritable, has poor memory, reports loss of appetite, and appears disheveled. These findings are consistent with which problem?

• A. Depression
• B. Neuropathy
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Hyperthyroidism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Depression. Depression is a common psychological manifestation in clients with Cushing's syndrome. In this scenario, the client's symptoms of agitation, irritability, poor memory, loss of appetite, and disheveled appearance are indicative of depressive symptoms rather than neuropathy, hypoglycemia, or hyperthyroidism. Neuropathy typically presents with sensory changes and motor deficits, which are not described in the scenario. Hypoglycemia would manifest with symptoms such as diaphoresis, tremors, and confusion, which are not mentioned. Hyperthyroidism symptoms include weight loss, heat intolerance, and palpitations, which are not consistent with the client's presentation.

3. In a 29-year-old female client who is being successfully treated for Cushing's syndrome, nurse Lyzette would expect a decline in:

• A. Serum glucose level.
• B. Hair loss.
• C. Bone mineralization.
• D. Menstrual flow.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum glucose level. In Cushing's syndrome, there is excess cortisol production which can lead to hyperglycemia. Successful treatment of Cushing's syndrome aims to normalize cortisol levels, resulting in a decline in serum glucose levels. Choice B, hair loss, is not specifically associated with Cushing's syndrome or its treatment. Choice C, bone mineralization, is often compromised in Cushing's syndrome due to the effects of excess cortisol on bones; however, successful treatment would aim to improve bone health rather than decline it. Choice D, menstrual flow, is not directly linked to Cushing's syndrome or its treatment, so a decline in menstrual flow would not be an expected outcome of successful treatment.

4. A client with hypothyroidism is being treated with levothyroxine. Which of the following symptoms would indicate that the client may be receiving too much medication?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Weight gain
• C. Tachycardia
• D. Cold intolerance

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tachycardia is a sign of excessive thyroid hormone replacement. Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism by supplementing thyroid hormone levels. If a client with hypothyroidism experiences symptoms of tachycardia, it suggests that they may be receiving an excessive amount of levothyroxine, causing hyperthyroidism. Bradycardia (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism, not excessive levothyroxine. Weight gain (Choice B) and cold intolerance (Choice D) are also typical symptoms of hypothyroidism and would not typically indicate overmedication.

5. A client with a nasogastric tube requires irrigation once every shift. The client's serum electrolyte results show a potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L and a sodium level of 132 mEq/L. Based on these findings, which solution should the nurse use for nasogastric tube irrigation?

• A. Tap water
• B. Sterile water
• C. Sodium chloride
• D. Normal saline

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct solution for nasogastric tube irrigation in this scenario is sodium chloride. The client's low sodium level of 132 mEq/L indicates the need to avoid further imbalance, making sodium chloride the most appropriate choice. Using tap water, which lacks electrolytes, or sterile water could potentially exacerbate the electrolyte imbalance. Normal saline, while similar to sodium chloride, may not be the best choice as it contains a higher concentration of sodium, which could further elevate the client's already borderline sodium level.

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