Nursing Elites

1. After undergoing a subtotal thyroidectomy, a female client develops hypothyroidism. Dr. Smith prescribes levothyroxine (Levothroid), 25 mcg P.O. daily. For which condition is levothyroxine the preferred agent?

• A. Primary hypothyroidism
• B. Graves' disease
• C. Thyrotoxicosis
• D. Euthyroidism

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Levothyroxine is the preferred agent for primary hypothyroidism because it provides the necessary replacement of thyroid hormone in patients with deficient thyroid function. Choice B, Graves' disease, is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism and is typically treated with antithyroid medications or radioactive iodine. Choice C, thyrotoxicosis, refers to the clinical state resulting from excessive thyroid hormone action and is not typically treated with levothyroxine. Choice D, euthyroidism, describes a normal thyroid function and would not require treatment with levothyroxine.

2. A healthcare professional caring for a client who has been receiving intravenous diuretics suspects that the client is experiencing a deficient fluid volume. Which assessment finding would the healthcare professional note in a client with this condition?

• A. Lung congestion
• B. Decreased hematocrit
• C. Increased blood pressure
• D. Decreased central venous pressure (CVP)

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Decreased central venous pressure (CVP) is the correct assessment finding in a client with deficient fluid volume. This is because a decrease in CVP indicates reduced blood volume returning to the heart, which is consistent with hypovolemia. Lung congestion (Choice A) would be more indicative of fluid volume excess, not deficiency. Decreased hematocrit (Choice B) may be seen in conditions such as anemia but is not specific to deficient fluid volume. Increased blood pressure (Choice C) is not typically associated with deficient fluid volume; in fact, hypovolemia often leads to decreased blood pressure.

3. The nurse is providing dietary instructions to a client with DM. The nurse instructs the client to include which item in the diet?

• A. High-fat foods
• B. Low-carbohydrate foods
• C. High-protein foods
• D. High-fiber foods

Correct answer: D

Rationale: High-fiber foods are beneficial for clients with diabetes because they help regulate blood glucose levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar. Additionally, high-fiber foods aid in maintaining satiety, supporting weight management, and preventing constipation. High-fat foods (choice A) are not recommended for clients with diabetes due to their potential negative impact on heart health and weight. While low-carbohydrate foods (choice B) can be part of a diabetes-friendly diet, high-fiber foods are more specifically beneficial for managing blood sugar levels. High-protein foods (choice C) can be included in moderation in a diabetic diet, but they are not the primary focus when it comes to improving glycemic control.

4. A nurse caring for a group of clients reviews the electrolyte laboratory results and notes a potassium level of 5.5 mEq/L on one client's laboratory report. The nurse understands that which client is at highest risk for the development of a potassium value at this level?

• A. The client with colitis
• B. The client with Cushing's syndrome
• C. The client who has been overusing laxatives
• D. The client who has sustained a traumatic burn

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Clients who have sustained traumatic burns are at a higher risk of developing hyperkalemia due to cell lysis. When cells are damaged in a traumatic burn, potassium can leak out from the intracellular space into the bloodstream, leading to elevated serum potassium levels. Colitis, Cushing's syndrome, and overuse of laxatives are not typically associated with the same degree of cell damage or potassium shifts seen in traumatic burns, making them less likely to result in such high potassium levels.

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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