Nursing Elites

1. During preoperative teaching for a female client undergoing subtotal thyroidectomy, which statement should the nurse include?

• A. The head of your bed must remain flat for 24 hours after surgery.
• B. You should avoid deep breathing and coughing after surgery.
• C. You won't be able to swallow for the first day or two.
• D. You must avoid hyperextending your neck after surgery.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Instructing the client to avoid hyperextending the neck after thyroid surgery is crucial to prevent stress on the surgical site and reduce the risk of complications such as strain on the incision or damage to the healing tissues. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because: A) Keeping the head of the bed flat for 24 hours is not necessary after a thyroidectomy; elevation of the head of the bed can actually help reduce swelling and improve comfort. B) Encouraging deep breathing and coughing after surgery is essential to prevent respiratory complications such as pneumonia, so this advice is incorrect. C) Difficulty swallowing after thyroid surgery is not a typical outcome, so this statement is inaccurate and should not be included in the preoperative teaching.

2. A client with Cushing's syndrome has been prescribed a diet low in sodium. The nurse knows that the client should avoid which of the following foods?

• A. Bananas
• B. Spinach
• C. Processed meats
• D. Oatmeal

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Processed meats. Clients with Cushing's syndrome who are on a low-sodium diet should avoid processed meats because they are typically high in sodium. Bananas, spinach, and oatmeal are generally low in sodium and can be included in a low-sodium diet. Bananas are a good source of potassium, spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, and oatmeal is a healthy whole grain option. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are not the best options to avoid for a client with Cushing's syndrome following a low-sodium diet.

3. Why have recent polls placed nursing as one of the most trusted professions?

• A. Nurses engage in lifelong learning.
• B. Nurses abide by a dress code.
• C. Nurses have the skills needed to care for diverse populations.
• D. Nurses must pass the NCLEX in order to obtain a license to practice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Recent polls have identified nursing as one of the most trusted professions primarily because nurses possess the essential skills required to provide care to diverse populations. This includes cultural competence, empathy, effective communication, and clinical expertise. Choice A, engaging in lifelong learning, is indeed an important aspect of nursing practice; however, it is not the primary reason for the high level of trust placed in nurses. Choice B, abiding by a dress code, is a professional conduct issue and not directly linked to the trustworthiness of nurses. Choice D, passing the NCLEX exam for licensure, is a regulatory requirement and does not directly contribute to the trust placed in nurses by the public.

4. A client with type 1 DM is experiencing signs of hypoglycemia. The nurse should expect which of the following symptoms?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Polyuria
• C. Flushed skin
• D. Dry mouth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a client experiencing hypoglycemia, tachycardia is a common symptom. This occurs due to the release of adrenaline in response to low blood glucose levels, which stimulates the heart to beat faster. Polyuria, the increased production of urine, flushed skin, and dry mouth are not typical symptoms of hypoglycemia. Polyuria is more commonly associated with conditions like diabetes insipidus or uncontrolled diabetes mellitus. Flushed skin and dry mouth are not direct physiological responses to low blood sugar levels.

5. A client with DM is taking regular and NPH insulin every morning. The nurse should provide which instruction to the client?

• A. Take the regular insulin first, then the NPH insulin.
• B. Take the NPH insulin first, then the regular insulin.
• C. Mix the insulins in a separate syringe.
• D. Take the regular insulin first and immediately follow it with the NPH insulin.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for the client is to take the regular insulin first, then the NPH insulin. Regular insulin should be administered before NPH insulin to prevent contamination and maintain the potency of each insulin type. Choice B is incorrect because NPH insulin should not be taken before regular insulin. Mixing the insulins in a separate syringe, as suggested in choice C, is not recommended as it may alter the effectiveness of the insulins. Choice D is also incorrect as taking the regular insulin first and immediately following it with NPH insulin is not the recommended administration sequence.

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