if a client is suffering from thyroid storm the pn can expect to find on assessment

NCLEX-PN

NCLEX PN Exam Cram

1. If a client is suffering from thyroid storm, the PN can expect to find on assessment:

A. tachycardia and hyperthermia.
B. bradycardia and hypothermia.
C. a large goiter.
D. a calm, quiet client

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In thyroid storm, there is an excess of thyroxine, leading to symptoms such as tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and hyperthermia (increased body temperature). Atrial fibrillation and palpitations are also commonly observed. Choices B and C are more indicative of hypothyroidism, where the thyroid is underactive, leading to bradycardia (slow heart rate), hypothermia (decreased body temperature), and the development of a large goiter. Choice D, a calm, quiet client, is unlikely in a thyroid storm where the individual would typically present with symptoms of agitation and restlessness due to the hypermetabolic state.

2. A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease arrives in the emergency department complaining of weakness and states that he vomited 'a lot of dark coffee-looking stomach contents.' The client is cool and moist to the touch. BP 90/50, HR 110, RR 20, T 98. Of the following physician orders, which will the nurse perform first?

A. Initiate oxygen at 2 liters/nasal cannula.
B. Start an IV of NS at 150 ml/hr
C. Insert NG tube to low suction
D. Attach the client to the ECG monitor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to initiate oxygen at 2 liters/nasal cannula. The client is presenting signs of shock with hypotension, tachycardia, and cool, moist skin, which indicate poor tissue perfusion. Oxygen should be administered first to improve tissue oxygenation. While all interventions are important, oxygenation takes priority in the ABCs of emergency care. Starting an IV of NS, inserting an NG tube, and attaching the client to the ECG monitor are necessary interventions but should follow the priority of oxygen administration in this scenario.

3. Which of the following statements should the nurse use to best describe a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) to a client?

A. "This diet can be used when there is close medical supervision."?
B. "This is a long-term treatment measure that assists obese people who can't lose weight."?
C. "The VLCD consists of solid food items that are pureed to facilitate digestion and absorption."?
D. "A VLCD contains very little protein."?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is, "This diet can be used when there is close medical supervision."? Very low-calorie diets (VLCDs) are used in the clinical treatment of obesity under close medical supervision. The diet is low in calories, high in quality protein, and has a minimum of carbohydrates to spare protein and prevent ketosis. Choice B is incorrect because VLCDs are typically short-term interventions. Choice C is incorrect because VLCDs usually consist of nutritionally complete liquid formulations, not solid food items that are pureed. Choice D is incorrect because VLCDs actually contain a high quality of protein, although the overall caloric content is very low.

4. Which of the following should be included in a diet rich in iron?

A. peaches, eggs, beef
B. cereals, kale, cheese
C. red beans, enriched breads, squash
D. legumes, green beans, eggs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is peaches, eggs, beef. These are good sources of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body compared to nonheme iron. Heme iron is mainly found in animal-based foods like meat, poultry, and fish. Peaches, eggs, and beef are rich in iron and can help prevent iron deficiency anemia. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not include significant sources of heme iron. Cereals, kale, cheese, red beans, enriched breads, squash, legumes, and green beans are sources of nonheme iron, which is not as efficiently absorbed by the body as heme iron. It is important to include heme iron sources in the diet for optimal iron absorption.

5. What is the priority nursing action for a laboring client dilated to 6 cm receiving an epidural?

A. Continuous monitoring of maternal blood pressure.
B. Frequent auscultation of the fetal heart rate.
C. Administering an IV fluid bolus of at least 500 cc.
D. Frequent monitoring of the maternal temperature.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority nursing action for a laboring client dilated to 6 cm receiving an epidural is continuous monitoring of maternal blood pressure. This is crucial because epidural anesthesia can lead to a precipitous drop in blood pressure, which can be dangerous for both the mother and fetus by reducing cardiac output and placental perfusion. While frequent auscultation of the fetal heart rate is important, it is not the priority in this situation. Administering an IV fluid bolus of at least 500 cc may not be necessary if the client's blood pressure is stable. Monitoring the maternal temperature is also essential but takes precedence over blood pressure monitoring.