Nursing Elites

1. Nurse Ruth is assessing a client after a thyroidectomy. The assessment reveals muscle twitching and tingling, along with numbness in the fingers, toes, and mouth area. The nurse should suspect which complication?

• A. Tetany
• B. Hemorrhage
• C. Thyroid storm
• D. Laryngeal nerve damage

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Tetany.' Tetany is characterized by muscle twitching, tingling, and numbness, which are indicative of hypocalcemia. After a thyroidectomy, accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands can lead to decreased calcium levels, resulting in tetany. Choice B, 'Hemorrhage,' is incorrect as it typically presents with symptoms such as sudden swelling, increased pain, or drop in blood pressure. Choice C, 'Thyroid storm,' is incorrect as it involves a sudden exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, leading to symptoms like fever, tachycardia, and confusion. Choice D, 'Laryngeal nerve damage,' is incorrect as it would manifest with voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or respiratory distress, not the symptoms described in the scenario.

2. A client with type 1 DM is taught to take NPH and regular insulin every morning. The nurse should provide which instructions to the client?

• A. Take the NPH insulin first, then the regular insulin.
• B. Take the regular insulin first, then the NPH insulin.
• C. It does not matter which insulin is drawn up first.
• D. Contact the healthcare provider if the order for insulin is unclear.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to take the regular insulin first, then the NPH insulin. Regular insulin should be drawn up before NPH insulin to prevent contamination of the regular insulin vial with the longer-acting insulin. Choice A is incorrect as it suggests taking the NPH insulin first, which is not the recommended practice. Choice C is incorrect because the order of drawing up insulin does matter to prevent contamination. Choice D is not the most appropriate action in this scenario, as the nurse should provide clear instructions to the client based on best practices.

3. The client has hyperparathyroidism. Which of the following lab findings is consistent with this condition?

• A. Hypocalcemia
• B. Hypercalcemia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hyperphosphatemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hyperparathyroidism leads to increased secretion of parathyroid hormone, which results in elevated calcium levels in the blood (hypercalcemia). Therefore, the correct lab finding consistent with hyperparathyroidism is hypercalcemia (Choice B). Hypocalcemia (Choice A) is not indicative of hyperparathyroidism as the condition is associated with high calcium levels. Hypokalemia (Choice C) is a low potassium level, which is not typically associated with hyperparathyroidism. Hyperphosphatemia (Choice D) refers to high phosphate levels and is not a characteristic finding in hyperparathyroidism.

4. A nurse is assigned to care for a group of clients. On review of the clients' medical records, the nurse determines that which client is at risk for excess fluid volume?

• A. The client taking diuretics
• B. The client with renal failure
• C. The client with an ileostomy
• D. The client who requires gastrointestinal suctioning

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Clients with renal failure are unable to excrete fluids effectively, leading to an increased risk of fluid volume excess. Option A, the client taking diuretics, would be at risk for fluid volume deficit due to increased urine output caused by the diuretics. Option C, the client with an ileostomy, is at risk for fluid volume deficit due to increased output from the ileostomy. Option D, the client who requires gastrointestinal suctioning, may be at risk for dehydration, but not specifically excess fluid volume.

5. A female adult client with a history of chronic hyperparathyroidism admits to being noncompliant. Based on initial assessment findings, the nurse formulates the nursing diagnosis of Risk for injury. To complete the nursing diagnosis statement for this client, which 'related-to' phrase should the nurse add?

• A. Related to bone demineralization resulting in pathologic fractures
• B. Related to exhaustion secondary to an accelerated metabolic rate
• C. Related to edema and dry skin secondary to fluid infiltration into the interstitial spaces
• D. Related to tetany secondary to a decreased serum calcium level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Related to bone demineralization resulting in pathologic fractures.' In chronic hyperparathyroidism, bone demineralization occurs due to the excessive release of parathyroid hormone, leading to increased calcium resorption from bones. This process weakens the bones, making the client prone to pathologic fractures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the increased risk of injury associated with chronic hyperparathyroidism. Exhaustion, edema, dry skin, and tetany are not the primary risks for injury in this client population.

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