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 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.

3. What is the nurse manager’s role in improving the quality of care on the unit?

• A. The nurse manager is responsible for setting goals and priorities for the unit and ensuring that staff members are working towards achieving those goals.
• B. The nurse manager is responsible for monitoring patient outcomes and implementing changes to improve the quality of care on the unit.
• C. The nurse manager is responsible for ensuring that staff members follow established procedures and protocols to maintain the quality of care on the unit.
• D. The nurse manager is responsible for providing feedback and coaching to staff members to help them improve their performance and achieve the unit’s quality goals.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse manager plays a crucial role in improving the quality of care on the unit by setting goals and priorities for the unit and ensuring that staff members are working towards achieving those goals. This involves strategic planning, coordination, and leadership to guide the team in delivering high-quality patient care. Option B is incorrect as while monitoring patient outcomes is important, it is not the primary role of the nurse manager in improving care quality. Option C is incorrect because while ensuring staff adherence to procedures is important, it is a part of maintaining quality rather than actively improving it. Option D is incorrect as providing feedback and coaching, though essential, is not the primary role of the nurse manager in setting goals and priorities for quality improvement.

4. A psychological contract exists between staff members and nurse managers. Which of the following best describes this relationship?

• A. Nurse managers provide positive evaluations, and in turn, staff members do what managers ask of them.
• B. Nurse managers coordinate multiple departments and supervise multiple staff members.
• C. Staff members do what managers ask of them and, in turn, are rewarded through assignments, promotions, and evaluations.
• D. Nurse managers advocate for staff and support nursing roles and ethical practice.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In a psychological contract between staff members and nurse managers, staff members are expected to fulfill the requests of managers, and in return, they are rewarded with assignments, promotions, and evaluations. This reciprocal relationship forms the basis of the psychological contract. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately capture the essence of the psychological contract. While nurse managers may provide positive evaluations, coordinate departments, supervise staff, advocate for staff, and support nursing roles, these actions alone do not define the specific reciprocal nature of the psychological contract outlined in choice C.

5. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with hypothyroidism. Which of the following symptoms would the provider expect to find?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Heat intolerance
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Diarrhea

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bradycardia is a common symptom of hypothyroidism because the condition leads to a decreased metabolic rate. Weight loss (Choice A) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the metabolic rate is increased. Heat intolerance (Choice B) is also more indicative of hyperthyroidism due to increased sensitivity to heat. Diarrhea (Choice D) is not a typical symptom of hypothyroidism; rather, constipation is more common due to the slow-down of the digestive system.

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