Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assessing on the first postoperative day following thyroid surgery. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor?

• A. Calcium
• B. Sodium
• C. Chloride
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Monitoring calcium levels is crucial post-thyroid surgery to detect hypocalcemia, a common complication due to injury or removal of the parathyroid glands. Monitoring sodium, chloride, or potassium levels is not as vital in the immediate post-thyroid surgery period.

2. A client with chronic renal failure is being discharged with a prescription for erythropoietin (Epogen). Which statement indicates that the client understands the action of this medication?

• A. It helps my body make red blood cells
• B. It helps prevent infections
• C. It helps my kidneys excrete excess fluid
• D. It helps me breathe easier

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'It helps my body make red blood cells.' Erythropoietin is a medication that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the body. Clients with chronic renal failure often develop anemia due to decreased erythropoietin production by the kidneys. This medication helps address that issue by increasing red blood cell production. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because erythropoietin does not prevent infections, help kidneys excrete excess fluid, or assist with breathing; its primary action is to boost red blood cell production.

3. The healthcare provider prescribes a diet high in vitamin C for a client with a leg wound. Which food should the nurse encourage the client to eat?

• A. Bananas and pineapple
• B. Cottage cheese and crackers
• C. Peanut butter and jelly
• D. Tomato and lettuce salad

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tomatoes and lettuce are high in vitamin C, making them suitable choices for a diet prescribed for wound healing. Bananas and pineapple (Choice A) are not particularly high in vitamin C compared to tomatoes and lettuce. Cottage cheese and crackers (Choice B) as well as peanut butter and jelly (Choice C) do not provide significant amounts of vitamin C, which is essential for wound healing.

4. A client who is 32-weeks pregnant is diagnosed with partial placenta previa. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client’s teaching plan?

• A. Wear a tight abdominal binder at all times
• B. Take a daily laxative to prevent constipation
• C. Refrain from sexual intercourse until your next appointment
• D. Restrict fluids to less than 1000 ml per day

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Refraining from sexual intercourse helps prevent complications with partial placenta previa.

5. A college student who is diagnosed with a vaginal infection and vulva irritation describes the vaginal discharge as having a 'cottage cheese' appearance. Which prescription should the nurse implement first?

• A. Cleanse the perineum with warm soapy water 3 times per day
• B. Instill the first dose of nystatin (Mycostatin) vaginally per applicator
• C. Perform a glucose measurement using a capillary blood sample
• D. Obtain a blood specimen for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to instill the first dose of nystatin vaginally per applicator. Nystatin is an antifungal medication used to treat yeast infections, which are characterized by 'cottage cheese' discharge. Cleansing the perineum with warm soapy water may help with hygiene but does not address the underlying infection. Performing a glucose measurement is not relevant to the diagnosis of a vaginal infection. Obtaining a blood specimen for STDs is not the priority in this scenario as the symptoms described are indicative of a yeast infection.

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