Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is caring for a client who is NPO (nothing by mouth) due to a small bowel obstruction. Which nursing intervention is most important?

• A. Monitor bowel sounds
• B. Provide frequent oral care
• C. Encourage ambulation
• D. Measure abdominal girth

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Providing frequent oral care is crucial when a client is NPO to ensure comfort and prevent drying of the oral mucosa. In this situation, the priority is maintaining oral hygiene to prevent complications such as oral mucosa breakdown. Monitoring bowel sounds may be important in assessing bowel activity, but it is not the priority when the client is NPO due to a small bowel obstruction. Encouraging ambulation can be beneficial for other conditions, but in this case, oral care takes precedence. Measuring abdominal girth is more relevant for assessing abdominal distention, which is not the priority when the client is NPO. Therefore, the most important nursing intervention is to provide frequent oral care.

2. What is the primary function of neutrophils?

• A. Heparin secretion
• B. Transport oxygen
• C. Phagocytotic action
• D. Antibody formation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Phagocytotic action. Neutrophils are key components of the immune system, primarily involved in the phagocytosis of bacteria and other pathogens. Choice A, Heparin secretion, is incorrect as heparin is primarily secreted by mast cells and basophils. Choice B, Transport oxygen, is incorrect as this is mainly the function of red blood cells. Choice D, Antibody formation, is incorrect as antibody production is primarily carried out by B lymphocytes.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with an intravenous infusion of normal saline. The client reports pain and swelling at the IV site. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Slow the rate of infusion
• B. Apply a warm compress to the site
• C. Discontinue the IV infusion
• D. Elevate the affected arm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to discontinue the IV infusion (Choice C). Pain and swelling at the IV site can indicate infiltration or phlebitis, which are serious complications that require immediate action. Slowing the rate of infusion (Choice A) may not address the underlying issue and can potentially worsen the condition. Applying a warm compress (Choice B) may provide temporary relief but does not address the need to discontinue the infusion. Elevating the affected arm (Choice D) is not the priority in this situation; discontinuing the infusion takes precedence to prevent further harm.

4. The nurse is caring for a client postoperatively following a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

• A. Hoarseness of the voice.
• B. Slight swelling at the incision site.
• C. Tingling around the mouth.
• D. Mild fever.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Tingling around the mouth should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately as it may indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication after thyroidectomy. Hoarseness of the voice is common postoperatively due to surgical manipulation, slight swelling at the incision site is a normal response, and a mild fever can be expected after surgery. However, tingling around the mouth suggests a potential calcium imbalance, which requires prompt attention to prevent serious complications.

5. A client with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid). Which symptom should prompt the nurse to notify the healthcare provider?

• A. Weight gain.
• B. Bradycardia.
• C. Nervousness and tremors.
• D. Fatigue.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Nervousness and tremors.' In a client with hypothyroidism prescribed levothyroxine, the development of nervousness and tremors may indicate hyperthyroidism, which can result from excessive dosing of levothyroxine. Therefore, the nurse should promptly notify the healthcare provider to adjust the medication dosage. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because weight gain, bradycardia, and fatigue are more commonly associated with hypothyroidism itself, indicating that the levothyroxine therapy may not be effective enough, rather than being signs of excessive dosing.

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