Nursing Elites

1. What is the most important aspect of colostomy care to teach the client?

• A. Change the colostomy bag only when necessary
• B. Eat a low-residue diet
• C. Assess the stoma for color and swelling
• D. Irrigate the colostomy only if advised by a healthcare provider

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important aspect of colostomy care to teach the client is to assess the stoma for color and swelling. This is crucial as it ensures early detection of complications such as ischemia or infection. Changing the colostomy bag only when necessary is more appropriate than doing it daily, as it prevents unnecessary changes that may irritate the skin. While eating a low-residue diet is beneficial, it is not the most crucial aspect to teach. Irrigating the colostomy should only be done if advised by a healthcare provider, as it is not a routine procedure for all clients with a colostomy.

2. A client with hypothyroidism is taking 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. These symptoms may indicate hyperthyroidism resulting from excessive dosing of levothyroxine. Weight gain (Choice A) is a common symptom of hypothyroidism and may indicate undertreatment or inadequate dosing. Bradycardia (Choice B) is a symptom of hypothyroidism and may improve with levothyroxine therapy; it does not typically indicate an urgent need for healthcare provider notification. Fatigue (Choice D) is a symptom of hypothyroidism and can persist even with levothyroxine treatment, so it is not a symptom that would require immediate notification of the healthcare provider.

3. Which nonfood item is the most common cause of respiratory arrest in young children?

• A. Broken rattles
• B. Buttons
• C. Pacifiers
• D. Latex balloons

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D, Latex balloons. Latex balloons can pose a significant choking hazard to young children if inhaled, potentially leading to respiratory arrest. Broken rattles, buttons, and pacifiers are not typically known to cause respiratory arrest in young children. While these items can present choking hazards as well, the most common cause of respiratory arrest among young children is due to inhaling latex balloons.

4. The nurse is caring for a client with a history of seizure disorder who is receiving phenytoin (Dilantin). Which laboratory value is most important to monitor?

• A. Phenytoin level
• B. Sodium level
• C. Hemoglobin level
• D. White blood cell count

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Monitoring the phenytoin level is crucial to ensure it is within the therapeutic range and to prevent toxicity. Monitoring sodium level is important in clients receiving lithium, not phenytoin. Hemoglobin level and white blood cell count are not directly related to phenytoin therapy monitoring.

5. A client with a urinary tract infection is prescribed antibiotics. What should the nurse inform the client about antibiotic therapy?

• A. It may interfere with oral contraceptive effectiveness
• B. It can cause drowsiness
• C. It should be taken with meals
• D. Completing the full course is crucial

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Completing the full course of antibiotics is crucial to fully eradicate the infection and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. Informing the client about the importance of finishing the prescribed course helps in ensuring the effectiveness of the treatment and reduces the risk of recurrence. Choice A is incorrect because antibiotics do not generally interfere with oral contraceptive effectiveness. Choice B is incorrect because drowsiness is not a common side effect of antibiotics. Choice C is incorrect because while some antibiotics may need to be taken with meals, it is not a universal rule for all antibiotics.

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