Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is monitoring a client who has just had a thyroidectomy. The client complains of tingling in the fingers and around the mouth. Which of these findings should the nurse assess first?

• A. Calcium level
• B. Chvostek's sign
• C. Trousseau's sign
• D. Serum potassium level

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Chvostek's sign. This is a classic sign of hypocalcemia, which can occur after a thyroidectomy due to injury or removal of the parathyroid glands. Hypocalcemia can lead to serious complications like tetany and laryngospasm, necessitating immediate attention. Assessing Chvostek's sign helps in early identification and management of hypocalcemia. Choices A, C, and D are not the priority in this situation. While assessing the calcium level is important for diagnosing hypocalcemia, the immediate concern is to identify clinical signs like Chvostek's sign, which indicate acute hypocalcemia. Trousseau's sign is also related to hypocalcemia but is not the most critical sign to assess first. Serum potassium level, although important for overall electrolyte balance, is not directly related to the client's current symptoms of tingling in the fingers and around the mouth.

2. A nurse is caring for a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following should the nurse recommend to the client as an appropriate sweetener?

• A. Corn syrup
• B. Natural honey
• C. Nonnutritive sugar substitute
• D. Agave nectar

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Nonnutritive sugar substitutes are suitable for individuals with diabetes, such as type 1 diabetes mellitus, as they do not affect blood glucose levels. Corn syrup and agave nectar contain high levels of sugar that can spike blood glucose levels, making them unsuitable for diabetes management. While natural honey is a natural sweetener, it can still impact blood sugar levels and is not the optimal choice for individuals with diabetes.

3. When speaking with a group of teens, which side effect of chemotherapy for cancer would the nurse expect this group to be more interested in discussing?

• A. Mouth sores
• B. Fatigue
• C. Diarrhea
• D. Hair loss

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hair loss is the correct answer. Teens are often more concerned about hair loss because of its visible impact and social implications. While mouth sores, fatigue, and diarrhea are also common side effects of chemotherapy, hair loss tends to be a significant concern for teens due to its effect on self-image and confidence.

4. A client with diabetes is being educated about the dietary source that should provide the greatest percentage of their calories. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. Most of my calories each day should be from fats.
• B. I should eat more calories from complex carbohydrates than anything else.
• C. Simple sugars are needed more than other calorie sources.
• D. Protein should be my main source of calories.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. In diabetes management, complex carbohydrates should constitute the largest portion of the diet as they help in maintaining steady energy levels and managing blood sugar. Choice A is incorrect because a high-fat diet can lead to complications in diabetes. Choice C is incorrect as simple sugars can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Choice D is incorrect as protein, while important, should not be the main source of calories for a diabetic individual.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with clinical depression who is receiving a MAO inhibitor. When providing instructions about precautions with this medication, which action should the nurse stress to the client as important?

• A. Avoid chocolate and cheese
• B. Take frequent naps
• C. Take the medication with milk
• D. Avoid walking without assistance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid chocolate and cheese. MAO inhibitors can interact with tyramine-rich foods like these, potentially leading to severe hypertension. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because taking frequent naps, taking the medication with milk, and avoiding walking without assistance are not relevant precautions associated with MAO inhibitors.

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