Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is preparing to administer NPH insulin to a client. The nurse should administer the insulin at which site for the best absorption?

• A. The deltoid muscle
• B. The anterior thigh
• C. The abdomen
• D. The gluteal muscle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The abdomen is the preferred site for insulin injection due to its consistent absorption rate. Insulin injected into the abdomen is absorbed more consistently and predictably than in other sites. The deltoid muscle and the anterior thigh are not recommended for insulin injections due to inconsistent absorption rates. The gluteal muscle is avoided for insulin injections due to the risk of hitting the sciatic nerve or causing discomfort to the client.

2. What health concerns should Nurse Oliver expect a client with hypothyroidism to report?

• A. Increased appetite and weight loss
• B. Puffiness of the face and hands
• C. Nervousness and tremors
• D. Thyroid gland swelling

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Puffiness of the face and hands is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism. This occurs due to fluid retention and is commonly observed in individuals with an underactive thyroid gland. Increased appetite and weight loss (Choice A) are more indicative of hyperthyroidism, where there is an overproduction of thyroid hormones leading to increased metabolism. Nervousness and tremors (Choice C) are associated with hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Thyroid gland swelling (Choice D) typically indicates goiter, which can be present in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism but is not a specific symptom that clients with hypothyroidism commonly report.

3. A client with terminal pancreatic cancer asks questions about a do not resuscitate order. Which of the following statements should be included in the RN's teaching to the client?

• A. When a heart ceases to beat, the client is pronounced clinically dead.
• B. Physicians must write do not resuscitate (DNR) orders.
• C. A DNR order can be written after the healthcare provider has discussed it with the client and family.
• D. A DNR requires a court decision.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A DNR order is typically written after the healthcare provider has discussed the implications with the patient and their family. This ensures that the patient and family are fully informed before making such a critical decision. Choice A is incorrect because pronouncing clinical death is a medical determination, not directly related to DNR orders. Choice B is incorrect because while physicians commonly write DNR orders, the discussion with the patient and family is crucial. Choice D is incorrect because a DNR order does not require a court decision; it is a decision made in collaboration with the healthcare team and the patient or family.

4. A client with hyperparathyroidism is being assessed. Which of the following symptoms is the nurse likely to find?

• A. Tetany
• B. Hypocalcemia
• C. Bone pain
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In hyperparathyroidism, there is excessive production of parathyroid hormone, leading to increased calcium resorption from the bones. This process causes bone pain, making choice C the correct answer. Tetany (choice A) is associated with hypocalcemia, not hyperparathyroidism. Hypocalcemia (choice B) is the opposite condition of hyperparathyroidism, where blood calcium levels are elevated. Hypotension (choice D) is not a typical symptom of hyperparathyroidism.

5. During preoperative teaching for a female client undergoing subtotal thyroidectomy, which statement should the nurse include?

• A. The head of your bed must remain flat for 24 hours after surgery.
• B. You should avoid deep breathing and coughing after surgery.
• C. You won't be able to swallow for the first day or two.
• D. You must avoid hyperextending your neck after surgery.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Instructing the client to avoid hyperextending the neck after thyroid surgery is crucial to prevent stress on the surgical site and reduce the risk of complications such as strain on the incision or damage to the healing tissues. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because: A) Keeping the head of the bed flat for 24 hours is not necessary after a thyroidectomy; elevation of the head of the bed can actually help reduce swelling and improve comfort. B) Encouraging deep breathing and coughing after surgery is essential to prevent respiratory complications such as pneumonia, so this advice is incorrect. C) Difficulty swallowing after thyroid surgery is not a typical outcome, so this statement is inaccurate and should not be included in the preoperative teaching.

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