Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is providing postoperative care for a client who had a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Hoarseness and weak voice
• B. Calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL (2.0 mmol/L)
• C. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute
• D. Difficulty swallowing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Difficulty swallowing can indicate swelling or hematoma formation, which may compromise the airway and requires immediate intervention. Hoarseness and a weak voice are expected post-thyroidectomy due to manipulation of the laryngeal nerves but do not require immediate intervention. A calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL is within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and may not require immediate intervention. A heart rate of 110 beats per minute may be elevated due to stress or pain postoperatively, but it does not indicate an immediate threat to the airway.

2. Which individual has the highest risk for developing skin cancer?

• A. A 16-year-old dark-skinned female who tans in tanning beds once a week.
• B. A 65-year-old fair-skinned male who is a construction worker
• C. A 25-year-old dark-skinned male whose mother had skin cancer.
• D. A 70-year-old fair-skinned female who works as a secretary.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, a 65-year-old fair-skinned male who is a construction worker. Fair-skinned individuals are at higher risk of developing skin cancer due to prolonged sun exposure. Construction workers are often exposed to the sun for long periods, further increasing the risk. Choices A, C, and D are less likely to develop skin cancer compared to choice B due to factors such as age, frequency of tanning bed use, and occupation.

3. A client who is receiving general anesthesia begins to demonstrate symptoms of malignant hyperthermia. Which intervention should the perioperative nurse prepare to implement first?

• A. Ensure patency of an indwelling catheter and measure hourly intake and output.
• B. Prepare for cessation of the anesthesia and the surgical procedure.
• C. Obtain specimens of ABGs and serum electrolytes.
• D. Initiate cooling measures using iced normal saline by nasogastric lavage.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Prepare for cessation of the anesthesia and the surgical procedure. Malignant hyperthermia is a severe reaction to certain medications used during general anesthesia. The immediate intervention to manage malignant hyperthermia is to stop the triggering agents, which include anesthesia and surgery. Ensuring patency of an indwelling catheter and measuring intake and output, obtaining specimens of ABGs and serum electrolytes, and initiating cooling measures are important interventions but should follow the immediate action of stopping the anesthesia and surgery to address the life-threatening condition of malignant hyperthermia.

4. When assessing an adolescent with depression, what is the most important question for the nurse to ask?

• A. What is causing your feelings of depression?
• B. Have you ever thought about suicide?
• C. What actions can we take to improve your mood?
• D. Would you like your friends to come over?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Have you ever thought about suicide?' When assessing an adolescent with depression, it is crucial to ask direct questions about suicidal thoughts. This helps determine the severity of the situation, especially if the person has considered or planned to harm themselves. Choice A is not as direct and specific to suicidal ideation. Choice C focuses on improving mood rather than assessing the risk of harm. Choice D is unrelated to assessing suicidal ideation and the severity of the depression.

5. Following surgical repair of a cleft palate, what should be used to prevent injury to the suture line?

• A. Straw
• B. Spoon
• C. Syringe
• D. Cup

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Following surgical repair of a cleft palate, a cup should be used to prevent injury to the suture line. Utensils such as straws, spoons, droppers, and syringes should be avoided as they can cause trauma to the surgical site. Using a cup reduces the risk of disrupting the sutures and promotes proper healing.

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