Nursing Elites

1. The school nurse is screening students for spinal abnormalities and instructs each student to stand up and then touch their toes. Which finding indicates that a student should be referred for scoliosis evaluation?

• A. Inability to touch their toes
• B. Asymmetry of the shoulders when standing upright
• C. Audible crepitus when bending
• D. An exaggerated upper thoracic convex curvature

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Asymmetry of the shoulders when standing upright is a common indicator of scoliosis. This finding suggests a possible spinal abnormality and should prompt further evaluation. Choices A, C, and D are not specific indicators of scoliosis. Inability to touch their toes may indicate flexibility issues or tightness in the hamstrings. Audible crepitus when bending may suggest joint degeneration or inflammation. An exaggerated upper thoracic convex curvature could indicate poor posture or other spinal abnormalities but is not directly indicative of scoliosis.

2. Following a thyroidectomy, a client experiences tetany. The nurse should expect to administer which intravenous medication?

• A. Sodium iodide solution
• B. Levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid)
• C. Calcium gluconate
• D. Propranolol (Inderal)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Following a thyroidectomy, tetany can occur due to hypoparathyroidism, leading to low calcium levels. Therefore, the nurse should administer calcium gluconate intravenously to raise the calcium levels. Choice A, Sodium iodide solution, is incorrect as it is used for thyroid conditions, not for treating tetany. Choice B, Levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid), is incorrect as it is a thyroid hormone replacement and does not address low calcium levels. Choice D, Propranolol (Inderal), is incorrect as it is a beta-blocker used for conditions like hypertension and not indicated for tetany after thyroidectomy.

3. The nurse is managing the care of a client with Cushing's syndrome. Which interventions should the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? (Select all that apply)

• A. Evaluate the client for sleep disturbances
• B. limit client exercise
• C. Report any client complaint of pain or discomfort
• D. Note and report the client's food and liquid intake during meals and snacks

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Weighing the client and monitoring food and liquid intake are appropriate tasks to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) when managing a client with Cushing's syndrome. These tasks provide essential information for evaluating the client's condition and response to treatment. Evaluating for sleep disturbances and reporting client complaints of pain or discomfort require a higher level of assessment and interpretation, which should be performed by licensed healthcare providers. Therefore, options A and C are tasks that involve assessment and interpretation beyond the scope of practice for UAP.

4. During discharge teaching, the nurse discusses the parameters for weight monitoring with a client recently diagnosed with heart failure (HF). Which information is most important for the client to acknowledge?

• A. Weigh at the same time every day
• B. Report weight gain of 2 pounds (0.9kg) in 24 hours
• C. Maintain a daily weight record
• D. Limit dietary salt intake

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Reporting a weight gain of 2 pounds in 24 hours is crucial for detecting fluid retention or worsening heart failure. This rapid weight gain indicates possible fluid overload, which can be a sign of worsening HF. Option A is not as critical as the timing of weighing can vary. Option C is important for tracking trends but does not emphasize the significance of a sudden weight gain. Option D is relevant for managing HF but does not address the immediate need for reporting rapid weight gain.

5. Which client requires careful nursing assessment for signs and symptoms of hypomagnesemia?

• A. A young adult client with intractable vomiting from food poisoning
• B. A client who developed hyperparathyroidism in late adolescence
• C. A middle-aged male client in renal failure following an unsuccessful kidney transplant
• D. A female client who is overzealous with her intake of simple carbohydrates

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Vomiting can lead to significant loss of magnesium, causing hypomagnesemia. In this scenario, the young adult client with intractable vomiting from food poisoning is at higher risk of developing hypomagnesemia due to the loss of magnesium through vomiting. Choices B, C, and D are less likely to present with hypomagnesemia. Hyperparathyroidism (B) is associated with hypercalcemia, renal failure (C) can lead to hypermagnesemia, and overconsumption of simple carbohydrates (D) is not directly linked to magnesium imbalances.

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