Nursing Elites

1. What is the most appropriate method to assess a patient's level of consciousness?

• A. Use the Glasgow Coma Scale
• B. Assess the patient's orientation
• C. Check pupillary response
• D. Monitor vital signs

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Using the Glasgow Coma Scale. The Glasgow Coma Scale is a standardized tool used to assess a patient's level of consciousness by evaluating their eye response, verbal response, and motor response. This scale provides a numeric value that helps in determining the severity of brain injury or altered mental status. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because while assessing the patient's orientation, checking pupillary response, and monitoring vital signs are important components of a comprehensive patient assessment, they do not specifically target the assessment of consciousness level, which is best done using the Glasgow Coma Scale.

2. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has Cushing's disease. The nurse should expect an increase in which of the following laboratory values?

• A. Serum glucose level
• B. Serum potassium level
• C. Serum calcium level
• D. Serum sodium level

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Serum glucose level. In Cushing's disease, there is increased cortisol production, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. This occurs due to the role of cortisol in promoting gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Cushing's disease is not typically associated with alterations in serum potassium, calcium, or sodium levels.

3. A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is receiving furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an adverse effect of the medication?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Hyponatremia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Hypokalemia.' Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion (hypokalemia) due to increased urinary excretion of potassium. This can result in adverse effects such as muscle weakness, cardiac dysrhythmias, and other complications. Hyperkalemia (choice A) is not an adverse effect of furosemide but rather an elevated potassium level. Hyperglycemia (choice B) and hyponatremia (choice D) are not typically associated with furosemide use. Therefore, monitoring potassium levels and addressing hypokalemia is crucial in clients taking furosemide.

4. A nurse is teaching a client about home care following cataract surgery. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. You should wear a protective eye shield while sleeping.
• B. You should avoid bending over to pick things up.
• C. You should apply pressure to your eye if you feel pain.
• D. You should resume wearing your regular glasses immediately.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'You should wear a protective eye shield while sleeping.' After cataract surgery, wearing a protective eye shield while sleeping is crucial to prevent accidental injury to the eye. Choice B is incorrect because patients should indeed avoid bending over, but it is not the most important instruction among the options provided. Choice C is incorrect because applying pressure to the eye if pain is felt can be harmful and should not be advised. Choice D is incorrect because patients should not resume wearing their regular glasses immediately post cataract surgery; they should wait until their healthcare provider permits.

5. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings is the priority for the nurse to report to the provider?

• A. Increased hoarseness
• B. Serum calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL
• C. Respiratory rate of 18/min
• D. Urinary output of 60 mL in 2 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Serum calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL.' A low serum calcium level indicates hypocalcemia, which is a potential complication of thyroidectomy that can lead to life-threatening consequences, such as tetany or laryngospasm. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to report this finding promptly to the provider for timely intervention. Choices A, C, and D are important assessments following a thyroidectomy but are not as critical as detecting and addressing hypocalcemia, which can have serious implications for the client's health.

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