Nursing Elites

1. Which medication should the nurse anticipate administering to a client who is diagnosed with myxedema coma?

• A. Intravenous administration of thyroid hormones
• B. Oral administration of hypnotic agents
• C. Intravenous bolus of hydrocortisone
• D. Subcutaneous administration of vitamin K

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Intravenous administration of thyroid hormones. Myxedema coma is a severe form of hypothyroidism that necessitates immediate replacement of thyroid hormones. Administering thyroid hormones intravenously ensures rapid absorption and effectiveness in managing the condition. Choice B, oral administration of hypnotic agents, is incorrect as it does not address the primary issue of thyroid hormone deficiency in myxedema coma. Choice C, intravenous bolus of hydrocortisone, is not the appropriate treatment for myxedema coma as adrenal insufficiency is not the primary concern in this condition. Choice D, subcutaneous administration of vitamin K, is unrelated to the management of myxedema coma and does not address the underlying thyroid hormone deficiency that characterizes this condition.

2. The client who had a below-the-knee (BKA) amputation is being prepared for discharge to home. Which recommendation should the nurse provide this client?

• A. Inspect skin for redness
• B. Use a residual limb shrinker
• C. Apply alcohol to the stump after bathing
• D. Wash the stump with soap and water

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct recommendation for a client with a below-the-knee amputation preparing for discharge is to wash the stump with soap and water. This helps maintain cleanliness and prevent infection. Inspecting the skin for redness is important to monitor for signs of infection, but it is not a specific recommendation for a BKA amputation. Using a residual limb shrinker can aid in shaping and reducing swelling in the residual limb but is not usually done immediately after a BKA amputation. Applying alcohol to the stump after bathing is not recommended as it can lead to skin irritation and dryness.

3. A female client reports she has not had a bowel movement for 3 days, but now is defecating frequent small amounts of liquid stool. Which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Digitally check the client for a fecal impaction
• B. Increase fluid intake to promote bowel regularity
• C. Provide a high-fiber diet to facilitate bowel movements
• D. Administer a stool softener

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Digitally check the client for a fecal impaction. Small, frequent liquid stools following constipation may indicate a fecal impaction. This intervention is crucial to assess and address a potential impaction promptly. Choices B, increasing fluid intake, and C, providing a high-fiber diet, may help with bowel regularity in general cases, but they don't directly address the urgent concern of a possible impaction. Choice D, administering a stool softener, is not appropriate as the first action when a fecal impaction is suspected; it could worsen the condition by causing further liquid stool output without addressing the impaction.

4. An adult client with a broken femur is transferred to the medical-surgical unit to await surgical internal fixation after the application of an external traction device to stabilize the leg. An hour after an opioid analgesic was administered, the client reports muscle spasms and pain at the fracture site. While waiting for the client to be transported to surgery, which action should the nurse implement?

• A. Observe for signs of deep vein thrombosis.
• B. Administer a PRN dose of a muscle relaxant.
• C. Check the client’s most recent electrolyte values.
• D. Reduce the weight on the traction device.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer a PRN dose of a muscle relaxant. Muscle spasms and pain might be relieved by muscle relaxants, which are appropriate before surgery. Choice A is incorrect because the client is experiencing muscle spasms, not signs of deep vein thrombosis. Choice C is not the most immediate action needed in this situation. Choice D is incorrect because reducing the weight on the traction device would not directly address the muscle spasms and pain reported by the client.

5. A male client with cirrhosis has jaundice and pruritus. He tells the nurse that he has been soaking in hot baths at night with no relief of his discomfort. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Explain that the symptoms are caused by liver damage and can be managed
• B. Obtain a PRN prescription for an analgesic that the client can use for symptom relief
• C. Encourage the client to use cooler water and apply oil-based lotion after soaking
• D. Suggest that the client take brief showers and apply oil-based lotion after showering

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Cooler water and oil-based lotion can help relieve pruritus and improve comfort in clients with cirrhosis experiencing jaundice and pruritus. Hot baths can exacerbate itching, so it is important to suggest cooler showers instead. Choice A is incorrect because symptoms like pruritus can be managed. Choice B is not the most appropriate initial intervention for pruritus related to liver disease. Choice C suggests the use of calamine lotion, which may not be as effective as oil-based lotion for relieving pruritus in this case.

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