Nursing Elites

1. During a thyroid storm, what is the nurse's priority intervention for a client experiencing increased heart rate and tremors?

• A. Administer antithyroid medications as prescribed.
• B. Administer a beta-blocker to control the heart rate.
• C. Monitor the client's temperature closely.
• D. Prepare the client for an emergency thyroidectomy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer antithyroid medications as prescribed during a thyroid storm. Antithyroid medications help control the overproduction of thyroid hormones, which is crucial in managing symptoms such as increased heart rate and tremors. These symptoms can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Administering a beta-blocker (Choice B) may help control the heart rate, but addressing the underlying cause with antithyroid medications is the priority. Monitoring the client's temperature (Choice C) is important but not the priority intervention during a thyroid storm. Lastly, preparing the client for an emergency thyroidectomy (Choice D) is not the initial intervention for managing symptoms of a thyroid storm.

2. An older adult client with chronic emphysema is admitted with acute onset of weakness, palpitation, and vomiting. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain during the initial interview?

• A. Medication compliance over the past few weeks.
• B. Recent sleep patterns and rest.
• C. Recent history of smoking.
• D. Activity level prior to symptom onset.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Medication compliance over the past few weeks. In a client with chronic emphysema experiencing acute symptoms, it is crucial to assess medication compliance as it directly impacts symptom control and disease management. Ensuring the client has been adherent to their prescribed medications can provide insights into potential exacerbating factors or the need for adjustments in the treatment plan. Choices B, C, and D are less critical during the initial assessment compared to medication compliance. Recent sleep patterns and rest (choice B) may be relevant but are secondary to ensuring proper medication management. While smoking history (choice C) is important in chronic lung conditions, the immediate focus should be on the current status of medication use. Activity level prior to symptom onset (choice D) is also pertinent but not as crucial as confirming medication compliance to address the acute symptoms.

3. A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Which preparation is the most important for the nurse to implement?

• A. Administer an enema before the procedure.
• B. Ensure the client is NPO after midnight.
• C. Encourage the client to drink clear liquids.
• D. Verify the client has completed the bowel preparation.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to verify that the client has completed the bowel preparation. This step is crucial to ensure the colon is clear for accurate visualization during the procedure. Administering an enema before the procedure may not always be necessary and can be uncomfortable for the client. Ensuring the client is NPO after midnight is important, but verifying bowel preparation takes precedence. Encouraging the client to drink clear liquids is a part of the preparation process but not the most critical step compared to verifying completion of bowel preparation.

4. When teaching a group of mothers of young children about emergency care for poisoning, which of the following statements should be included?

• A. Induce vomiting immediately after the poison ingestion
• B. Call the local Poison Control Center after inducing vomiting
• C. Call the Poison Control Center prior to any interventions
• D. Take the child to the emergency department before calling the Poison Control Center

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct statement to include when teaching about emergency care for poisoning is to call the Poison Control Center prior to any interventions. This is important because the Poison Control Center can provide guidance on the appropriate steps to take based on the type of poisoning, the amount ingested, and the age of the child. Inducing vomiting without professional advice can sometimes do more harm than good. Choice A is incorrect because inducing vomiting immediately is not recommended without consulting with professionals. Choice B is incorrect as it suggests calling the Poison Control Center after inducing vomiting, which is not the recommended sequence. Choice D is incorrect because it is advisable to contact the Poison Control Center first before taking the child to the emergency department.

5. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Take the medication in the morning before eating.
• B. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
• C. Take the medication with food to avoid nausea.
• D. Take the medication only when symptoms worsen.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take the medication in the morning before eating.' Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach in the morning for optimal absorption. Choice B is incorrect because while taking medication with water is generally recommended, levothyroxine specifically needs to be taken on an empty stomach. Choice C is incorrect as taking levothyroxine with food can interfere with its absorption. Choice D is incorrect as levothyroxine should be taken regularly as prescribed, not only when symptoms worsen.

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