Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid). Which symptom should prompt the nurse to notify the healthcare provider?

• A. Weight gain.
• B. Bradycardia.
• C. Nervousness and tremors.
• D. Fatigue.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Nervousness and tremors.' In a client with hypothyroidism prescribed levothyroxine, the development of nervousness and tremors may indicate hyperthyroidism, which can result from excessive dosing of levothyroxine. Therefore, the nurse should promptly notify the healthcare provider to adjust the medication dosage. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because weight gain, bradycardia, and fatigue are more commonly associated with hypothyroidism itself, indicating that the levothyroxine therapy may not be effective enough, rather than being signs of excessive dosing.

2. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is struggling to breathe. What should the nurse do first?

• A. Increase the oxygen flow rate according to the prescription
• B. Encourage the client to perform pursed-lip breathing
• C. Prepare for emergency intubation
• D. Assess the client's oxygen saturation and breath sounds

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct first action for a nurse when a client with COPD is struggling to breathe is to assess the client's oxygen saturation and breath sounds. This initial assessment is crucial in determining the severity of the client's condition and the appropriate intervention. Increasing the oxygen flow rate without proper assessment can potentially be harmful, as COPD clients have a risk of retaining carbon dioxide. Encouraging pursed-lip breathing can be beneficial but should come after assessing the client's current status. Emergency intubation is a drastic measure and should only be considered after a comprehensive assessment indicates the need for it.

3. The nurse is caring for a client with an indwelling urinary catheter. What is the most important action to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI)?

• A. Perform hand hygiene before and after handling the catheter
• B. Change the catheter every 72 hours
• C. Apply antibiotic ointment at the insertion site
• D. Irrigate the catheter daily

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Performing hand hygiene before and after handling the catheter is crucial in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). This practice helps minimize the risk of introducing harmful microorganisms into the urinary tract. Changing the catheter every 72 hours is not recommended unless clinically indicated as it can increase the risk of infection. Applying antibiotic ointment at the insertion site is not a standard practice and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Irrigating the catheter daily is unnecessary and can introduce pathogens into the urinary tract, increasing the risk of infection.

4. A client is admitted with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF). Which intervention is most important to include in the plan of care?

• A. Restrict fluid intake
• B. Provide a high-sodium diet
• C. Encourage vigorous exercise
• D. Administer bronchodilators as prescribed

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Restrict fluid intake. Fluid restriction is crucial in the management of congestive heart failure (CHF) as it helps prevent fluid overload, which can exacerbate CHF symptoms. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Providing a high-sodium diet would worsen fluid retention and increase the workload of the heart. Encouraging vigorous exercise can strain the heart further in CHF patients. Administering bronchodilators is not the priority intervention for CHF.

5. What action should the nurse implement in caring for a client following an electroencephalogram (EEG)?

• A. Monitor the client's vital signs every 4 hours
• B. Assess the client's lower extremities for sensation
• C. Instruct the client to maintain bed rest
• D. Wash any paste from the client's hair and scalp

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should implement after an EEG is to wash any paste from the client's hair and scalp. This is crucial to prevent irritation and infection at the EEG site. Monitoring vital signs every 4 hours is not specifically indicated after an EEG. Assessing the client's lower extremities for sensation is unrelated to caring for a client post-EEG. While rest may be recommended after the procedure, there is no standard requirement for a specific duration of bed rest.

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