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 foul-smelling drainage from an incision on the upper left arm is admitted with a suspected methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Which nursing interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care? (Select all that apply.)

• A. Send wound drainage for culture and sensitivity.
• B. Institute contact precautions for staff and visitors.
• C. Use standard precautions and wear a mask.
• D. Monitor the client's white blood cell count.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When dealing with a client suspected of having MRSA, the nurse should implement contact precautions to prevent the spread of infection. This includes using gowns and gloves, along with following proper hand hygiene practices. Sending wound drainage for culture and sensitivity may be necessary for diagnostic purposes, but it is not directly related to preventing the spread of infection in this case. Using standard precautions and wearing a mask are not sufficient when dealing with MRSA; contact precautions are specifically required to prevent transmission. Monitoring the client's white blood cell count is important in assessing infection status but is not a primary intervention to prevent the spread of MRSA.

3. What skin care measure should the nurse implement for a client who underwent external radiation treatment the previous day?

• A. Cleanse the radiated area with water and pat the skin dry
• B. Lightly massage the radiated skin with a lanolin-based lotion
• C. Rinse the site with normal saline and cover with a sterile towel
• D. Use a soft washcloth to gently remove the skin markings

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct measure for skin care after external radiation treatment is to cleanse the radiated area with water and pat the skin dry. This gentle cleansing without harsh chemicals or friction helps protect the integrity of radiated skin, preventing irritation or further damage. Choice B is incorrect because massaging radiated skin can cause further irritation, which should be avoided. Choice C is incorrect as rinsing with normal saline and covering with a sterile towel may not be necessary and could potentially introduce infection due to excessive moisture. Choice D is incorrect as using a soft washcloth to remove skin markings can be too abrasive for radiated skin, risking damage and irritation.

4. When reconstituted, how many milligrams are in each milliliter of solution?

• A. 300 mg/mL
• B. 350 mg/mL
• C. 450 mg/mL
• D. 400 mg/mL

Correct answer: D

Rationale: After reconstitution, the concentration of the cefazolin solution is 400 mg/mL. This calculation is derived by dividing the total milligrams in the vial (1000 mg) by the total volume after reconstitution (2.5 mL). Therefore, each milliliter of the solution contains 400 mg of cefazolin. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not match the correct calculation based on the information provided.

5. When using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), which step is most important for ensuring effective medication delivery?

• A. Exhale completely before using the inhaler
• B. Inhale quickly while pressing down on the inhaler
• C. Shake the inhaler for 10 seconds before use
• D. Hold breath for 5 seconds after inhaling

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct step to ensure effective medication delivery when using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is to exhale completely before using the inhaler. This action helps create more space in the lungs for the medication to reach deeply into the airways. Inhaling quickly while pressing down on the inhaler (Choice B) may cause the medication to impact the throat rather than reaching the lungs. Shaking the inhaler for 10 seconds before use (Choice C) is important to mix the medication but not the most crucial step for effective delivery. While holding the breath for 5 seconds after inhaling (Choice D) can help the medication stay in the lungs momentarily, exhaling completely before inhalation is more critical for optimal drug deposition.

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