Nursing Elites

1. A client with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What should the nurse teach the client about lithium toxicity?

• A. Take the medication with meals to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
• B. Report any symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• C. Monitor lithium levels regularly and maintain hydration.
• D. Avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while on lithium.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Clients taking lithium should avoid NSAIDs as they can increase lithium levels leading to toxicity. It is essential to monitor lithium levels regularly and maintain hydration to prevent toxicity. Reporting symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea is important, but the key teaching point regarding lithium toxicity is to avoid NSAIDs.

2. A client with hypothyroidism is prescribed levothyroxine. What symptom indicates that the dosage may need adjustment?

• A. Increased appetite and weight gain.
• B. Increased sensitivity to cold and dry skin.
• C. Increased heart palpitations and sweating.
• D. Increased shortness of breath and rapid heart rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Increased sensitivity to cold and dry skin may indicate that the dosage of levothyroxine is too low, requiring adjustment. This symptom is typical of hypothyroidism when the body's metabolism slows down, leading to feeling cold and having dry skin. Choices A, C, and D present symptoms more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the body is in a state of overactivity, leading to weight loss, increased heart rate, and sweating. Therefore, these symptoms would not indicate the need for dosage adjustment in a client with hypothyroidism.

3. While changing a client's chest tube dressing, the nurse notes a cracking sensation when gentle pressure is applied to the skin at the insertion site. What is the best action for the nurse to take?

• A. Apply a pressure dressing around the chest tube site.
• B. Administer an oral antihistamine.
• C. Assess for allergies to topical cleaning agents.
• D. Measure the area of swelling and crackling.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a nurse observes crepitus around a chest tube site, it could indicate subcutaneous emphysema, a potentially serious condition where air gets trapped under the skin. Measuring the area of swelling and crackling is important as it helps monitor the progression of subcutaneous emphysema. Applying a pressure dressing (choice A) might not address the underlying cause and could potentially worsen the condition. Administering an oral antihistamine (choice B) is not indicated for crepitus at a chest tube site. Assessing for allergies to topical cleaning agents (choice C) is important but not the immediate priority when crepitus is observed.

4. A client with acute pancreatitis is admitted with severe, piercing abdominal pain and an elevated serum amylase. Which additional information is the client most likely to report to the nurse?

• A. Pain radiates to the back
• B. Nausea and vomiting without relief
• C. Abdominal pain decreases when lying supine
• D. Abdominal pain is worse after eating

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. In acute pancreatitis, abdominal pain typically worsens after eating due to the stimulation of the pancreas to release enzymes that irritate the inflamed tissues. Pain relief when lying supine is uncommon and usually exacerbates discomfort. While nausea and vomiting are common symptoms, they are not as indicative of changes in pain intensity. Pain radiating to the back is characteristic but does not specifically relate to exacerbation post-eating.

5. What might be suggested to a client with fibrocystic breasts in an attempt to help relieve symptoms?

• A. Increase intake of high-calcium foods in your diet
• B. Wear a supportive bra during the day and at night
• C. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
• D. Perform regular breast massage

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Wear a supportive bra during the day and at night.' Wearing a supportive bra is essential for individuals with fibrocystic breasts as it helps relieve discomfort by providing necessary support to reduce strain on breast tissue. Option A is incorrect as high-calcium foods are not directly related to symptom relief in fibrocystic breasts. Option C is not the first-line recommendation and may not address the underlying issue. Option D, performing regular breast massage, is not typically recommended and may not provide significant relief for fibrocystic breast symptoms.

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