Nursing Elites

1. A client with hyperthyroidism is being treated with radioactive iodine. The nurse should teach the client to expect which of the following side effects?

• A. Increased heart rate
• B. Hypothyroidism
• C. Hypercalcemia
• D. Weight loss

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with hyperthyroidism undergoes radioactive iodine treatment, it often leads to hypothyroidism due to the destruction of thyroid tissue. This occurs as a desired outcome of the treatment to reduce the overactive thyroid function. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increased heart rate, hypercalcemia, and weight loss are not expected side effects of radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism. Instead, the goal is to suppress the overactive thyroid, leading to a hypothyroid state.

2. A client with hypothyroidism is at risk for which of the following complications?

• A. Thyroid storm
• B. Myxedema coma
• C. Cushing's syndrome
• D. Diabetic ketoacidosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Myxedema coma is a severe, life-threatening complication that can occur in individuals with untreated or inadequately treated hypothyroidism. It is characterized by extreme hypothyroidism leading to decreased mental status, hypothermia, bradycardia, and respiratory depression. Thyroid storm (Choice A) is a severe complication of hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism. Cushing's syndrome (Choice C) results from prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol, not related to hypothyroidism. Diabetic ketoacidosis (Choice D) is a complication of uncontrolled diabetes, not directly associated with hypothyroidism.

3. Skillful communication is one behavior of an effective leader. Which of the following describes an effective method of communication?

• A. A unit manager meets with a new nurse to discuss what is going well and what improvements the new nurse can make.
• B. A unit manager meets with a new nurse to explain departmental policy.
• C. A unit manager meets with staff after several safety events to unveil new policies designed to prevent further safety events.
• D. A unit manager describes safety events that have occurred on the unit to another nurse manager and discusses ideas for policy improvement with the other manager.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Meeting with a new nurse to discuss progress and areas for improvement is an effective communication method.

4. Which of the following is an example of nonmaleficence in nursing practice?

• A. Administering pain medication as prescribed to prevent patient discomfort.
• B. Ensuring that a patient does not receive a treatment that they have refused.
• C. Ensuring that a patient receives appropriate care without causing harm.
• D. Encouraging a patient to express their concerns and fears about a procedure.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Nonmaleficence is the ethical principle of doing no harm. In nursing practice, ensuring that a patient does not receive a treatment they have refused is an example of nonmaleficence. Choice A focuses on beneficence by providing pain relief. Choice C is more aligned with beneficence as it emphasizes providing appropriate care without harm. Choice D pertains to patient communication but does not directly address the concept of nonmaleficence.

5. The healthcare provider is monitoring a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following laboratory findings would be expected?

• A. Decreased blood glucose levels
• B. Decreased urine ketones
• C. Increased serum bicarbonate
• D. Increased anion gap

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), there is an excess of ketone bodies produced due to the breakdown of fatty acids for energy, leading to metabolic acidosis. An increased anion gap is a characteristic laboratory finding in DKA. The increased anion gap is a result of the accumulation of ketoacids and lactic acid in the blood, contributing to metabolic acidosis. Therefore, the correct answer is an increased anion gap. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because in DKA, blood glucose levels are typically elevated, urine ketones are increased due to the breakdown of fatty acids, and serum bicarbonate is usually decreased as it is consumed in an attempt to buffer the acidosis.

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