Nursing Elites

1. A client with hyperthyroidism is receiving radioactive iodine therapy. The nurse should monitor for which of the following side effects?

• A. Hypothyroidism
• B. Hyperkalemia
• C. Hyponatremia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypothyroidism. Radioactive iodine therapy is used to treat hyperthyroidism by destroying thyroid tissue and reducing hormone production. This can lead to an underactive thyroid, resulting in hypothyroidism. Hyperkalemia (choice B) is an elevated potassium level, usually not associated with radioactive iodine therapy. Hyponatremia (choice C) is a low sodium level, which is also not a common side effect of this therapy. Hypercalcemia (choice D) is an elevated calcium level, unrelated to radioactive iodine therapy for hyperthyroidism.

2. A nurse caring for a client with hypocalcemia would expect to note which of the following changes on the electrocardiogram?

• A. Widened T wave
• B. Prominent U wave
• C. Prolonged QT interval
• D. Shortened ST segment

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In hypocalcemia, a decreased level of calcium can lead to a prolonged QT interval on the ECG due to its role in myocardial repolarization. A widened T wave (Choice A) is typically seen in hyperkalemia. A prominent U wave (Choice B) is associated with hypokalemia. A shortened ST segment (Choice D) is not a typical ECG finding in hypocalcemia.

3. During the physical examination, Nurse Noah expects to assess which sign in a female client with a serum calcium level of 7.2 mg/dl?

• A. Trousseau's sign
• B. Homans' sign
• C. Hegar's sign
• D. Goodell's sign

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Trousseau's sign is a clinical indicator of hypocalcemia, characterized by carpal spasm when a blood pressure cuff is inflated above systolic pressure and maintained for a few minutes. This occurs due to increased neuromuscular irritability associated with low serum calcium levels. Homans' sign is used to assess for deep vein thrombosis and involves calf pain upon dorsiflexion of the foot. Hegar's sign is a softening of the lower uterine segment seen in pregnancy, while Goodell's sign is softening of the cervix also seen in pregnancy. Therefore, in this scenario, the correct assessment related to hypocalcemia would be Trousseau's sign.

4. A client with type 2 DM is being taught about the importance of foot care. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Wear comfortable shoes that allow air circulation.
• B. Walk barefoot whenever possible.
• C. Use a heating pad to warm your feet.
• D. Soak your feet in hot water every night.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) regarding foot care is to wear comfortable shoes that allow air circulation. This recommendation helps prevent foot injuries and infections, which are common concerns for individuals with diabetes. Choice B, walking barefoot, can increase the risk of injuries and wounds due to reduced sensation in the feet often seen in diabetes. Choice C, using a heating pad, can lead to burns or skin damage if the temperature is not carefully monitored, making it an unsafe practice. Choice D, soaking feet in hot water every night, can also be harmful as it can cause burns and dry out the skin, leading to further complications for individuals with diabetes. Therefore, the most appropriate and safe advice is to wear comfortable shoes that promote air circulation to maintain foot health and prevent complications.

5. A nurse manager is focusing on improving communication on the unit. Which of the following best describes the importance of this focus?

• A. The nurse manager's focus on communication is essential to ensure that all staff members are informed, understand their roles, and can work together effectively to provide quality care.
• B. The nurse manager's focus on communication is important to ensure that information is shared effectively and that there is a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities on the unit.
• C. The nurse manager's focus on communication is crucial to ensuring that all staff members are working together effectively and that there is a shared understanding of the unit's goals and priorities.
• D. The nurse manager's focus on communication is vital to creating an open and transparent environment where staff members feel comfortable sharing information and concerns.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Effective communication is essential for ensuring that all staff members are informed, understand their roles, and can collaborate effectively to provide quality care. Choice B focuses more on information sharing and understanding roles but lacks emphasis on effective teamwork and quality care provision. Choice C mentions staff working together effectively and understanding unit goals, but it does not explicitly highlight the importance of staff being informed and understanding their roles. Choice D emphasizes creating an open environment for sharing information and concerns, which is important but does not encompass the broader aspects of effective communication as described in choice A.

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