Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Serum calcium level of 8 mg/dL.
• B. Urine output of 60 mL/hr.
• C. Heart rate of 110/min.
• D. Temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A heart rate of 110/min is elevated and may indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication following a thyroidectomy. Elevated heart rate can be a sign of hypocalcemia due to the close relationship between calcium levels and cardiac function. Option A, serum calcium level of 8 mg/dL, is within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and would not be a cause for concern post-thyroidectomy. Option B, urine output of 60 mL/hr, is within the normal range for urine output and not typically a priority finding post-thyroidectomy. Option D, a temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F), is slightly elevated but not a critical finding post-thyroidectomy unless accompanied by other symptoms.

2. What is the initial nursing action for a patient presenting with chest pain?

• A. Administer aspirin
• B. Reposition the patient
• C. Provide pain relief
• D. Prepare for surgery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct initial nursing action for a patient presenting with chest pain is to administer aspirin. Aspirin helps reduce the risk of further clot formation in patients experiencing chest pain, as it has antiplatelet effects. Repositioning the patient, providing pain relief, or preparing for surgery are not the first-line interventions for chest pain. Repositioning the patient may be necessary to ensure comfort and safety, pain relief can be provided after further assessment and diagnostic tests, and preparing for surgery would only be considered after a thorough evaluation and confirmation of the need for surgical intervention.

3. A nurse is assessing a client who is 2 hours postoperative following a gastrectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate of 94/min
• B. Oxygen saturation of 88%
• C. Respiratory rate of 18/min
• D. Temperature of 37.6°C (99.7°F)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia, which is a serious condition post-gastrectomy. Hypoxemia can lead to inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, potentially causing complications like organ dysfunction or failure. This finding requires immediate attention to prevent further deterioration. The heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature are within normal ranges for a client post-gastrectomy, so they do not require immediate reporting to the provider.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who has severe preeclampsia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Administer magnesium sulfate.
• B. Place the client in the left lateral position.
• C. Monitor intake and output.
• D. Provide a low-sodium diet.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with severe preeclampsia is to monitor intake and output. This is crucial to assess kidney function, fluid balance, and detect any signs of deterioration. Administering magnesium sulfate is indicated for seizure prophylaxis in severe preeclampsia, but it is not the primary intervention related to care planning. Placing the client in the left lateral position is not a specific intervention for managing preeclampsia. Providing a low-sodium diet is not typically recommended for clients with severe preeclampsia as sodium restriction is not a primary treatment modality for this condition.

5. A patient is 1 day postoperative following a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to prevent dislocation of the hip?

• A. Keep the patient in a side-lying position.
• B. Place a pillow between the patient's legs.
• C. Instruct the patient to avoid sitting for long periods.
• D. Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Placing a pillow between the patient's legs is the correct action to prevent dislocation of the hip following arthroplasty. This technique helps maintain proper alignment and stability of the hip joint. Keeping the patient in a side-lying position may not provide the necessary support to prevent hip dislocation. Instructing the patient to avoid sitting for long periods is important for preventing complications like deep vein thrombosis but does not directly prevent hip dislocation. Elevating the head of the bed to 90 degrees is not relevant to preventing hip dislocation in a postoperative hip arthroplasty patient.

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