Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who had a total thyroidectomy and has a serum calcium level of 7.6 mg/dL. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Shortened QT intervals
• B. Hypoactive deep tendon reflexes
• C. Tingling of the extremities
• D. Constipation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Tingling of the extremities. Tingling is a common symptom of hypocalcemia, which is expected with low calcium levels after a thyroidectomy. Option A, shortened QT intervals, is associated with hypercalcemia rather than hypocalcemia. Option B, hypoactive deep tendon reflexes, is not typically related to hypocalcemia. Option D, constipation, is not a common finding associated with low calcium levels.

2. A patient has difficulty ambulating after surgery. Which action should the nurse take first?

• A. Encourage deep breathing exercises.
• B. Assist the patient in ambulating a short distance.
• C. Call for assistance with ambulation.
• D. Assess the patient's pain level before ambulation.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct first action for the nurse to take when a patient has difficulty ambulating after surgery is to call for assistance with ambulation. This is essential to ensure the safety of the patient and prevent any potential falls or injuries. Encouraging deep breathing exercises (Choice A) may be beneficial but should not be the first priority when the patient is having difficulty walking. Assisting the patient in ambulating a short distance (Choice B) may put both the patient and the nurse at risk if the patient is struggling. Assessing the patient's pain level before ambulation (Choice D) is important but should come after ensuring that the patient can safely ambulate with assistance.

3. A client with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus is being taught about self-administration of insulin by a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Store the current bottle of insulin at room temperature
• B. Massage the injection site after removing the needle
• C. Pull back on the plunger after injecting the insulin
• D. Use each syringe up to six times

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to store the current bottle of insulin at room temperature. Insulin should be stored this way to maintain its potency and effectiveness. Choice B is incorrect because massaging the injection site after removing the needle is not recommended practice and can cause bruising. Choice C is incorrect as pulling back on the plunger after injecting insulin can lead to injecting air bubbles into the tissue. Choice D is incorrect as syringes should not be reused multiple times due to the risk of contamination and inaccurate dosing.

4. A nurse is teaching a client about signs of infection after surgery. What statement indicates further teaching is required?

• A. Redness and swelling are normal after surgery
• B. Any drainage from the incision site is not concerning
• C. Yellow drainage is normal
• D. I should monitor for increased redness or warmth

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Any drainage from the incision site should be monitored, and any signs of infection, such as increased redness or warmth, need to be reported to the healthcare provider. Choices A, C, and D provide accurate information about signs of infection after surgery and do not indicate a need for further teaching.

5. A nurse delegates a position change to a nursing assistive personnel. The nurse instructs the assistive personnel (AP) to place the patient in the lateral position. Which finding by the nurse indicates a correct outcome?

• A. Patient is lying semiprone.
• B. Patient is lying on side.
• C. Patient is lying on abdomen.
• D. Patient is lying on back.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the lateral position means lying on the side with body weight on the dependent hip and shoulder. Choice A is incorrect as 'semiprone' means lying on the abdomen with one leg flexed. Choice C is incorrect as 'prone' means lying face down. Choice D is incorrect as 'supine' means lying on the back.

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