Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Calcium
• B. Sodium
• C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Monitoring TSH levels is crucial to assess the effectiveness of levothyroxine in clients with hypothyroidism. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. In hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive, administering levothyroxine helps to normalize thyroid hormone levels. Monitoring TSH levels allows the healthcare provider to adjust the levothyroxine dosage to ensure that thyroid hormone levels are within the therapeutic range. Choices A, B, and D (Calcium, Sodium, and Magnesium) are not directly related to assessing the effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy in hypothyroidism and would not provide relevant information regarding the medication's efficacy.

2. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who is postoperative following a mastectomy. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid using deodorant until the incision heals.
• B. Perform arm exercises 24 hours after surgery.
• C. Wear tight-fitting clothing to support the incision.
• D. Perform arm exercises 2 days after surgery.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for the nurse to include is to advise the client to avoid using deodorant until the incision heals. Using deodorant can lead to skin irritation, which should be prevented following a mastectomy. Choice B is incorrect because performing arm exercises should typically be delayed until recommended by the healthcare provider to prevent strain on the surgical site. Choice C is incorrect as tight-fitting clothing can increase discomfort and hinder proper healing. Choice D is also incorrect because initiating arm exercises should be based on the healthcare provider's guidance and not a specific timeframe.

3. A nurse manager is updating protocols for the use of belt restraints. Which of the following guidelines should the nurse include?

• A. Remove the client's restraint every 4 hours.
• B. Document the client's condition every 15 minutes.
• C. Attach the restraint to the bed's side rails.
• D. Request a PRN restraint prescription for clients who are aggressive.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. When updating protocols for the use of belt restraints, it is essential to document the client's condition every 15 minutes. This frequent documentation helps ensure the client's safety and allows for timely assessment of the need for continued restraint use. Choice A is incorrect because restraints should be removed and reassessed more frequently than every 4 hours. Choice C is incorrect as restraints should not be attached to the bed's side rails due to entrapment risks. Choice D is also incorrect as restraints should not be used as needed (PRN) but rather based on a specific prescription and assessment indicating the need for restraint use.

4. A nurse is performing a gastric lavage for a client who has upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Instill 500 ml of solution through the NG tube
• B. Insert a large-bore NG tube
• C. Use a cold irrigation solution
• D. Instruct the client to lie on his right side

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Insert a large-bore NG tube.' When performing a gastric lavage for a client with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, a large-bore NG tube is used to effectively remove gastric contents and blood. Option A is incorrect because the amount of solution to instill depends on the specific situation and should be guided by the healthcare provider's order. Option C is incorrect because using a cold irrigation solution can lead to hypothermia and is not recommended. Option D is incorrect as there is no need to instruct the client to lie on his right side specifically for gastric lavage.

5. A nurse is planning care for a client who has dementia and is frequently agitated. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

• A. Offer the client several choices when scheduling activities.
• B. Confront the client when inappropriate behavior occurs.
• C. Use a calm, reassuring approach when speaking to the client.
• D. Encourage the client to engage in stimulating activities.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with dementia who is frequently agitated is to use a calm and reassuring approach when speaking to them. This approach helps reduce agitation and create a more therapeutic environment. Offering several choices may overwhelm the client and increase agitation, making choice A incorrect. Confronting the client can escalate the situation and worsen agitation, making choice B inappropriate. While encouraging stimulating activities is beneficial, it may not be the most effective intervention for immediate agitation management, making choice D less priority compared to using a calm and reassuring approach.

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