Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy and reports tingling and numbness in the hands. The nurse should expect to administer which of the following medications?

• A. Sodium bicarbonate.
• B. Calcium gluconate.
• C. Potassium chloride.
• D. Magnesium sulfate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tingling and numbness in the hands can indicate hypocalcemia, a common complication following a thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia requires immediate intervention to prevent severe complications like tetany and seizures. Calcium gluconate is the drug of choice for rapidly raising serum calcium levels in hypocalcemic patients. Sodium bicarbonate is not indicated for treating hypocalcemia or related symptoms. Potassium chloride is used to correct potassium imbalances, not calcium. Magnesium sulfate is not the appropriate treatment for hypocalcemia; it is commonly used for conditions like preeclampsia or eclampsia.

2. What are the key differences between viral and bacterial infections?

• A. Viral infections typically last longer than bacterial infections.
• B. Bacterial infections typically cause high fever.
• C. Both bacterial and viral infections cause rashes.
• D. Viral infections cause sudden onset of symptoms.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Viral infections typically last longer than bacterial infections. This is because viral infections often require the body's immune system to fight off the virus, leading to a longer duration of illness. Bacterial infections, on the other hand, often cause a rapid onset of symptoms due to the toxins produced by bacteria. Choice B is incorrect because not all bacterial infections cause high fever. Choice C is incorrect because rashes can be caused by both bacterial and viral infections, but not always. Choice D is incorrect because while some viral infections may cause a sudden onset of symptoms, it is not a key distinguishing factor between viral and bacterial infections.

3. A nurse is delegating the ambulation of a client who had knee arthroplasty 5 days ago to an AP. Which of the following information should the nurse share with the AP?

• A. The roommate is up independently
• B. The client ambulates with his slippers on over his antiembolic stockings
• C. The client uses a front-wheeled walker when ambulating
• D. The client had pain meds 30 minutes ago

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. After knee arthroplasty, it is essential for the client to use a front-wheeled walker when ambulating to ensure stability and prevent falls. Sharing this information with the assistive personnel (AP) is crucial for the client's safety and proper rehabilitation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the roommate's independence, the client's footwear over stockings, and the timing of pain medication administration are not directly related to the safe ambulation of a client post-knee arthroplasty.

4. What are the key differences between systolic and diastolic heart failure?

• A. Systolic: Reduced ejection fraction; Diastolic: Preserved ejection fraction
• B. Systolic: Preserved ejection fraction; Diastolic: Reduced ejection fraction
• C. Systolic: Right-sided heart failure; Diastolic: Left-sided heart failure
• D. Systolic: Pulmonary congestion; Diastolic: Systemic congestion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Systolic heart failure is characterized by reduced ejection fraction, meaning the heart is not pumping effectively. Diastolic heart failure, on the other hand, is characterized by preserved ejection fraction, indicating that the heart has difficulty relaxing and filling properly. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the key differences between systolic and diastolic heart failure.

5. A client is learning about preventing hip dislocation before total hip arthroplasty. Which instruction should be included?

• A. Avoid bending the hip more than 90 degrees
• B. Avoid lying on the unaffected side
• C. Avoid crossing the legs at the knees
• D. Avoid keeping the legs in a neutral position

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction to prevent hip dislocation after total hip arthroplasty is to avoid crossing the legs at the knees. This position can put stress on the hip joint and increase the risk of dislocation. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Bending the hip more than 90 degrees, lying on the unaffected side, or keeping the legs in a neutral position are not directly related to preventing hip dislocation in this context.

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