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. A client undergoing radiation therapy is being taught about skin care by a nurse. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will use a heating pad to soothe the skin
• B. I will avoid using perfumed lotions on the treated area
• C. I will apply cold compresses to the area
• D. I will scrub the area daily with soap and water

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because avoiding perfumed lotions is important to prevent skin irritation after radiation therapy. Using a heating pad (A) can further damage the skin, applying cold compresses (C) may not be recommended, and scrubbing the area daily with soap and water (D) can be too harsh on the skin, leading to further irritation and damage.

3. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with home oxygen therapy. Which of the following is essential for safety?

• A. Allow the client to smoke in designated outdoor areas
• B. Place the oxygen equipment 10 feet away from any open flames
• C. Keep oxygen tanks upright at all times
• D. Restrict fluid intake while using oxygen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to keep oxygen tanks upright at all times. This is essential for safety as it prevents the tanks from falling and causing injury. Allowing the client to smoke in designated outdoor areas (Choice A) is unsafe as smoking near oxygen equipment can lead to a fire. Placing the oxygen equipment 10 feet away from any open flames (Choice B) is important to prevent fire hazards, but keeping the tanks upright is more directly related to preventing injuries. Restricting fluid intake while using oxygen (Choice D) is not necessary for safety in home oxygen therapy.

4. What are key signs of fluid overload?

• A. Edema
• B. Hypertension
• C. Shortness of breath
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: All of the above.' Edema, hypertension, and shortness of breath are key signs of fluid overload, particularly common in patients with heart failure. Edema refers to the swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body's tissues, hypertension can be a result of fluid volume overload, and shortness of breath can occur due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Therefore, all these signs collectively indicate fluid overload in a patient. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect individually as each alone may not necessarily indicate fluid overload, but when seen together, they strongly suggest fluid volume excess in the body.

5. A client with multiple fractures following a motor-vehicle crash is struggling with opening a milk carton. Which of the following client statements should the nurse recommend a referral to an occupational therapist?

• A. I can't brush my teeth properly
• B. I am so frustrated I can't open my milk carton
• C. I can't hold a pencil
• D. I can't write anymore

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Struggling to open a milk carton indicates difficulty with fine motor skills and activities of daily living. This statement suggests a need for assistance from an occupational therapist to improve hand strength, coordination, and independence in performing essential tasks. Choices A, C, and D do not directly relate to the need for occupational therapy services in this context. In contrast, the inability to open a milk carton highlights specific challenges that occupational therapy can address effectively.

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