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 nurse is teaching a client who is at risk for developing osteoporosis. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make?

• A. Walk for at least 30 minutes each day
• B. Avoid sunlight exposure
• C. Take vitamin B12 supplements
• D. Increase calcium intake to 1,500 mg per day

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to increase calcium intake to 1,500 mg per day. Adequate calcium intake is essential for maintaining bone density and reducing the risk of osteoporosis. Walking for at least 30 minutes each day is beneficial for overall health but is not as directly related to osteoporosis prevention as calcium intake. Sunlight exposure is important for vitamin D synthesis, which is necessary for calcium absorption, so avoiding sunlight exposure would not be recommended. Vitamin B12 supplements are not directly related to bone health or osteoporosis prevention, so this would not be the most appropriate recommendation.

3. What are the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in terms of treatment?

• A. Type 1: Insulin therapy; Type 2: Lifestyle modifications and oral agents
• B. Type 1: Oral agents; Type 2: Insulin therapy
• C. Type 1: Insulin resistance; Type 2: Insulin deficiency
• D. Type 1: Exercise and diet; Type 2: Insulin only

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because Type 1 diabetes necessitates insulin therapy, whereas Type 2 diabetes is managed with lifestyle modifications and oral agents. Choice B is incorrect because Type 1 diabetes does not use oral agents as a primary treatment. Choice C is incorrect as it describes the pathophysiology of diabetes types rather than their treatments. Choice D is incorrect because Type 2 diabetes management involves more than just insulin and includes lifestyle changes and oral medications.

4. How should a healthcare professional assess a patient with a tracheostomy?

• A. Monitor for infection and ensure airway patency
• B. Suction airway secretions and provide humidified oxygen
• C. Clean the stoma and change tracheostomy ties
• D. Educate the patient on tracheostomy care

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: To assess a patient with a tracheostomy, the healthcare professional should primarily focus on monitoring for infection and ensuring the airway remains patent. Choice A is the correct answer as these actions are crucial for tracheostomy management. Suctioning airway secretions and providing humidified oxygen (Choice B) are interventions that may be necessary based on the assessment findings but are not the initial assessment steps. Similarly, cleaning the stoma and changing tracheostomy ties (Choice C) are important aspects of tracheostomy care but do not specifically address the initial assessment. Educating the patient on tracheostomy care (Choice D) is important, but it is not the primary assessment action needed when assessing a patient with a tracheostomy.

5. A client has developed phlebitis at the IV site. What should the nurse do immediately?

• A. Apply a warm compress over the IV site
• B. Discontinue the IV and notify the provider
• C. Monitor the site for signs of infection
• D. Administer an anti-inflammatory medication

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client develops phlebitis at the IV site, the immediate action the nurse should take is to discontinue the IV and notify the provider. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as infection, thrombosis, or sepsis. Removing the IV line helps prevent further irritation and infection. Applying a warm compress (Choice A) may provide some relief but does not address the root cause. Monitoring for signs of infection (Choice C) is important but not the immediate action needed to address phlebitis. Administering an anti-inflammatory medication (Choice D) may be prescribed by the provider but is not the first step in managing phlebitis.

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