Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. The client reports tingling in the fingers and around the mouth. The nurse should anticipate which of the following interventions?

• A. Administer calcium gluconate
• B. Provide a high-protein diet
• C. Administer levothyroxine
• D. Apply a warm compress to the client's neck

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tingling in the fingers and around the mouth is a sign of hypocalcemia, which can occur after thyroid surgery due to accidental damage to the parathyroid glands. Hypocalcemia is common after thyroidectomy due to potential parathyroid damage. Calcium gluconate is the appropriate intervention to treat hypocalcemia. Providing a high-protein diet or administering levothyroxine are not indicated for hypocalcemia. Applying a warm compress to the client's neck would not address the underlying issue of hypocalcemia.

2. A client with Ménière’s disease is experiencing episodes of vertigo. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Encourage bed rest
• B. Restrict fluid intake to the morning hours
• C. Administer aspirin
• D. Provide a low sodium diet

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with Ménière’s disease experiencing vertigo is to provide a low sodium diet. Limiting sodium helps to reduce fluid retention, which in turn decreases the manifestations of Ménière’s disease. Encouraging bed rest (Choice A) may be necessary during acute episodes but is not a long-term solution. Restricting fluid intake (Choice B) to the morning hours does not specifically address the underlying issue of fluid retention associated with Ménière’s disease. Administering aspirin (Choice C) is not recommended for Ménière’s disease as it can worsen symptoms.

3. A client who has osteoporosis is being discharged with a new prescription for alendronate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

• A. Take the medication at bedtime.
• B. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
• C. Take the medication with food.
• D. Lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to take the medication with a full glass of water. Alendronate should be taken with a full glass of water to prevent esophageal irritation. Additionally, the client should remain upright for 30 minutes after taking it to prevent potential adverse effects. Choice A is incorrect because alendronate should not be taken at bedtime, but rather in the morning on an empty stomach. Choice C is incorrect because alendronate should be taken on an empty stomach, not with food. Choice D is incorrect because the client should remain upright, not lie down, for 30 minutes after taking the medication.

4. A nurse is caring for a client with Alzheimer’s disease. Which action should the nurse include in the plan of care to support the client’s cognitive function?

• A. Place a daily calendar in the kitchen
• B. Replace buttoned clothing with zippered items
• C. Replace the carpet with hardwood floors
• D. Create variation in the daily routine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Placing a daily calendar in the kitchen is essential to help clients with Alzheimer's stay oriented to time and maintain cognitive function. It supports their ability to recall the day, date, and upcoming events, promoting a sense of control over their environment. Choices B, C, and D do not directly target cognitive function support in clients with Alzheimer's disease. While replacing buttoned clothing with zippered items may aid in dressing independently, changing the flooring or introducing variation in the daily routine does not specifically address cognitive function support.

5. A healthcare provider is reviewing laboratory values for a client who reports fatigue and cold intolerance. The client has an increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level and a decreased total T3 and T4 level. The healthcare provider should anticipate a prescription for which of the following medications?

• A. Methimazole
• B. Somatropin
• C. Levothyroxine
• D. Propylthiouracil

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The client’s symptoms and lab results indicate hypothyroidism, and levothyroxine is the standard treatment to replace the deficient thyroid hormones. Methimazole and propylthiouracil are used to treat hyperthyroidism by decreasing the production of thyroid hormones. Somatropin is a growth hormone used in conditions of growth hormone deficiency, not for hypothyroidism.

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