Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. The nurse should monitor for which of the following findings as a sign of hypocalcemia?

• A. Nausea
• B. Tingling in the fingers
• C. Numbness in the toes
• D. Sweating

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Tingling in the fingers is a classic sign of hypocalcemia. Following a thyroidectomy, hypocalcemia can occur due to damage to the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels in the body. Nausea, numbness in the toes, and sweating are not specific signs of hypocalcemia. Numbness and tingling usually start in the hands and feet due to their increased nerve sensitivity to low calcium levels.

2. A nurse is caring for a client receiving IV fluids. Which of the following should the nurse do upon noticing phlebitis at the IV site?

• A. Apply a cold compress to the site
• B. Notify the provider immediately
• C. Remove the IV catheter and restart it in another location
• D. Monitor the site for signs of infection

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Upon noticing phlebitis at the IV site, the nurse should remove the IV catheter and restart it in another location. Phlebitis is inflammation of the vein, and leaving the IV catheter in place can lead to further complications such as infection. Applying a cold compress (Choice A) may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue. Notifying the provider immediately (Choice B) is important, but the immediate action to prevent complications is to remove the IV catheter. Monitoring the site for signs of infection (Choice D) is necessary, but the priority action is to remove and reinsert the IV catheter to prevent worsening of the phlebitis.

3. A nurse is teaching a client who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) about breathing exercises. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use abdominal breathing during physical activity
• B. Inhale quickly and deeply through the nose
• C. Use pursed-lip breathing during physical activity
• D. Breathe quickly and deeply during exercise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Use pursed-lip breathing during physical activity.' Pursed-lip breathing is a beneficial technique for clients with COPD as it helps improve airflow by keeping the airways open longer. Choice A is incorrect as abdominal breathing may not be as effective in COPD as pursed-lip breathing. Choice B, inhaling quickly and deeply through the nose, is not recommended as it can lead to hyperventilation. Choice D, breathing quickly and deeply during exercise, is also not suitable for clients with COPD as it can cause increased shortness of breath.

4. A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a new prescription for haloperidol. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to report to the provider?

• A. Weight gain.
• B. Dry mouth.
• C. Sedation.
• D. Shuffling gait.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Shuffling gait. A shuffling gait can indicate extrapyramidal symptoms, a potentially serious side effect of haloperidol. Extrapyramidal symptoms include movement disorders such as dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia. Reporting this symptom promptly is crucial to prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and C are common side effects of haloperidol but are not as urgent or indicative of serious complications compared to a shuffling gait.

5. A client is prescribed simvastatin. Which instruction should the nurse provide during teaching?

• A. Take this medication in the morning.
• B. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
• C. Increase your intake of leafy green vegetables.
• D. Monitor your pulse daily while taking this medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.' Grapefruit juice can increase the risk of toxicity when taken with simvastatin. Instructing the client to avoid grapefruit juice helps prevent this interaction. Choice A is incorrect because the timing of medication administration for simvastatin is usually in the evening. Choice C is unrelated to simvastatin therapy. Choice D is not necessary for monitoring while taking simvastatin.

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