Nursing Elites

1. A client is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of hypocalcemia?

• A. Constipation
• B. Numbness and tingling of the fingers
• C. Increased thirst
• D. Frequent urination

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Numbness and tingling of the fingers are classic signs of hypocalcemia, a condition that may result from inadvertent damage to the parathyroid glands during a thyroidectomy. These symptoms occur due to decreased levels of calcium in the bloodstream affecting nerve function. Choices A, C, and D are not typical manifestations of hypocalcemia. Constipation is more associated with hypercalcemia, increased thirst can be seen in diabetes or dehydration, and frequent urination is a symptom more commonly linked to conditions like diabetes or urinary tract issues.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing auditory hallucinations. What question should the nurse ask?

• A. Do you understand the voices are not real?
• B. Why do you think the voices are talking to you?
• C. Have you tried going to a quiet place when this occurs?
• D. What helps you ignore the voices?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Exploring strategies to ignore the hallucinations can help clients manage symptoms.

3. A client in active labor requests pain management. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Administer ondansetron.
• B. Place the client in a warm shower.
• C. Apply fundal pressure during contractions.
• D. Assist the client to a supine position.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: During active labor, nonpharmacologic comfort measures like placing the client in a warm shower are effective for pain relief. Ondansetron (Choice A) is an antiemetic and not used for pain management during labor. Applying fundal pressure (Choice C) can cause harm and is not recommended due to the risk of uterine rupture. Assisting the client to a supine position (Choice D) is not ideal in labor as it can decrease blood flow to the placenta and is associated with increased maternal complications.

4. A healthcare provider is preparing education material for a client. Which technique should the healthcare provider use in creating the material?

• A. Emphasize important information using bold lettering.
• B. Use a 7th-grade reading level.
• C. Avoid using cartoons in the material.
• D. Use words with three or four syllables.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Using a 7th-grade reading level is the most effective technique when creating education material for clients because it ensures that the content is easily understood by a wide range of individuals. Option A, emphasizing important information with bold lettering, may help draw attention but doesn't guarantee comprehension. Option C, avoiding cartoons, is not necessarily a universal rule and can sometimes make material more engaging. Option D, using words with three or four syllables, can make the material more complex and harder to understand, defeating the purpose of effective communication in education material.

5. A client has a new prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with a potassium supplement.
• B. Avoid foods that contain potassium.
• C. Limit your fluid intake while taking this medication.
• D. Take this medication on an empty stomach.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, which means it helps the body retain potassium. Instructing the client to avoid foods high in potassium helps prevent hyperkalemia, a potential side effect of spironolactone. Choice A is incorrect because taking spironolactone with a potassium supplement can increase the risk of hyperkalemia. Choice C is not directly related to spironolactone use. Choice D is also incorrect as spironolactone does not need to be taken on an empty stomach.

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