Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is caring for a patient postoperatively after a thyroidectomy. Which of the following findings should be reported immediately?

• A. Hoarseness
• B. Difficulty swallowing
• C. Numbness in the fingers
• D. Tingling around the mouth

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Tingling around the mouth should be reported immediately as it may indicate hypocalcemia, a serious complication resulting from accidental removal or damage to the parathyroid glands during thyroidectomy. Hoarseness and difficulty swallowing are common post-thyroidectomy symptoms related to the surgery itself and the manipulation of the vocal cords and nearby structures. Numbness in the fingers is not typically associated with immediate serious complications of a thyroidectomy.

2. What is the primary intervention for a client diagnosed with delirium?

• A. Provide a quiet and calm environment to minimize confusion
• B. Administer medication to reverse the symptoms of delirium
• C. Provide opportunities for social interaction to reduce isolation
• D. Encourage the client to remain physically active

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Provide a quiet and calm environment to minimize confusion. For clients diagnosed with delirium, creating a tranquil setting can help reduce agitation and disorientation. This intervention aims to decrease stimuli that may exacerbate symptoms. Administering medication (choice B) is not the primary intervention for delirium; it is usually reserved for specific underlying causes. While social interaction (choice C) and physical activity (choice D) are beneficial for overall well-being, they are not the primary interventions for managing delirium.

3. What is the most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a central venous catheter (CVC)?

• A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure regularly.
• B. Change the CVC dressing every 72 hours.
• C. Flush the CVC with normal saline every shift.
• D. Avoid using the CVC for blood draws.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important nursing action when caring for a patient with a central venous catheter (CVC) is to change the CVC dressing every 72 hours. This practice reduces the risk of infection and ensures the catheter remains secure. Monitoring the patient's blood pressure regularly is important but not the most crucial action when managing a CVC. Flushing the CVC with normal saline is essential but not the most important action. Avoiding using the CVC for blood draws is a good practice, but it is not the most critical nursing action in this scenario.

4. A nurse manager on an acute care unit is preparing a staff presentation about promoting cost-effective care. Which of the following strategies should the nurse plan to include in the presentation?

• A. Change IV solution bags every 36 hr.
• B. Avoid the delegation of hygiene care to assistive personnel (AP)
• C. Wear sterile gloves when removing urinary retention catheters.
• D. Educate staff about the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for isolation precautions

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Teaching staff proper use of PPE helps reduce the spread of infections and promotes cost-effective care.

5. A patient is receiving an opioid analgesic for pain management. What is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

• A. Monitor the patient's blood pressure.
• B. Assess the patient's respiratory rate.
• C. Monitor the patient's oxygen saturation.
• D. Assess the patient's heart rate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the patient's respiratory rate. When a patient is receiving opioids, it is crucial to monitor their respiratory rate as opioids can depress the respiratory system, leading to respiratory depression and potential respiratory failure. Monitoring blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rate are important assessments as well, but the priority lies in assessing respiratory rate due to the risk of respiratory depression associated with opioid use.

Similar Questions