Nursing Elites

1. A nurse is planning care for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a hypophysectomy for the removal of a pituitary tumor. Which of the following findings requires further assessment by the nurse?

• A. Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15
• B. Blood drainage on the initial dressing measuring 3 cm
• C. Report of dry mouth
• D. Urinary output greater than fluid intake

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Urinary output greater than fluid intake could indicate diabetes insipidus, a complication following hypophysectomy. Diabetes insipidus is characterized by excessive urination and extreme thirst due to inadequate levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Options A, B, and C are all expected findings in the immediate postoperative period following a hypophysectomy. A Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 indicates the highest level of consciousness, blood drainage on the initial dressing is a common finding after surgery, and dry mouth can be a side effect of anesthesia and surgical procedures.

2. A client in end-stage osteoporosis is reporting severe pain, with a respiratory rate of 14 per minute. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to be the highest priority to administer to the client?

• A. Promethazine
• B. Hydromorphone
• C. Ketorolac
• D. Amitriptyline

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a client with severe pain like the one described, the priority medication to administer is a potent analgesic like hydromorphone. Hydromorphone is a strong opioid pain medication that can effectively manage severe pain. Promethazine (Choice A) is an antiemetic and antihistamine, not a pain medication. Ketorolac (Choice C) is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is contraindicated in end-stage renal disease due to its potential to cause kidney damage. Amitriptyline (Choice D) is a tricyclic antidepressant used for conditions like depression and neuropathic pain, but it is not the first-line treatment for severe acute pain.

3. A nurse is caring for a 1-day-old newborn who has jaundice and is receiving phototherapy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Feed the infant 30 ml (1 oz) of glucose water every 2 hours.
• B. Keep the infant's head uncovered.
• C. Ensure that the newborn wears a diaper.
• D. Apply lotion to the newborn every 4 hours.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to ensure that the newborn wears a diaper. This is important to prevent irritation during phototherapy, as exposure to light can increase the risk of skin breakdown. Feeding the infant glucose water is unnecessary and not indicated for jaundice treatment. Keeping the infant's head uncovered allows the light to reach the skin effectively. Applying lotion to the newborn every 4 hours can interfere with the effectiveness of phototherapy and is not recommended.

4. A client has a new ileostomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Apply a skin barrier around the stoma.
• B. Empty the pouch when it is one-third full.
• C. Change the entire pouching system weekly.
• D. Cleanse the peristomal skin with alcohol.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Changing the entire pouching system weekly is essential for maintaining skin integrity and preventing infection. Option A is incorrect as applying a skin barrier should be done during the pouch change, not separately. Option B is incorrect as ileostomy pouches should be emptied when they are one-third to one-half full to prevent leakage. Option D is incorrect because cleansing the peristomal skin with alcohol can be too harsh and may cause skin irritation.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Weight gain.
• B. Bradycardia.
• C. Tachycardia.
• D. Heat intolerance.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bradycardia. Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is a common finding in clients with hypothyroidism because of the decreased metabolic rate associated with this condition. Weight gain is also a common symptom of hypothyroidism due to the metabolic changes, making choice A incorrect. Tachycardia, or a rapid heart rate, is typically seen in hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism, so choice C is incorrect. Heat intolerance is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism rather than hypothyroidism, making choice D incorrect.

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