Nursing Elites

1. A client is being taught about the use of digoxin. Which of the following should be included?

• A. Monitor for low blood pressure
• B. It can cause bradycardia
• C. Take it with calcium supplements
• D. It has no side effects

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'It can cause bradycardia.' Digoxin can cause bradycardia as one of its side effects. Clients should be educated about this potential effect and instructed to monitor their heart rate before taking the medication. Choice A is incorrect because digoxin is more likely to cause arrhythmias than low blood pressure. Choice C is incorrect as calcium supplements can interfere with the absorption of digoxin. Choice D is incorrect as digoxin has various side effects, and clients should be aware of them.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who has a sodium level of 122 mEq/L. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
• B. Positive Trousseau’s sign
• C. Hypoactive bowel sounds
• D. Sticky mucous membranes

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A sodium level of 122 mEq/L indicates hyponatremia, which is characterized by decreased deep tendon reflexes. Hyponatremia leads to neurological symptoms such as altered reflexes. Choices B, C, and D are not typically associated with hyponatremia. Positive Trousseau’s sign is related to hypocalcemia, hypoactive bowel sounds can be seen in paralytic ileus or decreased peristalsis, and sticky mucous membranes are not specific findings related to sodium imbalances.

3. A nurse is caring for an older adult who has a nonpalpable skin lesion that is less than 0.5 cm (0.2 in) in diameter. Which of the following terms should the nurse use to document this finding?

• A. Papule
• B. Vesicle
• C. Macule
• D. Nodule

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct term the nurse should use to document this finding is 'Macule.' A macule is a flat, nonpalpable skin lesion that is smaller than 1 cm in diameter. In this case, the lesion described is less than 0.5 cm, making it appropriate to classify it as a macule. 'Papule' (Choice A) refers to a solid, elevated skin lesion, 'Vesicle' (Choice B) is a small fluid-filled blister, and 'Nodule' (Choice D) is a solid, elevated skin lesion that is larger and deeper than a papule, none of which accurately describe the lesion in question.

4. A nurse is caring for a client 4 hours postoperative following a thyroidectomy who reports fullness in the throat. What should the nurse assess for?

• A. Hypocalcemia
• B. Hemorrhage
• C. Hypoxia
• D. Hypothyroidism

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Fullness in the throat after a thyroidectomy could indicate bleeding or a hematoma, which can compress the airway, so hemorrhage is the priority concern. Hypocalcemia typically presents with symptoms like tingling around the mouth or in the extremities, muscle cramps, or seizures, not fullness in the throat. Hypoxia would manifest with symptoms like shortness of breath, confusion, or cyanosis, rather than a feeling of fullness in the throat. Hypothyroidism symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance, but it does not typically cause acute fullness in the throat postoperatively.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who sprained his ankle 12 hours ago. Which of the following provider prescriptions should the nurse question?

• A. Elevate the affected extremity on two pillows
• B. Apply heat to the affected extremity for 45 minutes
• C. Wrap the extremity with a compression dressing
• D. Assess sensation, movement, and pulse every 4 hours

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should question the prescription to apply heat to the affected extremity for 45 minutes. Heat should not be applied in the first 48 hours after an acute injury, as it can increase swelling. Cold therapy is more appropriate initially. Choices A, C, and D are appropriate actions in the care of a client with a sprained ankle. Elevating the affected extremity helps reduce swelling, wrapping it with a compression dressing provides support, and assessing sensation, movement, and pulse every 4 hours is important to monitor for complications.

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