Nursing Elites

1. A nurse receives a change-of-shift report. Which of the following clients should the nurse attend to first?

• A. A client who reports tingling in the fingers following a thyroidectomy
• B. A client who has dark, foul-smelling urine with a urine output of 320 mL in the last 8 hr
• C. A client who is in a long leg cast and reports cool feet bilaterally
• D. A client who has a productive cough and an oral temperature of 36°C (96.8°F)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Cool feet bilaterally in a client with a long leg cast may indicate compromised circulation, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Choices A, B, and D do not present immediate life-threatening conditions. Tingling in the fingers following a thyroidectomy may indicate hypocalcemia but does not require immediate attention. Dark, foul-smelling urine with decreased urine output indicates a possible urinary tract infection or dehydration but can be addressed after attending to the client with compromised circulation. A productive cough and a normal oral temperature do not suggest an urgent condition compared to compromised circulation in a client with a long leg cast.

2. A nurse is assessing a newborn following a vaginal delivery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Vernix caseosa
• B. Head circumference of 34 cm
• C. Jaundice at 24 hours of age
• D. Respiratory rate of 50/min

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Jaundice within the first 24 hours of life is considered pathological and may indicate hemolytic disease or another serious condition, requiring further investigation.

3. A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a newborn who is 24 hours old. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL
• B. Glucose 50 mg/dL
• C. Bilirubin 4 mg/dL
• D. Platelets 200,000/mm³

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bilirubin 4 mg/dL. A bilirubin level of 4 mg/dL is elevated for a newborn and requires monitoring and potential intervention to prevent complications such as jaundice and kernicterus. Elevated bilirubin levels in newborns can lead to serious neurological consequences. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges for a newborn and do not require immediate reporting to the provider. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize reporting the elevated bilirubin level to the provider for further evaluation and management.

4. A client is newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and prescribed levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Take the medication in the evening.
• C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• D. Take the medication only when experiencing symptoms.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction is to take levothyroxine on an empty stomach. This is necessary for proper absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Taking it with food can interfere with absorption. Timing is also crucial; it is usually recommended to take levothyroxine in the morning to prevent potential interactions with food and other medications throughout the day. Taking the medication in the evening may lead to sleep disturbances. Lastly, waiting to take the medication only when symptoms occur is not appropriate as levothyroxine is typically taken regularly to maintain thyroid hormone levels within the body.

5. A community health nurse is teaching a group of clients about first aid for different types of wounds. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should apply clean dressings over blood-saturated dressings and hold pressure.
• B. I will rinse the wound with hot water to cleanse it.
• C. I can remove the dressing once the bleeding stops.
• D. I should apply antibiotic ointment directly to the wound.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because applying clean dressings over blood-saturated dressings and holding pressure helps prevent disruption of wound tissue, aiding in the clotting process and controlling bleeding. Choice B is incorrect as rinsing a wound with hot water can cause further tissue damage. Choice C is incorrect as the dressing should not be removed once applied as it can disrupt the formation of a clot. Choice D is incorrect as antibiotic ointment should not be applied directly to the wound during initial first aid.

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