Nursing Elites

1. During preoperative teaching for a female client undergoing subtotal thyroidectomy, which statement should the nurse include?

• A. The head of your bed must remain flat for 24 hours after surgery.
• B. You should avoid deep breathing and coughing after surgery.
• C. You won't be able to swallow for the first day or two.
• D. You must avoid hyperextending your neck after surgery.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Instructing the client to avoid hyperextending the neck after thyroid surgery is crucial to prevent stress on the surgical site and reduce the risk of complications such as strain on the incision or damage to the healing tissues. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because: A) Keeping the head of the bed flat for 24 hours is not necessary after a thyroidectomy; elevation of the head of the bed can actually help reduce swelling and improve comfort. B) Encouraging deep breathing and coughing after surgery is essential to prevent respiratory complications such as pneumonia, so this advice is incorrect. C) Difficulty swallowing after thyroid surgery is not a typical outcome, so this statement is inaccurate and should not be included in the preoperative teaching.

2. The nurse is caring for a client with congestive heart failure. On assessment, the nurse notes that the client is dyspneic and that crackles are audible on auscultation. The nurse suspects excess fluid volume. What additional signs would the nurse expect to note in this client if excess fluid volume is present?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Flat neck and hand veins
• C. An increase in blood pressure
• D. A decreased central venous pressure (CVP)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: An increase in blood pressure is a common sign of fluid volume excess in clients with congestive heart failure due to the increased amount of fluid in the vascular system. Weight loss (Choice A) is not typically associated with fluid volume excess. Flat neck and hand veins (Choice B) are signs of fluid volume deficit, not excess. A decreased central venous pressure (CVP) (Choice D) is not expected in a client with fluid volume excess.

3. A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus is taking metformin. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following potential side effects?

• A. Lactic acidosis
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hyperglycemia
• D. Weight gain

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lactic acidosis. Metformin, a common medication for type 2 diabetes mellitus, can lead to lactic acidosis, particularly in individuals with renal impairment or other predisposing factors. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis, such as muscle pain, weakness, trouble breathing, dizziness, and slow or irregular heartbeat, is crucial when a client is taking metformin. Choice B, hypokalemia, is not a common side effect of metformin. Choice C, hyperglycemia, is contrary to the intended effect of metformin, which is to lower blood glucose levels. Choice D, weight gain, is not typically associated with metformin use; in fact, metformin may even contribute to weight loss in some individuals.

4. An RN enters a patient's room to place an indwelling urinary catheter, as ordered by the healthcare professional. The client is alert and oriented and tells the RN he wants to leave the hospital now and not receive further treatment. Which of the following actions by the RN would be considered false imprisonment?

• A. The RN tells the client he is not allowed to leave until the physician has released him.
• B. The RN asks the client why he wishes to leave.
• C. The RN asks the client to explain what he understands about his medical diagnosis.
• D. The RN asks the client to sign an against medical advice discharge form.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: False imprisonment occurs when a person is prevented from leaving against their will. By telling the patient they are not allowed to leave, the RN is restricting the patient’s freedom unlawfully. Choice B is focused on understanding the patient's reasons for leaving and does not involve restricting the patient's freedom. Choice C aims to assess the patient's understanding of their medical condition, which is unrelated to false imprisonment. Choice D involves obtaining consent for leaving against medical advice, which is a legal and ethical process and not false imprisonment.

5. Which of the following traits is characteristic of a caring leader?

• A. A caring leader serves first and leads second.
• B. A caring leader is aware of the feelings of others.
• C. The traits of a caring leader include respecting coworkers as individuals and empathizing with the needs and concerns of others.
• D. A caring leader is fair and honest.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A caring leader is characterized by respecting coworkers as individuals and empathizing with their needs and concerns. Choice A is more about servant leadership rather than specifically about caring leadership. Choice B, while related to empathy, does not encompass the full spectrum of traits associated with a caring leader. Choice D, being fair and honest, is important in leadership but does not solely define a caring leader.

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