Nursing Elites

1. After a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, the nurse should assess the client for:

• A. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak.
• B. Fluctuating blood glucose levels.
• C. Cushing's syndrome.
• D. Cardiac arrhythmias.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Following a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy, assessing the client for a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak is crucial due to the risk of this serious complication. A CSF leak can lead to infection and increased intracranial pressure, which must be promptly identified and managed to prevent further complications. Fluctuating blood glucose levels (Choice B) are not directly associated with a transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Cushing's syndrome (Choice C) is a condition related to prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol and is not a common immediate concern post-transsphenoidal hypophysectomy. Cardiac arrhythmias (Choice D) are not typically a direct complication of this surgical procedure, making it a less relevant concern compared to a CSF leak.

2. Which of the following is a characteristic symptom of hypothyroidism?

• A. Fatigue.
• B. Weight gain.
• C. Cold intolerance.
• D. Heat intolerance.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Cold intolerance.' Hypothyroidism is associated with a decreased metabolic rate, leading to a decreased ability to regulate body temperature and a feeling of being cold. Fatigue (Choice A) and weight gain (Choice B) are also common symptoms of hypothyroidism due to the overall slowing down of bodily functions. Heat intolerance (Choice D) is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, where the body's metabolism is overactive, leading to increased heat production.

3. A nurse contacts the healthcare provider after reviewing a client’s laboratory results and noting a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 35 mg/dL and a creatinine of 1.0 mg/dL. For which action should the nurse recommend a prescription?

• A. Intravenous fluids
• B. Hemodialysis
• C. Fluid restriction
• D. Urine culture and sensitivity

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The normal range for BUN is 10 to 20 mg/dL, and for creatinine, it is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL in males and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL in females. Creatinine is a more specific marker for kidney function compared to BUN. In this case, the client's creatinine level is within the normal range, indicating a non-renal cause for the elevated BUN. Dehydration is a common cause of increased BUN, so the appropriate action would be to recommend intravenous fluids to address the dehydration. Fluid restriction is not indicated as the client needs hydration. Hemodialysis is not appropriate for dehydration and is typically reserved for renal failure. The laboratory results do not suggest an infection, making a urine culture and sensitivity unnecessary in this scenario.

4. A healthcare professional reviews a client’s laboratory results. Which results from the client’s urinalysis should the healthcare professional identify as normal? (Select all that apply.)

• A. pH: 6
• B. Specific gravity: 1.015
• C. Glucose: negative
• D. All of the above

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In a urinalysis, a pH of 6 is within the normal range (typically between 4.6 and 8); a specific gravity of 1.015 is considered normal (usually ranging between 1.005 to 1.030); and a negative glucose result is also normal. Therefore, choices A, B, and C are correct as they fall within the normal values for a urinalysis. Choices A, B, and C are the correct answers, as the pH, specific gravity, and glucose levels are within the normal range for a urinalysis. Choice D is correct because all the listed values are normal. Choices A, B, and C are the correct options as they meet the criteria for normal urinalysis values. The other choices do not fall within the normal range for a urinalysis.

5. A patient presents with severe chest pain radiating to the left arm. Which of the following diagnostic tests is the priority?

• A. Complete blood count (CBC)
• B. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• C. Chest X-ray
• D. Serum electrolytes

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In a patient presenting with severe chest pain radiating to the left arm, the priority diagnostic test is an Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess for myocardial infarction. An ECG can quickly identify changes indicative of ischemia or infarction, guiding prompt management. A Complete Blood Count (CBC) may provide some information but is not the primary test for evaluating chest pain related to myocardial infarction. A Chest X-ray can be useful in assessing lung pathologies or certain cardiac conditions; however, it does not provide immediate information on myocardial infarction, making it a secondary option in this scenario. Serum electrolytes may become important in later stages but do not offer immediate insights into myocardial infarction. Therefore, they are a lower priority compared to obtaining an ECG for timely diagnosis and intervention.

Similar Questions