Nursing Elites

1. How should a healthcare provider assess and manage a patient with hyperthyroidism?

• A. Administer beta-blockers and monitor for signs of thyroid storm
• B. Encourage a high-protein, low-iodine diet
• C. Monitor for signs of bradycardia
• D. Provide iodine supplements and check for arrhythmias

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering beta-blockers is the initial management for hyperthyroidism to control symptoms such as tachycardia and tremors. Monitoring for signs of thyroid storm is crucial as it is a life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism. Encouraging a high-protein, low-iodine diet (choice B) is not the primary intervention for managing hyperthyroidism. Monitoring for signs of bradycardia (choice C) is not typically seen in hyperthyroidism, as it often presents with tachycardia. Providing iodine supplements and checking for arrhythmias (choice D) are contraindicated in hyperthyroidism as they can worsen the condition.

2. A nurse is reviewing the plan of care for a client who is taking digoxin. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as an adverse effect of this medication?

• A. Hypokalemia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Tachycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is an adverse effect of digoxin. Digoxin can cause hypokalemia, which increases the risk of toxicity. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial when a client is taking digoxin. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as hypernatremia, hypertension, and tachycardia are not directly associated with digoxin use.

3. What is a primary symptom of left-sided heart failure?

• A. Shortness of breath
• B. Edema
• C. Rapid heartbeat
• D. Confusion

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Shortness of breath is a primary symptom of left-sided heart failure. In this condition, the heart's inability to pump effectively leads to fluid backing up into the lungs, causing difficulty breathing. Edema (swelling), rapid heartbeat, and confusion are more commonly associated with other conditions or right-sided heart failure. Edema is often seen in right-sided heart failure due to fluid accumulation in the body, rapid heartbeat can be a general sign of heart issues, and confusion is more related to decreased brain perfusion in severe heart failure cases.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative following abdominal surgery and has a new prescription for a regular diet. For which of the following findings should the nurse notify the provider?

• A. Presence of bowel sounds
• B. Client reports nausea
• C. Client is vomiting
• D. Absent bowel sounds

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Absent bowel sounds are concerning as they indicate potential complications such as ileus, which is a risk after abdominal surgery. The absence of bowel sounds can suggest decreased or absent intestinal motility, which may lead to complications if not addressed promptly. The nurse should notify the provider immediately to assess the situation and intervene accordingly. Choices A and B are common postoperative occurrences and do not necessarily warrant immediate provider notification. Choice C, vomiting, while concerning, may be a common postoperative symptom; however, absent bowel sounds are a more critical finding that requires prompt attention.

5. A client who is postoperative following a cholecystectomy has a urine output of 25 mL/hr. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder.
• B. Absent bowel sounds.
• C. Brown drainage on the surgical dressing.
• D. Urine output of 25 mL/hr.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A urine output below 30 mL/hr indicates a potential complication, such as hypovolemia or renal impairment, and should be reported. Abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder can be common after a cholecystectomy due to referred pain from the diaphragm, whereas absent bowel sounds may be expected temporarily postoperatively. Brown drainage on the surgical dressing is typical in the early postoperative period and may represent old blood or other normal discharge.

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