Nursing Elites

1. How should a healthcare professional respond to a patient who is experiencing confusion after surgery?

• A. Administer oxygen
• B. Reposition the patient
• C. Encourage deep breathing exercises
• D. Perform a neurological exam

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the most appropriate initial response to a patient experiencing confusion after surgery. Confusion can be a sign of hypoxia, which is inadequate oxygen supply to the brain. Administering oxygen helps ensure that the patient is getting enough oxygen, addressing a potential cause of the confusion. Repositioning the patient, encouraging deep breathing exercises, or performing a neurological exam may be necessary depending on the situation, but addressing potential hypoxia should be the priority in a confused post-operative patient.

2. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client with major depressive disorder who is taking fluoxetine. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Heart rate of 80/min
• B. Blood pressure 130/80 mm Hg
• C. Weight gain of 2.2 kg (5 lb) in 1 week
• D. Temperature of 37.2°C (99°F)

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. A weight gain of 2.2 kg (5 lb) in 1 week can indicate fluid retention, a serious side effect of fluoxetine that should be reported to the provider. Choices A, B, and D are within normal ranges and are not alarming findings that would require immediate reporting to the provider. A heart rate of 80/min, blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg, and a temperature of 37.2°C (99°F) are all within normal limits and not typically concerning in a client taking fluoxetine.

3. A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I will avoid aspirin while taking this medication.
• B. I will increase my intake of green leafy vegetables.
• C. I will take this medication with an antacid.
• D. I should expect mild bruising around my elbows.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "I will avoid aspirin while taking this medication." Clients taking warfarin should avoid aspirin due to the increased risk of bleeding. Choice B is incorrect because increasing the intake of green leafy vegetables high in Vitamin K can interfere with the effects of warfarin. Choice C is incorrect because warfarin should not be taken with antacids as they can decrease its absorption. Choice D is incorrect because mild bruising is a common side effect of warfarin due to its anticoagulant properties.

4. A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a below-the-knee amputation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Keep the residual limb flat on the bed
• B. Elevate the residual limb on a pillow
• C. Place the client in a prone position for 30 minutes 4 times a day
• D. Keep the residual limb dependent

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct action the nurse should take is to place the client in a prone position for 30 minutes four times a day. This position helps prevent contractures after an amputation by stretching the hip flexors and preventing shortening of the residual limb. Keeping the residual limb flat on the bed (Choice A) may lead to contractures. Elevating the residual limb on a pillow (Choice B) can also cause contractures and hinder proper healing. Keeping the residual limb dependent (Choice D) is not recommended as it does not promote proper positioning and circulation.

5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to determine the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Calcium
• B. Sodium
• C. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• D. Magnesium

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Monitoring TSH levels is crucial to assess the effectiveness of levothyroxine in clients with hypothyroidism. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. In hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is underactive, administering levothyroxine helps to normalize thyroid hormone levels. Monitoring TSH levels allows the healthcare provider to adjust the levothyroxine dosage to ensure that thyroid hormone levels are within the therapeutic range. Choices A, B, and D (Calcium, Sodium, and Magnesium) are not directly related to assessing the effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy in hypothyroidism and would not provide relevant information regarding the medication's efficacy.

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