Nursing Elites

1. Post thyroidectomy the nurse assesses for complications by performing which of the following assessments?

• A. Accu-Chek
• B. Chvostek's
• C. Ballottement
• D. Ice water colonic

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is Chvostek's. A positive Chvostek's and Trousseau's sign is indicative of tetany, which is associated with low calcium levels. This can occur if parathyroid glands are accidentally removed during thyroidectomy. Accu-Chek is a brand of blood glucose monitor used for checking blood sugar levels and is not relevant in this context. Ballottement is a technique used in physical examination to assess for fluid in the body, typically in the abdomen or joints. Ice water colonic is not a standard medical assessment and is not relevant to post-thyroidectomy complications.

2. A client has been diagnosed with Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC) and transferred to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) following an acute bleeding episode. In the ICU, continuous Heparin drip therapy is initiated. Which of the following assessment findings indicates a positive response to Heparin therapy?

• A. increased platelet count
• B. increased fibrinogen
• C. decreased fibrin split products
• D. decreased bleeding

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Effective Heparin therapy should halt the process of intravascular coagulation, leading to increased availability of fibrinogen. Heparin interferes with thrombin-induced conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. Therefore, an increased fibrinogen level indicates a positive response to Heparin therapy. While increased platelet count and decreased bleeding are positive outcomes, the specific indicator for Heparin therapy response is the increase in fibrinogen level. Decreased fibrin split products would also be a positive response, but an increase in fibrinogen directly reflects the impact of Heparin therapy.

3. Which of the following procedures describes an opening between the colon and abdominal wall?

• A. ileostomy
• B. jejunostomy
• C. colostomy
• D. cecostomy

Correct answer: C

Rationale: A colostomy is an opening between the colon and abdominal wall. An ileostomy is an opening between the ileum and abdominal wall, not the colon. Jejunostomy is an opening between the jejunum and abdominal wall, and cecostomy is an opening into the cecum. The term 'colostomy' specifically refers to the surgical procedure where a part of the colon is brought through the abdominal wall to create a stoma, allowing feces to leave the body. Therefore, the correct answer is colostomy as it accurately describes the opening between the colon and the abdominal wall, distinct from the other options.

4. Which of the following needs immediate medical attention and emergency intervention? The client who:

• A. complains of sharp pain upon taking a deep breath and excessive coughing.
• B. exhibits yellow, productive sputum, low-grade fever, and crackles.
• C. has a shift of the trachea to the left, with no breath sounds on the right.
• D. has asthma and complains of an inability to catch her breath after exercise.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C is indicative of a tension pneumothorax, which is considered a medical emergency. The respiratory system is severely compromised, and venous return to the heart is affected. The mediastinal shift is to the unaffected side, indicating a critical situation that requires immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration. This condition can rapidly progress to a life-threatening state, necessitating prompt medical attention. Choices A, B, and D do not present with life-threatening conditions requiring emergency intervention. Choice A mentions symptoms of pleurisy, which may be painful but not immediately life-threatening. Choice B describes symptoms of bronchitis, which may require medical attention but not of an emergent nature. Choice D reflects a common complaint in asthma but does not suggest an immediate life-threatening situation unless severe respiratory distress is present.

5. What do the following ABG values indicate: pH 7.38, PO2 78 mmHg, PCO2 36mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L?

• A. metabolic alkalosis
• B. homeostasis
• C. respiratory acidosis
• D. respiratory alkalosis

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is 'homeostasis.' These ABG values fall within normal ranges, indicating a state of balance in the body's acid-base levels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as the ABG values provided do not point towards metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, or respiratory alkalosis. Instead, the values reflect a state of equilibrium where pH, PO2, PCO2, and HCO3 levels are within the normal range.

Similar Questions