Nursing Elites

1. When the receptionist for the answering service offers to take a message, which nursing action is best for the nurse to take if a client is exhibiting an extrapyramidal reaction to psychotropic medications?

• A. Leave a detailed message about the client's condition.
• B. Tell the receptionist to have the healthcare provider return the phone call.
• C. Call another healthcare provider.
• D. Document the attempt to call the healthcare provider.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best nursing action is to request a return call from the healthcare provider. When a client is experiencing an extrapyramidal reaction to psychotropic medications, it is crucial to prioritize the client's confidentiality and ensure the information is conveyed to the healthcare provider directly. Leaving a detailed message with a receptionist may compromise the confidentiality of the client's condition. Calling another healthcare provider may delay necessary intervention and continuity of care. Documenting the attempt to call is important for the nurse's records but does not address the immediate need to inform the healthcare provider about the client's condition.

2. The nurse is assessing a client with a suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which finding supports this diagnosis?

• A. Positive Homan's sign.
• B. Unilateral leg swelling.
• C. Bilateral calf pain.
• D. Redness and warmth in the affected leg.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Redness and warmth in the affected leg. These are classic signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and support the diagnosis. Choice A, Positive Homan's sign, is an outdated and unreliable test for DVT, so it is not the best choice. Choice B, Unilateral leg swelling, can be seen in DVT but is less specific compared to redness and warmth. Choice C, Bilateral calf pain, is not a typical finding in DVT, as the pain in DVT is usually unilateral.

3. A client with a history of asthma is admitted with shortness of breath. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Expiratory wheezes.
• B. Increased respiratory rate.
• C. Absence of breath sounds.
• D. Frequent coughing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Absence of breath sounds. This finding is concerning in a client with asthma as it may indicate a severe asthma exacerbation, airway obstruction, or pneumothorax, all of which require immediate intervention. Absence of breath sounds suggests a lack of airflow in the lungs, which is a critical sign that should prompt immediate action. Expiratory wheezes (choice A) are common in asthma and may not warrant immediate intervention unless severe. An increased respiratory rate (choice B) is expected in a client with asthma experiencing shortness of breath, but it does not indicate an immediate threat to the airway. Frequent coughing (choice D) is a common symptom in asthma exacerbations but does not signify an immediate need for intervention as it can be managed with appropriate asthma treatments.

4. A primipara with a breech presentation is in the transition phase of labor. The nurse visualizes the perineum and sees the umbilical cord extruding from the introitus. In which position should the nurse place the client?

• A. Supine with the foot of the bed raised.
• B. On the left side with legs elevated.
• C. On the right side with legs elevated.
• D. Prone with head elevated.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the scenario of a primipara with a breech presentation and a prolapsed umbilical cord, the nurse should place the client in the supine position with the foot of the bed raised (Trendelenburg position). This position helps alleviate gravitational pressure by the fetus on the cord, preventing compression and reducing the risk of cord prolapse complications. Placing the client on the left or right side with legs elevated or in a prone position with the head elevated would not be appropriate in this situation, as they do not effectively relieve the pressure on the umbilical cord.

5. The nurse is preparing a teaching plan for a client who is newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which instruction should the nurse include?

• A. Take levothyroxine (Synthroid) at bedtime.
• B. Increase fiber intake to prevent constipation.
• C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
• D. Take a double dose if a dose is missed.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism is to take the medication on an empty stomach. This is important because taking levothyroxine on an empty stomach ensures better absorption of the medication. Choice A, taking levothyroxine at bedtime, is incorrect as it does not promote optimal absorption. Choice B, increasing fiber intake to prevent constipation, is important but not the priority when it comes to medication administration. Choice D, taking a double dose if a dose is missed, is dangerous and should never be advised as it can lead to overdose and serious side effects.

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