the nurse is caring for a postthyroidectomy patient at risk for hypocalcemia what action should the nurse take when assessing for hypocalcemia

ATI RN

Fluid and Electrolytes ATI

1. The nurse is caring for a postthyroidectomy patient at risk for hypocalcemia. What action should the nurse take when assessing for hypocalcemia?

A. Monitor laboratory values daily for an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone.
B. Observe for swelling of the neck, tracheal deviation, and severe pain.
C. Evaluate the quality of the patient's voice postoperatively, noting any drastic changes.
D. Observe for muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Muscle twitching and numbness or tingling of the lips, fingers, and toes are signs of hyperirritability of the nervous system due to hypocalcemia. The other options describe complications the nurse should also be observing for; however, tetany and neurologic alterations are primary indications of hypocalcemia. Monitoring for an elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (choice A) is not relevant in assessing for hypocalcemia. Observing for swelling of the neck, tracheal deviation, and severe pain (choice B) are more related to airway compromise. Evaluating the quality of the patient's voice postoperatively (choice C) is important but not a primary sign of hypocalcemia.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who has acute pancreatitis and is at risk for an acid-base imbalance. For which manifestation of this acid-base imbalance should the nurse assess?

A. Agitation
B. Kussmaul respirations
C. Seizures
D. Positive Chvosteks sign

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

3. A nurse is caring for a client who is having a subclavian central venous catheter inserted. The client begins to report chest pain and difficulty breathing. After administering oxygen, which action should the nurse take next?

A. Administer a sublingual nitroglycerin tablet
B. Prepare to assist with chest tube insertion.
C. . Place a sterile dressing over the IV site
D. Re-position the client into the Trendelenburg position.

Correct answer: B

Rationale:

4. Electrolytes:

A. do not form when glucose is added to water.
B. dissociate in water solutions, but do not form ions.
C. form ions in water solutions, but do not necessarily dissociate.
D. dissociate in water solutions and form ions in water solutions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Electrolytes are substances that dissociate into ions when dissolved in water, allowing the solution to conduct electricity. Choice A is incorrect because glucose does not form electrolytes when added to water. Choice B is incorrect as it states that electrolytes dissociate but do not form ions, which is inaccurate as electrolytes do form ions in water solutions. Choice C is also incorrect as it states that electrolytes form ions but may not necessarily dissociate, which goes against the definition of electrolytes that must dissociate into ions for conductivity. Therefore, choice D is the most accurate as it correctly describes that electrolytes dissociate in water solutions and form ions, highlighting the essential characteristics of electrolytes.

5. What is the main water-holding force in the blood capillaries?

A. Capillary blood pressure
B. Sodium in the blood plasma
C. Protein in the blood plasma
D. Chloride in the blood plasma

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Protein in the blood plasma. Plasma proteins, especially albumin, create oncotic pressure, which is the main force responsible for holding water within the blood capillaries. Capillary blood pressure (Choice A) is involved in pushing blood through the capillaries, while sodium and chloride in the blood plasma (Choices B and D) are electrolytes and do not play a significant role in the water-holding force within capillaries.