Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. The nurse identifies a client's needs and formulates the nursing problem of 'Imbalance nutrition: Less than body requirements, related to mental impairment and decreased intake, as evidenced by increasing confusion and weight loss of more than 30 pounds over the last 6 months.' Which short-term goal is best for this client?

• A. Eat 50% of six small meals each day by the end of the week.
• B. Gain 5 pounds by the end of the month.
• C. Have increased caloric intake.
• D. Show improved nutritional status.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct short-term goal for the client in this scenario is option A: 'Eat 50% of six small meals each day by the end of the week.' This goal is specific, measurable, and time-bound, which aligns with the SMART criteria for goal setting in nursing care. It addresses the client's nutritional needs directly, focusing on increasing meal frequency to meet body requirements and counteract weight loss. Option B, 'Gain 5 pounds by the end of the month,' is not as suitable as it lacks specificity and a short-term timeline, making it less achievable within the immediate care plan. Option C, 'Have increased caloric intake,' is vague and does not provide a measurable target for the client to work towards. Option D, 'Show improved nutritional status,' is a broad goal that lacks the specificity needed for effective short-term goal setting in nursing care. Therefore, option A is the most appropriate choice for this client's short-term goal.

3. The healthcare provider is assessing a client who has just returned from hemodialysis. Which finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Weight gain of 2 pounds.
• B. Dizziness.
• C. Blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg.
• D. Heart rate of 88 beats per minute.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Dizziness after hemodialysis can indicate hypovolemia, hypotension, or other complications that require immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration or adverse events. Weight gain of 2 pounds may not be immediately concerning post-hemodialysis. A blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg is slightly elevated but may not require immediate intervention unless accompanied by symptoms. A heart rate of 88 beats per minute falls within the normal range and may not be an immediate cause for concern after hemodialysis.

4. The community health nurse is planning a series of educational courses about the healthcare system and meeting healthcare needs for the community center. Which adjunct issue should the nurse address for a group of older adults?

• A. peer concerns
• B. adult daycare
• C. retirement issues
• D. vocational concerns

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Retirement often brings specific healthcare needs and concerns that are crucial to address for older adults. While peer concerns and adult daycare could be important aspects to consider, retirement issues are more directly related to the unique healthcare needs and challenges faced by older adults. Vocational concerns are typically more relevant to individuals who are still actively engaged in the workforce, rather than retired older adults.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube to continuous suction. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?

• A. Hypercalcemia.
• B. Hypokalemia.
• C. Hyponatremia.
• D. Hypomagnesemia.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hypokalemia. When a client has a nasogastric tube to continuous suction, potassium loss through gastric fluids can lead to hypokalemia. Hypercalcemia (Choice A) is not typically associated with continuous suction. Hyponatremia (Choice C) involves sodium imbalance and is not directly related to nasogastric suction. Hypomagnesemia (Choice D) is not the primary concern in this situation, as potassium loss is more significant with gastric suction.

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