Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is providing postoperative care for a client who had a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Hoarseness and weak voice
• B. Calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL (2.0 mmol/L)
• C. Heart rate of 110 beats per minute
• D. Difficulty swallowing

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Difficulty swallowing can indicate swelling or hematoma formation, which may compromise the airway and requires immediate intervention. Hoarseness and a weak voice are expected post-thyroidectomy due to manipulation of the laryngeal nerves but do not require immediate intervention. A calcium level of 8.0 mg/dL is within the normal range (8.5-10.5 mg/dL) and may not require immediate intervention. A heart rate of 110 beats per minute may be elevated due to stress or pain postoperatively, but it does not indicate an immediate threat to the airway.

2. A client who had surgery yesterday is becoming increasingly anxious. The client’s respiratory rate has increased to 38 breaths/minute. The client has a nasogastric tube to low intermittent suction with 500 ml of yellow-green drainage over the last four hours. The client's arterial blood gases (ABGs) indicate a decreased CO2 and an increased serum pH. Which serum laboratory value should the nurse monitor first?

• A. Electrolytes.
• B. Creatinine.
• C. Blood urea nitrogen.
• D. Glucose.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Electrolytes. In this scenario, the client is at risk for metabolic alkalosis due to the loss of gastric secretions through the nasogastric tube. Monitoring electrolytes is crucial to assess the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, which are important in maintaining the acid-base balance of the body. Changes in these electrolyte levels can provide valuable information about the client's fluid status and acid-base balance. Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and glucose levels are important parameters to monitor in different situations but are not the priority in this case of potential metabolic alkalosis.

3. A client admitted to a surgical unit is being evaluated for an intestinal obstruction. The HCP prescribes an NG tube to be inserted and placed on intermittent low wall suction. Which intervention should the nurse implement to facilitate proper tube placement?

• A. Soak the NG tube in warm water
• B. Insert the tube with the client's head tilted back
• C. Apply suction while inserting the tube
• D. Elevate the head of the bed 60 to 90 degrees

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed 60 to 90 degrees is the correct intervention to facilitate proper placement of the NG tube. This position helps to use gravity to guide the tube smoothly into the gastrointestinal tract. Soaking the NG tube in warm water (Choice A) is not necessary for proper placement. Inserting the tube with the client's head tilted back (Choice B) can cause discomfort and may lead to improper placement. Applying suction while inserting the tube (Choice C) is not recommended as it can cause trauma to the nasal passages and esophagus.

4. Parents of a 6-month-old child, who has just been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, ask why it was not diagnosed earlier. What would be the best response by the nurse?

• A. Are you sure your child has iron deficiency anemia?
• B. This happens when the maternal stores of iron are depleted at about 6 months.
• C. This anemia is caused by blood loss.
• D. The child may not have had it for a long time.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best response by the nurse would be choice B: 'This happens when the maternal stores of iron are depleted at about 6 months.' Iron deficiency anemia becomes apparent at about 6 months of age in a full-term infant when the maternal stores of iron are depleted. Choice A is incorrect because it questions the diagnosis provided by the healthcare provider. Choice C is incorrect because iron deficiency anemia in infants is primarily due to insufficient iron intake rather than blood loss. Choice D is incorrect as iron deficiency anemia typically develops gradually due to inadequate iron intake.

5. The nurse is caring for a client with a nasogastric tube. Which action should the nurse take to ensure proper functioning of the tube?

• A. Flush the tube with 50 mL of normal saline every 8 hours
• B. Clamp the tube when not in use
• C. Position the client in a supine position
• D. Verify tube placement by checking pH of gastric contents

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Verifying tube placement by checking the pH of gastric contents is crucial to ensure the nasogastric tube is correctly positioned in the stomach. This action helps prevent complications such as aspiration. Flushing the tube with normal saline every 8 hours is not necessary for ensuring proper functioning of the tube. Clamping the tube when not in use may lead to the build-up of gastric secretions and blockages. Positioning the client in a supine position is not directly related to ensuring the proper functioning of the nasogastric tube.

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