During a thyroid storm, what is the nurse's priority intervention for a client experiencing increased heart rate and tremors?
- A. Administer antithyroid medications as prescribed.
- B. Administer a beta-blocker to control the heart rate.
- C. Monitor the client's temperature closely.
- D. Prepare the client for an emergency thyroidectomy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to administer antithyroid medications as prescribed during a thyroid storm. Antithyroid medications help control the overproduction of thyroid hormones, which is crucial in managing symptoms such as increased heart rate and tremors. These symptoms can be life-threatening if not promptly addressed. Administering a beta-blocker (Choice B) may help control the heart rate, but addressing the underlying cause with antithyroid medications is the priority. Monitoring the client's temperature (Choice C) is important but not the priority intervention during a thyroid storm. Lastly, preparing the client for an emergency thyroidectomy (Choice D) is not the initial intervention for managing symptoms of a thyroid storm.
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A client with pneumonia is receiving antibiotics and oxygen therapy. What assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Productive cough with yellow sputum.
- B. Oxygen saturation of 88%.
- C. Respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute.
- D. Heart rate of 90 beats per minute.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An oxygen saturation of 88% indicates hypoxemia, which is a critical condition requiring immediate intervention to improve oxygenation. Hypoxemia can lead to tissue hypoxia and further complications. A productive cough with yellow sputum is common in pneumonia but may not require immediate intervention unless it worsens or is associated with other concerning symptoms. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute is within the normal range, indicating adequate ventilation. A heart rate of 90 beats per minute is also within a normal range and may not require immediate intervention unless it is accompanied by other abnormal findings.
The nurse is providing care for a client with heart failure who is prescribed furosemide. Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. Calcium level
- B. Sodium level
- C. Magnesium level
- D. Potassium level
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Potassium level. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. While calcium, sodium, and magnesium levels are important in various conditions and treatments, they are not the primary electrolyte affected by furosemide.
A client is scheduled for surgery in the morning and is NPO. Which statement indicates that the client understands the reason for being NPO?
- A. Being NPO helps reduce the risk of nausea.
- B. I should not eat or drink anything to prevent complications during surgery.
- C. NPO reduces the risk of aspiration during surgery.
- D. NPO helps ensure the stomach is empty during surgery.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'NPO reduces the risk of aspiration during surgery.' When a client is NPO (nothing by mouth) before surgery, it is to prevent aspiration, which can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia. Choice A is incorrect because being NPO is more about preventing aspiration than nausea. Choice B is a general statement without specifying the reason for being NPO. Choice D is partially correct but does not emphasize the crucial aspect of preventing aspiration, which is the primary reason for fasting before surgery.
Prior to surgery, written consent must be obtained. What is the nurse's legal responsibility with regard to obtaining written consent?
- A. Witness the consent and sign the form as a witness
- B. Inform the client of alternatives to the procedure
- C. Explain the procedure in detail to the client
- D. Determine that the surgical consent form has been signed and is included in the client's record
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse's legal responsibility is to ensure that informed consent has been obtained by verifying that the client has signed the form and that it is included in the record. Witnessing the consent and signing as a witness is not the nurse's role, as this is typically done by a neutral party. Informing the client of alternatives to the procedure and explaining the procedure in detail are responsibilities of the healthcare provider performing the surgery, not the nurse.
A client is receiving a blood transfusion and develops a fever. What is the nurse's first action?
- A. Administer an antipyretic as prescribed.
- B. Stop the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Slow the rate of the transfusion.
- D. Continue the transfusion and reassess in 15 minutes.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct first action when a client receiving a blood transfusion develops a fever is to stop the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider. This is crucial to prevent further reactions and ensure prompt intervention. Administering an antipyretic (Choice A) may mask symptoms and delay appropriate treatment. Slowing the rate of the transfusion (Choice C) might not address the underlying cause of the fever. Continuing the transfusion and reassessing in 15 minutes (Choice D) could worsen the client's condition if there is a severe reaction occurring.