Nokea
A client with a history of a thyroidectomy is being discharged. The nurse should teach the client to:
- A. Monitor for signs of hyperthyroidism
- B. Avoid calcium-rich foods
- C. Take the medication at bedtime
- D. Report muscle twitching
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Muscle twitching post-thyroidectomy may indicate hypocalcemia from parathyroid damage, requiring immediate reporting. Hyperthyroidism, calcium foods, and bedtime dosing are not primary concerns.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client with hypothyroidism frequently complains of feeling cold. The nurse should tell the client that she will be more comfortable if she:
- A. Uses an electric blanket at night
- B. Dresses in extra layers of clothing
- C. Applies a heating pad to her feet
- D. Takes a hot bath morning and evening
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Dressing in extra layers is a safe, effective way to manage cold intolerance in hypothyroidism by conserving body heat. Electric blankets and heating pads pose burn risks, and baths are temporary.
A 4-year-old child with a history of sickle cell anemia is admitted to the nursing unit with dizziness, shortness of breath, and pallor. Nursing assessment findings reveal tenderness in the abdomen. The child is most likely experiencing a/an:
- A. Aplastic crisis
- B. Vaso-occlusive crisis
- C. Dactylitis crisis
- D. Sequestration crisis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Aplastic anemia is characterized by a lack of reticulocytes in the blood. Platelet and white blood cell counts are usually not depressed. It is usually self-limiting, lasting 5-10 days. Vaso-occlusive crisis is the most common type of crisis in sickle cell anemia. Sickled cells become clogged, leading to distal tissue hypoxia and infarction. Joints and extremities are the most commonly affected areas. Dactylitis crisis, or 'hand-foot syndrome,' causes symmetrical infarction of the bones in the hands and feet, resulting in painful swelling in the soft tissues of the hands and feet. Sequestration crisis occurs as enormous volumes of blood pool within the spleen. The spleen enlarges, causing tenderness. Signs of shock including pallor, tachypnea, and faintness result, related to the deficient intravascular volume. This type of crisis is potentially fatal.
The physician has ordered intubation and mechanical ventilation for a client with periods of apnea following a closed head injury. Arterial blood gases reveal a pH of 7.47, PCO2 of 28, and HCO3 of 23. These findings indicate that the client has:
- A. Respiratory acidosis
- B. Respiratory alkalosis
- C. Metabolic acidosis
- D. Metabolic alkalosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A pH of 7.47 (alkaline) with low PCO2 (28) indicates respiratory alkalosis, likely from hyperventilation due to brain injury. Normal HCO3 rules out metabolic causes.
A 74-year-old female client is 3 days postoperative. She has an indwelling catheter and has been progressing well. While the nurse is in the room, the client states, 'Oh dear, I feel like I have to urinate again!' Which of the following is the most appropriate initial nursing response?
- A. Assure her that this is most likely the result of bladder spasms.
- B. Check the collection bag and tubing to verify that the catheter is draining properly.
- C. Instruct her to do Kegel exercises to diminish the urge to void.
- D. Ask her if she has felt this way before.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The most frequent reason for an urge to void with an indwelling catheter is blocked tubing, so checking the catheter's patency is the best initial response.
A 78-year-old female client has a total hip arthroplasty. Her nurse should know that which of the following is contraindicated?
- A. Encourage exercises in the unaffected extremities.
- B. Encourage her to cross and uncross her legs.
- C. Check neurological and circulatory status of the affected leg hourly.
- D. Place a trochanter roll along the upper thigh of the affected leg.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Exercising the unaffected extremities will prevent contractures and emboli. Crossing and uncrossing the affected leg after surgery can dislocate the joint. Neurological and circulatory status of the affected leg has been compromised by surgery. Hourly checks are needed to monitor the status of the leg. A trochanter roll will prevent the upper thigh from rolling outward, increasing the chances of dislocation.